One of the considerations in addition to the other suggestions is, when one turns 65 years old, your current provider/PCP may or may not accept Medicare assignment. More often than not, primary care MDs allow their current patients to "age in" when they turn 65 years old. It would be helpful to find out, if you can continue with your current PCP or do you need to also find a new doctor when you turn 65 years old.
It can generally be a bit difficult to find a good primary care doctor when over 65 years old, because MDs take fewer Medicare patients because to their medical needs as they age.
Many people stick with basic Medicare + a supplement if they don't have a lot of medical conditions as the costs are a bit less. A medical advantage plan can provide a number of additional services such as vision, hearing, meds, gym memberships etc. for the same cost as basic Medicare.
As a military retiree, I was able to find a Medicare Advantage plan (Florida Blue-Patriot) that covered a # of services PLUS I receive $50 back on Medicare payment each month. That being said, I don't use vision, hearing or medications through them but receive these services through the VA since my disability is high enough for these services. My "supplement" to Florida Blue is TRICARE which covers co-pays for most services.
So your decision on where/what to choose is:
1. What are your health care needs currently? i.e. do you need specialty medical services such as cardiac, pulmonary etc. If so, a Medicare Advantage plan might be the best choice.
2. Do you desire to continue with your current PCP and does he/her accept Medicare assignment? What other health insurances does your PCP accept as this will determine which Medicare Advantage plan you'll join should you stay with your current PCP.
3. Do you have other supplements or insurances available to you?
4. Discuss possible insurance companies with SHINE (very helpful), VA etc.
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Originally Posted by Taltarzac725
What are the steps we Villagers should take as we move to the 65 year mark with respect to Medicare?
I have almost a year though to plan.
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