[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by mfodale

I am a Federal retiree and I have both Medicare Part B and Aetna (better deal than BCBS, look into it). IMO, you would be a fool NOT to take Part B. You'll never have another deductible, copay or other out of pocket expense as long as you live. And keep in mind, you may be healthy now, but, odds are you won't be, at some point. I had about $15,000 on tests and treatments last year; I paid $0. And, all my prescriptions (6 of them) are at no cost to me. I have a buddy whose wife has been sick, ulcerative colitis. Hundreds of thousands in bills, including hospital stay (which of course is covered by Medicare A) and he paid $0. And, you could decide to delay taking Part B, but in doing so, you will pay a penalty for the remainder of your coverage years in addition to your premium. But, it's your choice. Choose wisely. Medical bills and bad luck can bankrupt you otherwise.

You need to do the math and compare the extra cost for the Medicare premiums to the actual cost benefit it provides on an annual basis, especially if you are subject to IRMAA. But, your comment about hundreds of thousands in bills is irrelevant because almost every FEHB plan has an annual catastrophic limit for out-of-pocket expenses. The Blue Cross limit is $6,000. If it were not for the catastrophic limit, I would agree that you should buy Medicare Part B. In my case, I would be throwing money away to buy Medicare. That would be foolish.