[Rosalie]

Hi, It's nearly Open Season again and another Fed. Retiree and I have been discussing options---we're hoping there are other Federal retirees who we could brainstorm with as to what Plans might be a good choice. Mail Handler's and BC/BS look good. We haven't received a detailed booklet yet. After we all receive them, we're thinking it would be helpful if some of us could get together at one of the rec centers and help each other with choices. Please let me know if there is any interest.

[Sable99]

Originally Posted by Rosalie

Hi, It's nearly Open Season again and another Fed. Retiree and I have been discussing options---we're hoping there are other Federal retirees who we could brainstorm with as to what Plans might be a good choice. Mail Handler's and BC/BS look good. We haven't received a detailed booklet yet. After we all receive them, we're thinking it would be helpful if some of us could get together at one of the rec centers and help each other with choices. Please let me know if there is any interest.

I just got back to Michigan from my whirlwind trip to The Villages. I wish I could be there if you have a Federal retiree insurance meeting.

[mixsonci]

I will retire in December as a Federal Employee. However, I won't be in TV until January. I have the FSBP insurance which I am very happy with and will keep after retirement. I will also enroll in Medicare Part A and B to supplement so I will have virtually no out of pocket expenses. I am also considering on signing up for Dental and perhaps Vision insurance also during this open season. SOrry I can't be there to brainstorm with you. Let me know the outcome and decisions to see if they help me with my decisions please.

[Bizdoc]

Before I retired, I looked very carefully at the various FEHB plans. Since we were planning to travel a great deal, I especially looked at network coverage. While the CIGNA administered plans (Mail handlers, SAMBA, and the like) had lower premiums, their networks (outside of metro areas) were not as good. GEHA seemed to have a lot of geographic holes. The FEP Blue plan basically makes every provider who is a provider for a state/regional plan a preferred provider for FEP Blue. Since we planned to travel, it provided the best coverage including during trips.

In 2012, Betsy's fall resulted in several hundred thousand dollars worth of medical bills. FEP Blue paid all but about $5K.

I'm sticking with FEP Blue. Your mileage may vary. FYI, the companies are no longer sending out brochures unless you request them.

If you travel a fair amount or (more importantly) split your time be sure to look up providers in the places where you will be. As some seasonals have noticed, their insurance company from back home may or may not work here.

Finally, a shameless plug. There is a National Active and Retired Federal Employees chapter here which meets the 2nd Wed of each month at the Golden Corral on 466. National dues are $40 per year. The monthly magazine provides all kinds of info for feds. Friendly bunch of people and excellent guest speakers.

The NARFE NY federation has a number of tools for comparing plans:

NARFE-NY

[Bizdoc]

Also a plan comparison tool at

https://www.plansmartchoice.com/Regi...px?nosession=Y

The website is (apparently) run by ADP. However, I have been told it is neutral in its recommendations.

[Bonnevie]

Originally Posted by Bizdoc

Before I retired, I looked very carefully at the various FEHB plans. Since we were planning to travel a great deal, I especially looked at network coverage. While the CIGNA administered plans (Mail handlers, SAMBA, and the like) had lower premiums, their networks (outside of metro areas) were not as good. GEHA seemed to have a lot of geographic holes. The FEP Blue plan basically makes every provider who is a provider for a state/regional plan a preferred provider for FEP Blue. Since we planned to travel, it provided the best coverage including during trips.

In 2012, Betsy's fall resulted in several hundred thousand dollars worth of medical bills. FEP Blue paid all but about $5K.

I'm sticking with FEP Blue. Your mileage may vary. FYI, the companies are no longer sending out brochures unless you request them.


If you travel a fair amount or (more importantly) split your time be sure to look up providers in the places where you will be. As some seasonals have noticed, their insurance company from back home may or may not work here.

Finally, a shameless plug. There is a National Active and Retired Federal Employees chapter here which meets the 2nd Wed of each month at the Golden Corral on 466. National dues are $40 per year. The monthly magazine provides all kinds of info for feds. Friendly bunch of people and excellent guest speakers.

The NARFE NY federation has a number of tools for comparing plans:

NARFE-NY

wondering what time the meetings are at Golden Corral?

[Bonnevie]

I stick with BCBS.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

I stick with BCBS.

Another vote for FedBlue (BCBS). I checked with the insurance/payments people at my family Doctor & Dentist offices. BCBS seemed to be the insurance with the least re-submits and quick payments. And it played well with Medicare.

[Bizdoc]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

wondering what time the meetings are at Golden Corral?

Doors open at 11:00 am, meeting starts at 11:15. The down side is that attendees must purchase lunch - $11 including tax and tip and beverage. Note that you don't have to be a NARFE member to attend (tho we hope you will join). Meetings are "off campus", in part, because not all of our members are Villagers.

This month's program is on electric use - speaker from SECO.

[MikeV]

I have FedBlue also. I am keeping it. I also have Medicare Part A. I don't have Part B so FedBlue is my primary for non hospital care. The Villages Health System accepts.

[woodywdmt]

MikeV,
I also don't have Medicare Part B and MDIPA/United Health Care is my primary but I am looking to switch to FedBlue this season. Are we in harms way by not having part B?

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

wondering what time the meetings are at Golden Corral?

Somewhere I heard the Golden Corral had closed. Not true?

[Villageswimmer]

Originally Posted by MikeV

I have FedBlue also. I am keeping it. I also have Medicare Part A. I don't have Part B so FedBlue is my primary for non hospital care. The Villages Health System accepts.

My husband and I are also under FEP BCBS. However, when he went on Medicare, we researched it and came to the decision that he should opt for Part B as well.

Since going on Medicare, he has paid zero...no copays, no deductibles, nothing. Been very smooth sailing through several surgeries.

Still, this is not cheap. I keep asking myself if taking Part B in addition to BCBS was a good decision.

Would be interested in hearing any experiences.

also, would love to come to such a meeting as proposed above.

[Villageswimmer]

This thread got me thinking. Another important decision once one has opted to keep FEP BCBS in addition to Part B is: Basic plan or Standard plan? Basic plan is about $140/month less than Standard (S&F).

I called BCBS to try to get help with this decision. They, of course, weren't much help since they can't express an opinion.

Seems like the biggest difference is that Basic won't cover out-of-network providers. But wouldn't the Part B Medicare cover?

Anyone out there have answers or personal experience; I.e., standard vs. Basic. I feel like we're overinsured but am afraid to make a bad decision by changing.

[Sable99]

I am new to Medicare and am so confused!! I travel so I have always had BC/BS Standard and since August I also have Medicare Part A and B. Should I keep BC/BS Standard or should I switch to the Basic plan?

Do I need Medicare Part B?

I was a Federal employee with the Senate and I am asuming our health care plan is the same as other Federal employees.

I wished I lived in TV full time so I could attend the meetings at the Golden Corral. I did call the Department on Aging here in Michigan and they told me to keep what I have.