[CTgolfer]

I thought I recently saw some threads regarding IBM retirees and medical benefits, but I can't find it... oh, well. I turn 65 in March and was wondering if anyone has experience with the IBM medical plan options. My spouse turns 65 in June. An Aetna PPO is one option for me, but doesn't cover my husband. The doctors/hospitals do not need to be in network, but they must be "willing participants." Help!!!

[rjm1cc]

No experience, but you should sign up for Medicare part A now. I think your wife can sign up in June. No charge. I think you can do it on the internet at the social security site. You will also need additional medical insurance which can be your IBM or additional Medicare insurance.

[dadspet]

We have Aetna Medicare Integration and think its great! Every Dr accepts it without question in any location. No co pay and no deduction. But I do think both have to be on Medicare and you need to get a separate Medicare Part D drug plan since drugs aren't covered.

[CTgolfer]

Originally Posted by dadspet

We have Aetna Medicare Integration and think its great! Every Dr accepts it without question in any location. No co pay and no deduction. But I do think both have to be on Medicare and you need to get a separate Medicare Part D drug plan since drugs aren't covered.

Thanks for the info. Which Medicare Part D drug plan did you take?

[PennBF]

I am an IBM Retiree and we have been signing up for Aetna Integration Plan
and First Health for Part D.
Not sure First Health is the best but we have been satisfied with it and I
can't say enough for the Aetna Integration plan under IBM. Last year we
had some pretty serious medical expenses and we alway received a statement
that said we "owe nothing" and should not be billed for anything. This is the supplemental plan. I would recommend the IBM Aetna Integration plan that
kicks in after Medicare.

[dadspet]

Originally Posted by CTgolfer

Thanks for the info. Which Medicare Part D drug plan did you take?

When we first went on Part D we took Medico Part D since that was who we had with IBM and it was good. Well I found out the hard way that Medico with IBM was not the same as Medico Part D (same company but Medico with IBM support was significantly better) and it turned out to be a disaster and I finally had to escalate them to Medicare and won. The next year we switched to AARP Medicare Part D and haven't had any issues with them. I can't say they are great or the best but after our experience Medico we are ok with them. We do tend to get certain drugs from Wallmart or local drug stores at their cheap $6 or $10 generic rate when available for those drugs.

[JoC]

This is very interesting - not related to medical insurance though.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39jtNUGgmd4[/ame]