Talk of The Villages Florida - Best Medical Health Insurance @ 65

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- Medical and Health Discussion (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/)

- - Best Medical Health Insurance @ 65 (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/medical-health-discussion-94/best-medical-health-insurance--65-a-321806/)

Check with SHINE, ( Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elderly). It is a terrible name, but it is run by the state and volunteers in The Villages are very helpful. Look in the phone book or look at the VHA web site for their contact information.

Be sure you understand the benefits and pitfalls of Advantage plans. There are both! I believe that if you start with an Advantage Plan you can't go back to a traditional Medicare plan, but I'm not sure of that.

Good luck and welcome to all the beuof officially becoming a SENIOR Citizen!😉

Keep it simple: Medicare Parts A and B. You can go to any Doctor or Hospital. Part A premium is $0. Part B standard premium is $148.50 per month. It will be more if your AGI exceeds certain thresholds. You need a Medicare Part D for your prescription medicine. If you do not take "serious" medicine-- take the Humana Part D Plan for $17.20 per month. There are several preferred pharmacies including Walmart, Sam's Club, etc. They also offer 90 days supplies by Mail Order-- very convenient, and less costly. To back-up Medicare Parts A and B, take a Medical Supplement Plan (also known as Medigap Plan). I recommend TransAmerica Life Insurance company. They have the lowest premium in Florida. You can see this on the State of Florida Medigap Insurance Company Website. It costs even less if you auto-pay quarterly by Credit Card. If you belong to an Affinity organization-- for the first year only-- the ongoing premium will be a few dollars a month less. When you call them-- they will review all of this with you. Take plan G, it is the most comprehensive, and will cover any Deductibles, Co-Pays and much more. The cost at age 65-- probably about $160 per month. Remember-- all Medigap Plan Letters are standardized by Federal Law-- only the monthly premium varies by Insurance company. If the above is too costly-- start cutting from the above. Of course, all of this is just my humble opinion. SHINE is a good source of information too.

Thank you for posting that link to SHINEs educational site. It really helped me learn a lot!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuccillo (Post 1975364)

I am guessing you have UHC, via AARP, Plan F. If you live in Sumter County you can save yourself money by switching to Plan G ( no underwriting required). The Part B deductible (about $200) is covered by Plan F and not Plan G but the Plan G premiums are about $360 less. All other aspects are identical.

We have to do the same in 2022. We spend a few months in Ohio every year. Do you know if UHC-AARP covers medical expenses there as well? I have heard you have to call and request a travel passport and then it is limited to which doctors you can see?

It is best to call UHC/AARP, or a broker that represents them, for the fine print. In general, with Medicare and a Supplemental plan, you can pretty much see anyone who accepts Medicare.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lennythenet (Post 1975742)

If you are a retired Federal employee, consider keeping your FEHB plan and opting out of Medicare Part B. Since turning 65, I have saved thousands of dollars in Medicare premiums by using my FEHB insurance as my only insurance. The annual catastrophic limit is only $5,000, which I can afford, if needed.

Medicare insurance

Hi! I have a very good friend who is a broker for all medicare plans - licensed in Florida. She looks at your medications, history & can advise the best route for you - based on what you choose. Her name is Jeannine Worthington, company is Medicare Solutions for Seniors. Phone number is (800) 205-5176. I highly recommend!

Call Pat at 352-348-7019 One of the best insurance agents in the Villages.

Best Medical Health Coverage @65

As many suggested, SHINE is a great place to start. We faced the same decision a few years ago and decided to go with Florida Blue Supplement F. We're so glad we did....I had two emergency hospital trips and surgery in a State that didn't accept Florida's Medicare Advantage plans and though we have a monthly payment, everything that Medicare didn't cover was covered by Florida Blue; no copay, deductibles, out of pocket on anything. This is a highly personal decision.....I have many friends that have the Advantage plan and love it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRMACK55 (Post 1975578)

But it isn’t offered anymore the feds stopped F. Medicare grandfathered in those who had it. Your knowledge is not up to date.

My knowledge is totally up to date, your response is not up to date. Nowhere in my post did I say any new Medicare qualifier should buy plan F. I merely stated my experience with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PugMom (Post 1975689)

i hear everyone say that, but we love ours. we have no deductable, low co-pays & i had no charge for my latest spinal fusion. i can get everything done for so much less. if i need to see a specialist outside the villages, that's ok, too-my dr sets it up & i'm on my way.

We love our Advantage plan too. Have had United for years. Looking into the Florida Blue Advantage plan this year. Their copays seem a little less. Which plan to you recommend?

OK, bottom line, ADVANTAGE plans are medical MANAGEMENT plans (NOT insurance), Medicare and a supplemental are INSURANCE plans, make sure you understand the difference between these.