Wellness

[gidgetgh]

I'll be 65 in October. So it's not quite time for me to sign up for Medicare, but it's getting closer. 

I get my insurance now through my husbands former employer and I've already gotten a mailer from the company they use to assist us in signup and plan selection. 

I've been looking around a little online this afternoon and I like to think I'm an intelligent person but every site I go to to look at the different plans available and the comparison between each and there just really isn't a good comparison chart that I've found.

I know that Plan F can't be chosen for anyone signing up now.  That's what my husband has. And another one has been discontinued also. C maybe???

I know that I want traditional Medicare and a supplement and I know the company will help me when signup time comes but I'd like to be informed going into my signup phone call. 

[jackthebear]

medicare.gov

look for plans in yr state

[gidgetgh]

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@jackthebear wrote:

medicare.gov

look for plans in yr state

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@jackthebear - I looked there. It's just really not very straightforward. And the list of companies they have for selling the different plans doesn't seem very comprehensive. 

I'll figure it out. I just felt like posting.  I have a little trouble with attention span sometimes so if I see a lot of information all at once sometimes it takes me awhile. 

[Mz iMac]

If your husband is already 65, you should check out his 2020 Medicare & You booklet which will list all of the supp ins comps in your state, county, etc.  You can get your ducks in a row from there.

[spent2much]

@gidgetgh   I'm in CT and an employee at American Senior Benefits got in touch with hubby and me and helped us greatly with making choices.  It can be VERY confusing.  Hubby has always gone with Medicare Advantage.  I stayed with original Medicare for a few years and just switched to Advantage.  You really need someone to sit down with you and explain the different plans and exactly what they cover.

[on the bay]

@gidgetgh -

I like to think I'm an intelligent person

but I agree with you that there is not a really good comprehensive comparison chart. So many options.

If you have a senior center near you, they have medicare specialists who are wonderful about breaking it all down and making it very clear and offering suggestions as to which plan is best for you.

Saves quite a headache!

The srs program btw is called SHIPP-

Seniors Health and Information Program. Many Senior Centers have this.

(edited to add)-

And many other places where SHIPP operates. Find a place nearest you and go in person is the best!

[Helen852]

@gidgetgh  My company that I retired from provides a company to help navigate the selection as well.  They were absolutely wonderful.  I turned 65 two years ago; but every year when it comes to to resign or change, that company is still available to use.  I entered what drugs I use, my doctors and other information and made a phone appointment with them.  I was able to do the research myself but on the final call they were able to advise other things that the companies could offer as well as a HRA that the company offers to retirees. 

I was very pleased with the outcome and my selection.  Everyone's situation is different.  I was willing to stay with what I had prior to turning 65 but the BCBS plans were not accepted by any of my doctors, and they were with some big medical conglomerates.  One thing I like about my Advantage Plan is the mail order drug program thru CVS Caremark. 

Good luck with your search. 

[KingstonsMom]

@gidgetgh 

It IS complicated, so don't feel bad!

I turned 65 before DH and luckily, he figured out what was the best option for me, but I would've been 'lost' if I had to figure it out myself.

[cantdrive55]

hi, I googled "Medicare supplemental plans comparison chart 2020", and there are a number of different styles of charts you can look at.

When I was starting my research, I came across a website, Boomer Benefits, that was excellent.The information is presented in a clear, concise and complete way.  I was quite impressed.
The company will work with you to find the best plan, at the best price for you. I  very disappointed they don't work wit's people in my state, but really appreciated how much I learned on their site, after jumping around all over the internet.

BTW, the AARP price for my plan was incredibly lower!

[SilleeMee]

I'll be turning 65 in July this year. So I'm sort of looking around. My biggest concern is that I may not be eligible to recieve Medicare insurance. I know that sounds odd because most people do get Medicare when they apply at 65yo. But in my case the Medicare taxes were not deducted from my paychecks for period of time when I was working (don't ask, I don't know how that happened) and because of that it affected my eligibility. In other words, I do not have enough 'credits' in my SS account to receive any benefits including SSI (but I have state pension instead) or anything else that has to do with that SS administration. I might have to pay full price to get basic Medicare coverage which will cost me hundreds of dollars a month. Not looking forward to that at all.

ETA - My health insurance broker told me that I may qualify for Medicaid because the cost of Medicare is substantial enough to where it will take a good portion of my income and put me under the bridge.