Supplemental plans: F-vs-G plan - Page 3

shoesnbags · ‎03-10-2010

@BlueFinch wrote:
@On It Not cynical at all. I'm sure there's something in it for him to run up the numbers of those he gets to change. That's what has made me hesitant.

@BlueFinch

That's the part that bothers me. That and the fact that he's contacting you now, out of the blue. I too have Plan F and my agent, who is a senior health insurance specialist, has not contacted me. Gotta wonder why your agent is so intent on your looking at this right now.

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@granddi Thanks. Yeah, I agree with you. I'm experiencing that carrot and stick situation right now. I just wish the F plan hadn't been cancelled. Being grandfathered in for anything can often lead to problems. Considering giving it up is anxiety provoking, since it will be gone forever.

Dragonflyveb · ‎04-29-2015

Hi again,

FWIW, here's some numbers from my experience. I went to an independent agent, so he gets paid by the companies. He isn't associated with any one company, so he doesn't have a vested interest in any one company.

When I signed up in 2016, he recommended Plan F. Every year we run the numbers. From 2016 to 2020, Plan F premiums went up $220 per quarter! He suggested that I switch when Plan G was $340 per quarter and Plan F was $620 per quarter. I figure I make up the deductible in one quarter. The only downside is getting the deductible paid the first couple months, which I didn't find to be a big deal. The doctors just billed me after Medicare and the company processed the bill.

Hope this helps in your decision-making process. Lots to think about. If you switched now, would you have to pay the deductible??
dragonfly

Edited to add--according to Forbes, as of Jan 1, 2020, Supplemental Plans are not allowed to pay the Part B deductible. This affected Plan C and F. You can remain in those plans, but nobody can join them anymore.

marleespal · ‎01-16-2011

I have had the F plan for the past 15 years. I've had several surgeries, a heart attack and never have to pay any charges. Yes it has gone up, but I am concerned about switching to the G plan.

I feel the reason the F plan was closed was because the cost for the insurance company was not as profitable. Whenever I go to the hospital or doctors, I am always told what an excellent plan I have. As long as I can affford it I will continue to stay with it. I guess I really don't trust the big push for people to drop the original F plan.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@shoesnbags wrote:
@BlueFinch wrote:
@On It Not cynical at all. I'm sure there's something in it for him to run up the numbers of those he gets to change. That's what has made me hesitant.
@BlueFinch
That's the part that bothers me. That and the fact that he's contacting you now, out of the blue. I too have Plan F and my agent, who is a senior health insurance specialist, has not contacted me. Gotta wonder why your agent is so intent on your looking at this right now.

@shoesnbags I agree. That's why I'm glad to meet him in person. I will be able to judge his intent better that way.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@Dragonflyveb Yes, I'd have to pay the deductible with my next health care visits. It's a little hassle, but I don't mind that much considering the decreased monthly premium. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

Frugalgal · ‎07-25-2015

California, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada and Oregon have the "birthday rule" for supplemental plans." During your birthmonth, you can switch companies without underwriting, either by keeping your current plan but switching to another, cheaper provider, or downgrade plans. Upgrading requires underwriting.

My husband and I had Plan F from the beginning but switched to Plan G when Plan F was no longer open for new enrollment. We are very happy with Plan G, which is just like Plan F, except we are responsible for the first $233, which we recoup and more due to the cheaper premium.

Medicare keeps track of the deductible. For example, at the beginning of a new year, we have our usuyal check ups and blood tests. Medicare sends us the statement showing the billed cost, what medicare covers, and the amount we are responsible for, due to the deductible. Once we have met the deductible, medicare and the supplement cover everything just like Plan F.

Boomer Benefits dot com is an excellent, free service. Since my husband's birthday month is June, I called to find out if our current Plan G with USAA is the cheapest one. The agent told me that premiums with USAA go up substantial at age 80 but right now it has the lowest premium for our age.

If you don't live in a state listed above switching plans and/or providers requires underwriting. I would get a second opinion from Boomer Benefits dot com after talking to your agent.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@marleespal I agree. It's a wonderful plan. But, if we have to drop out for some reason like cost prohibitive premiums in the next few years, or other unexpected changes, we might have problems finding other coverage. Particularly if our health is declining by then. It's hard to predict, but we know times are only gonna get tougher.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

THANKS to ALL of you who have taken the time to offer comments on my difficult decision. You guys are the greatest.

I really didn't have anyone I could bounce this off of at this time. Everyone in my social group has Advantage plans, not a supplemental.

I will re-read and process each and every post before my final decision, along with number crunching with the rep next week.

We'll see how it goes, but each of you have contributed to my ability to process the situation. I now have some good questions to ask the rep to advocate for myself.

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@Frugalgal No, I'm in TX, so it looks like underwriting would be required. On our initial phone call, the agent never mentioned any switching hassles, but he may be saving those for the face to face. But, thanks for the Boomer Benefits site. I will definitely check it out.

Also glad you shared how the deductible is handled through billing and Medicare. Doesn't sound like a problem.

I'm glad that you are pleased with the G plan and reduced premiums. I think it's a good idea to contain the costs as much as possible now, since we know these premiums are going to keep going up with age and other factors.

Since the G plan is so comparable to the F plan, it's starting to feel like the best option. Of course, as those with F plans leave for whatever reason, we might see the G plan eventually exploding in cost, too.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Best to you.