Quote:
Originally Posted by Bavarian
NARFE has said often, do not take the optional Part B, we have better coverage under FEHP.
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Really? Where/When did they say that?
(Highlights are mine)
National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE)
For example, if you had a Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) plan along with Medicare Part A and Part B,
you would have little, if any, out-of-pocket expenses. BC/BS would waive your calendar-year deductibles, your co-pays and your coinsurance amounts. You would have to continue paying your full BC/BS premiums and full Medicare Part B premiums, which are $99.90 per month in 2012.
You will need to look at your medical expenses and see whether you will have more than $1,200 out-of-pocket expenses each year ($99.90 x 12 months). If you do, you probably would want to pick up Part B.
You are not required to enroll in Part B immediately – you may enroll during any General Enrollment Period, which is held January-March of each year.
HOWEVER, if you don’t pick up Part B at your first enrollment opportunity, you will be charged a 10 percent penalty for each 12 months that you aren’t enrolled. It may make financial sense to wait a few years until you enroll. However, if you wait too many years, you might not be able to afford it.