Quote:
Originally Posted by kathyspear
I am currently insured through my husband's employer. Because it is a small company (30 - 40 employees?) my coverage is pricey. Also, like most people with private insurance, my deductible has quadrupled in the last few years. I have been reluctant to switch to Medicare but am currently investigating my options.
It looks as if I can save $200-300 per month on my premiums if I sign up for regular Medicare, a Plan G supplement, and a drug plan. In addition, if I am understanding what I read about Medi-gap plans, I will save several thousand dollars in annual out-of-pocket costs if I dump hubby's coverage.
Assuming that is correct (and please correct me if it is not!), my primary concern is: Will I have trouble finding doctors who accept my new coverage? Right now I can go to any doctor I want. If he/she is out of network I pay a larger percentage but I can still see that doctor.
I gather I will need to find another primary care dr if I make the switch because I have been seeing someone with TVHS. I have no attachment to that person, though, and have no problem with going elsewhere. BUT I'm terrified that something BAD will happen, everyone will say, "Oh, you MUST see Dr. So-and-So, he is the expert on that problem!" But Dr. So-and-So won't take Medicare patients.
Advice? Comments?
Thanks in advance.
kathy
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There are 2 types of medicare--Regular medicare and medicare advantage. With regular medicare and supplemental plans you can see any doctor that accepts medicare anywhere in the USA. Medicare advantage limits the doctors you can see to the ones in their system. Medicare advantage is much less expensive. If you choose medicare advantage and decide later to go back to regular medicare-they can underwrite your risk and could refuse to take you. One example would be if you got cancer and decided to go back to regular medicare so you could see a specific Dr who is not part of the Advantage program-they could refuse to accept you. Once your in regular medicare they can not cancel your coverage. Medicare advantage can not cancel your coverage either.
The real difference is the price of your premiums. Many take medicare advantage because it's a lot cheaper and their doctors are in the network so why not.
All medicare supplement plans(F,G,N,etc etc) differ in price only. The law states that plan F's benefits from one carrier cannot be any different from another carrier. Same with all the other plans(G,N etc etc). So one should shop price for the medicare supplemental plans that go with regular medicare.
Good luck with your decision.