not much benefit for us
Our membership just lapsed and I have not renewed, not sure if I will or not.
Just went to a meeting on our Medicare options when we reach 65 (about another year). Appears all medigap plans (supplements) pay everything if you are using doctors and hospitals, etc. in the network (appears $200-300 mo. from 65-70, then goes up from 70-75, maybe one more price increase at 75 and over).
Advantage plans are either free or very cheap, but you have co-pays and co-insurance (out of pocket expenses). You can switch to different ones every year if you wish. It's a gamble, but not a huge one. You'll save about $3,000 in premiums every year but could pay more in years you pay out of pocket up to policy limit (maybe $7,500 annually).
I know couples where one (the older one or the one with more health issues) have one with an Advantage plan and one with a medigap plan. You could also go with the Advantage plan for say the 1st 5 years and then apply for a medigap - which you could get if you are still healthy. It's a gamble, if you get a serious chronic disease at say 70.
Drug plans are separate, said you should review every year which best for you.
If you do not get a supplement plan at 65, when first eligible, you are subject to underwriting (meaning they review your medical history and can reject you or charge you a higher premium). I think that if you have a supplement up north, and then become a Florida resident, you can change supplement plans (once) with no underwriting review - moving is a "life event."
I hope I finally have this right. Snowbirds, like us, need to be extra careful to make sure you have the right networks in both places.
What I am not sure of is what happens if the networks change providers and hospitals if you are enrolled in a supplement plan (medigap). That's a question I need to remember to ask before we choose a plan.
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