@Carmie wrote:
I keep getting insurance info from AARP supplemental plans too. AARP is not an insurance company. They recommend insurance from different companies for different things such as health insurance, life insurance and auto insurance and get a kick-back from them.
Their health insurance comes from United Health Care. In order to pick up the insurance offered by AARP, you must first be a member. You do not have to keep this membership current, but you must be a member to enroll.
Their insurance rates go up too. Every insurance company raises their rates. The insurance commission must approve the rate increase and the insurance company must show proof that an increase is necessary. Everyone's insurance rates go up...it I is not based on how often you use your insurance.
It is almost impossible to switch insurance companies when you have a Supplemental Plan if you are out of your six month Medicare Part B enrollment period. ( 3 months before and 3 months after your Medicare B enrollment date) If you do find a company that will allow you to enroll, they will charge you a higher rate than new Medicare enrollees.
After the Medicare Part B enrollment period is over, I know for a fact that United Health Care through AARP does indeed charge you more. In fact, if you have one of their supplemental plans, they also charge extra to downgrade your Plan with them.
All supplemental plans are exactly the same. For example, if you have Plan H with BCBS, AARP's Plan H is the same. The price could be different though.
You are probably better keeping what you have, but do check out the Prescription plans during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment that is starting in October. It is advisable to check into these plans every year to get the best plan for the best rates. Have an insurance company representative or independent agent go over the RX drugs you use and find the best plan for you.
RX Plans can be changed each year with no pentalty, unlike the supplemental plans.
@Carmie...I always read your posts, particularly at this time of the year. I detest this time of the year to be honest with you. I have to now start looking for a supplement to see if I can find one that costs less than the current one. Good luck, right? Plan D, that's another one, always checking to find one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and then charges outrageous prices for the meds. It's times like this I am jealous of the rich who can afford to pay for anything.
The moving finger writes; And having writ, Moves on: nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line Nor all your Tears Wash out a Word of it. Omar Khayam
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