Wellness

[I am still oxox]

Hi all still paddling upstream with out a paddle, the more calls I make the more I am confused.

Called BC/BS and got a major run around, well you could or your could and no answers.

I have issues that are critical and I need to know I have the coverage I need

What is the difference between Suplemental and Advantage

Thanks all and sorry if I am repeating myself

[FranandZoe]

Supplemental is a plan that covers what Medicare doesn't - it's in addition to Medicare; Advantage takes the place of Medicare.

Usually this time of year there are seminars where different insurance companies attend - it might be better to go to one of these and compare rather than do it by phone.  Good luck - it IS confusing.  But just remember that whoever/whatever you pick you're not locked in forever - you can switch at next open enrollment in a year.  

[gizmogal]

Read this article, which was referenced in a recent thread here addressing enrollment in various types of plans. You will learn the basics you need to know. 

https://khn.org/news/no-gaps-in-understanding-heres-your-primer-on-medigap-coverage/

[software]

Go to Medicare dot gov

There is a list of contacts for SHIP programs for each state.

Senior Health Insurance Program

They are neutral, they don't sell anything but they have all the information you need in your state.

I chose the Advantage, zero premium local HMO.  I kept all my doctors.   I do owe co-pays but it's similar to what I paid when on my employers policy.

A supplement comes with a price, but it probably pays everything Medicare doesn't-- no co-pays, no deductibles

I was intimidated at first myself but decide what's important to you as far as doctors and buy as much as you can afford.   Just because your doctor accepts Medicare, be sure that office is covered under the plan you choose.

[cantdrive55]

I recommend you read the Boomer Benefits LLC website. It is a complete, well presented and easy to understand explanation of Medicare and supplemental and advantage plans. 

[OKPrincess]

It is very confusing however this is what my sister does for a living. I’m thankful for that.

She signed DH and I up last week for Supplement G and a lady in her office signed us up on Silver Script for prescriptions. 

The supplement will will be drafted from our bank and Silver Script will be deducted from our social security check.

All states are different so my information from OK won’t help you in your state.

Contact the Medicare office and maybe they can give you a referral.

Good luck.

[Peaches McPhee]

If you are in NYS, try to find a HIICAP counselor/session.  Offered through NYS office for aging.

(I honestly do not know if HIICAP is a "thing" in other states.)

[Winkk]

I highly recommend calling Medicare.  As others have said each state is different.  I called them when I signed up and they were very helpful.

Medicare is an individual decision and what works for me probably won't work for you.

[PINKdogWOOD]

@I am still oxox  Supplementals offer you more all around coverage not necessarily for much more money than an Advantage Plan.  DH is on a Supplemental with Med Mutual of OH, I chose the Advantage Plan by Med Mutual.  He has or more had some serious health concerns still going on when he signed up 2 years ago, me not at all so an Advantage Plan works now for me. We will both stay on what we have. He still has an issue that he'll live with now so the more full coverage is great for him. Neighter of us pay very much monthly for our plans ($144 and $100) and we LOVE Med Mutual as we had MM when I retired 5 years ago. Their reps 'knew' us from the onset through much more serious hlth concerns w/DH, there was no way nor reason for us to change. Mostly with MM, there is truly none better in the Customer Service specialists they have. Rarely have I needed to ever chat about anything with them but they are THE BEST in my book.

[I am still oxox]

Thank you all I just had a very long conversation with someone at EHealth, it was very informative. I know which plan I am going with and just have to figure out the drug plan