Wellness

[Carmie]

Medicare Supplements are easy to understand.  The chart below is an easy read.  You will be able to see which plans cover foreign expenses, which plans covermthe SNF copays and the Medicare B deductible.  You will also notice that two plans cover the Medicare excess fee.  It is not legal for doctors to charge the excess fee in NY, so that will not be an important benefit for you.

[NicksmomESQ]

@Carmie  DH though 69 isn’t enrolled in Medicare Part B yet.He’s still working & we are covered under his employer plan.He works for a company with way over 20 employees.

    I was told by his Human Resources Mgr. than when he retires or when he chooses to switch to Part B he will be subject to an 8 mo. Special enrollment period.He can enroll in Part B without penalty.He also has 2 months to enroll in Part D drug coverage without penalty , providing he produces a letter from his employer stating that he had credible coverage.

  Because individual coverage would be too expensive for me, DH is trying to wait for me to turn 65,in a little less than 3 years.At that point we will both apply for Medicare . So far thank God we are both in good health & don’t take any medication.

  Is our information correct? Any suggestions?  Thank you 🙏. You are a godsend!!!

[Carmie]

@NicksmomESQ  Yes, the information you received from the HR department is correct.  Best of health to both of you.

[NicksmomESQ]

 @Carmie  I so appreciate your time & knowledge!! Thank you again.

  There is power in knowledge.You can then have time to prepare & make decisions that best suit your needs. I don’t believe in living in denial.At the end it will come back & bite you!!

[I am still oxox]

@Carmie

Thank you but I am a novice at this and I have no idea what it actually means, I need to sit down when I have all my info and figure out what is right for me 

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@Carmie wrote:

Medicare Supplements are easy to understand.  The chart below is an easy read.  You will be able to see which plans cover foreign expenses, which plans covermthe SNF copays and the Medicare B deductible.  You will also notice that two plans cover the Medicare excess fee.  It is not legal for doctors to charge the excess fee in NY, so that will not be an important benefit for you.

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[NicksmomESQ]

@I am still oxox  I know it looks intimidating but it really isn’t.Just take it one step at a time & it will all fall into place. Give yourself enough time to google & research & ask questions & it will all become clear to you.

  Good luck!! 👍 

[Mindy D]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

My medical care is unchanged from what it was before I went on Medicare.  I've always had exceptional insurance and still do with an Advantage Plan.  I can use any medical provider or facility that accepts Medicare.  I don't need a referral to see a specialist.  I don't have any deductible or co-pay.  I've had major surgery and have not paid a cent since enrolling except for my monthly Medicare premium.  I get my supplemental at no cost from the employer from which I retired.  I've seen the same PCP for the last 18 years and she knows me and what I need very well.  I'm well satisfied with my care.

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What Advantage Plan are you on? Would you mind sharing your state and county? I’m very interested Kachina. Thanks.

[151949]

  You say you get a supplement from your former employer and that you have an advantage plan. That is not possible - it's one or the other only.

I have a zero premium advantage plan from United Health Care. Much better insurance coverage than we had when DH was working & his company had horrible ins that cost us plenty. I live in Sarasota County, Fl.

[seaBreeze]

Bottom line:

See an Insurance Broker ...  it is free.

They will evaluate all of your needs and will advise accordingly.   It is a nightmare trying to ascertain all of the mailings you will receive.   I cannot believe how difficult all of this was for me (I went with Medicare Advantage but that too, has it's issues--and with any government program (e.g., Medicare), it is always complicated amd challenging.  Enjoy your retirement in 2019~!

[I am still oxox]

@151949

Never had insurance thru my employer and I can not get the supplemental thru my husband until he retires

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@151949 wrote:

  You say you get a supplement from your former employer and that you have an advantage plan. That is not possible - it's one or the other only.

I have a zero premium advantage plan from United Health Care. Much better insurance coverage than we had when DH was working & his company had horrible ins that cost us plenty. I live in Sarasota County, Fl.

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