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Originally Posted by Villageswimmer
We have Medicare A and B and fep blue. Are we wasting our money carrying B? Couldn't get straight answers when decision was made. Thanks for any and all advice.
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If you opt-out of Medicare Part B, Federal Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans (FEHP), provide the same medical provider coverage you had prior to being eligible for Medicare. That is, you will have copays and deductibles for certain services.
If you elect Medicare Part A and Part B and take FEHP, the FEHP acts as a Medicare supplemental gap plan, paying the balance not covered by Medicare on all Medicare approved services.
Your decision should be approached on a personal level in one of two ways.
1- Determine the annual Out of Pocket expenses you incurred in the past or expect to incur in the future. Then compare those annual costs to the $104 monthly premium you are paying for Part B.
2- Consider the paid in full security that having both Medicare A&B and FEHP provides.
Either choice should be based on your personal situation.
Three months prior to my husband becoming eligible for Medicare, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Our out-of-pocket expenses were just over $5,000 for that one medical event, with FEHP and no Medicare Part B. Had he had Medicare A&B and FEHP we would not have had any out-of-pocket expenses.
I hope this information can help you make an informed decision.