[biker1]

Yeah, I know all that as I am on Medicare, unlike you, IIRC. I was referring to your statement, that I highlighted in your post and included below, that suggested that those on an Advantage Plan did not have to pay the Part B premium. That is not true. I see you have attempted to correct your mistake but in the future, why don't you just say "my bad", instead ?

If you have Part D, that means you're not on an "Advantage" plan and pay for part B instead.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Yes you can "not" get part B coverage, or any health coverage at all. But if you go that route, you're probably wealthy enough that you can afford to pay out of pocket, and who cares about part D plans or B plans, in that case. If you change your mind after the cutoff date, you'll pay more than whatever everyone else is paying because of the lifetime penalties.

But if you go the route of A+B+D, then you will be covered for less than if you got Advantage. In order to get the same coverage that Advantage offers, you have to add Medigap. Medigap is not free to anyone. So you'd be paying the $185 for Part B, plus an additional minimum of $48 and as much as an additional $200 if I recall correctly, for Medigap if you're a female non-smoker age 65 in Lake County.

The point is that the "savings" by paying 0 for part D through Wellcare, might be offset by the "extra cost" of the co-pays, deductibles, out-of-pocket costs, and additional premiums for better coverage via a Medigap plan. You save $50 a quarter, but you pay an extra $50/month for the Medigap.

That's what I was implying. In order to get *comprehensive* coverage, you have to either pay extra for Part D and Medigap, OR you have to limit your choice of providers and more restrictions by choosing the less expensive Advantage plans instead (because if you choose Advantage, then it'll cost you at least the $185 that Part B costs currently).