Community Chat

[SharkE]

went up to 134 a month.  Still cheaper then regular insurance especially my private pay of 650. Suppose to had been 120, now, in a short while they increased it again.

If I live long enough it will probably be the same rate of private pay. It will take all of folks SS just to cover their premium.  So sad. We don't know what is coming down the road too. All of us on it are suppose to be safe, but, I'm afraid for the young and those that can't get grandfathered in, in time.

[Carolm]

Hi Sharke - May I ask where you got this information from?  I had read that because the cost of living increase will be so small, there will be very little increase in the Part B premium.  Hope what I read is correct!

[SharkE]

Yes, you may. My husband got notice from the Gov. that since he is not on SS his new premiums will be 134 a month. He mails in 3 months at a time, 4 times a yr.

I am on SS and my next direct deposit to the bank will be short 134. I just got on Medicare the first of Dec. so I get the honor of getting the higher rate. LOL

[Carolm]

Can't argue with a letter from the government!  Sorry you're being hit with a big increase.  I expect this is what we have to look forward to in the future.  I hope you and your husband have a happy holiday season.

[SharkE]

In reading the other thread I'm not alone. We're in better financial position then others we have good saving habits, we're childless,  he still works at 67 in a good profession. Hope, to work till he's 70. 

I feel sorry for the poor widows and people  who that extra money a month could mean the difference between going without something you really need in order to pay utilities and keep up with insurance premiums.

[hoosieroriginal]

I'm not sure why the government requires you to join Medicare at age 65.  I know if I could keep my current insurance, I would - it's much cheaper.  You would think if they could put people off on taking Medicare, they could save some money over the years!  My current insurance is $116/mo.  With Medicare and supplemental, I will be paying around $234 a month. 

[SilleeMee]

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@hoosieroriginal wrote:

I'm not sure why the government requires you to join Medicare at age 65.  I know if I could keep my current insurance, I would - it's much cheaper.  You would think if they could put people off on taking Medicare, they could save some money over the years!  My current insurance is $116/mo.  With Medicare and supplemental, I will be paying around $234 a month. 

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@hoosieroriginal,

Where did you find insurance for $116 a month?

[Witchy Woman]

Just got my quarterly bill yesterday for $402, so I knew it had increased.

I kept my Federal health insurance when I retired and pay $250 a month for that.  My husband is not eligible for Medicare, plus, this plan serves as a supplemental plan for me.

I'm thankful to be able to pay it all.  We are healthy now and hope we stay that way, but it's worth having insurance for the future.

[madzonie]

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@hoosieroriginal wrote:

I'm not sure why the government requires you to join Medicare at age 65.  I know if I could keep my current insurance, I would - it's much cheaper.  You would think if they could put people off on taking Medicare, they could save some money over the years!  My current insurance is $116/mo.  With Medicare and supplemental, I will be paying around $234 a month. 

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You might not have to sign up at 65.  Check this link for some info:

http://www.elderlawanswers.com/turning-65-what-you-need-to-know-about-signing-up-for-medicare--8968

[SharkE]

I always wondered that too. Now, that I'm 65 I'm tickled to death to get on Medicare Part B for 134 a month instead of the raised amount from Humana of 650 and that was just for major medical. All Dr. visits I paid for and had a deductible of 3500 before they would pick up anything. Now, I can go to Dr. if I have to. thank God I'm healthy as horse !

we also have Supplement insur that runs another 250 a month  for both of us and by the way if you don't know it the Gov. makes you have a Prescription Part D plan too, if not, they penalize you. Our plans are 27 for him and 18 for mine.

still for both of us all this cost little over 500 which is still cheaper then what we were just paying for me alone on private pay.