[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by KayakerNC

Nope, no rate change from BCBS when you go on Medicare. The Fed policies have to lump everyone in the large pool, so no separate pool for Medicare and non-Medicare.
The OP can however change to a lower cost insurance, like the BCBS Basic plan, if he wants to lower his monthly costs.
Since nobody knows what the future holds, I would go with the Medicare A and B. It is, after all, insurance against really bad things happening that could wipe out you and your family. And that 10 pct yearly penalty is a real deal breaker if things go south.
Even if you stay with the BCBS Standard and Medicare, you have a whole lot of coverage for a LOT less money than retirees without the benefit of FEHB plans.
And yes, I'm a retired Fed with BCBS and Medicare.

Which is why I said to call FEHP, BCBS, Standard Option and verify this or at least find out what will happen. Not all plans are the same.