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Originally Posted by l2ridehd
I just finished reviewing all the options available though this change. It seems my best option is to just stay with the Aetna Advantage PPO I have been on with them. It is still a zero cost option, and the only change is a move from the Aetna drug coverage to a Medicare part D drug coverage plan but still 100% paid by Aetna. And as I take zero drugs today I really can't evaluate the impact of this.
I realize that this is only a two year option and then I will have to move to the Extend Health plans, but I also looked at those and the exact same plan is available at a cost of about 65% of the annual allowance. $159 a month or $1908 a year with an annual allowance of $3000. What no one can answer is how this allowance will be adjusted over time. Will it always be $3000? Will it go up with inflation? You know the $159 monthly charge will go up. Am I losing the other $1100 in co-pay by not moving to the EH plan now?
The other issue I can't get an answer to just yet is they also discuss the $7500 and $7000 annual allowance. (I qualify for the $7000 based on retirement date) But how does that differ from the $3000 annual allowance? Does the $3000 cover monthly plan reimbursement and the remaining $4000 cover co-pays or deductibles? It says the $7000 is HMA (health maintenance account) but no where does it discuss how the two $$ amounts connect. Anyone figure that out?
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The $7000 annual allowance is effective until a retiree reaches the Medicare eligible age. Once a retiree is receiving Medicare, the $3000 annual allowance applies. Covering both the retiree and their spouse with $3000 annually is difficult, unless you take a PPO or HMO with $0 monthly payments. However, retirees need to be sure they understand the HMO/PPO they may be signing up for. As an example, Moffitt has declined to be in-network on the United Healthcare PPO/HMO. That could mean a significant cost to many. In addition, as you may want to move from an HMO/PPO to a true Medicare supplement, you will go into the supplement at your current age, which could mean an significant increase in premiums. A lot to consider...