I’m an “average” person, and I won’t be going MA.

I’m 63, and am paying almost $1000 a month for a solid health insurance policy. So, once I turn 65, and only paying for traditional Medicare + Supplement, I’ll be saving quite a bit in monthly health cost premiums.

I understand those on tight, fixed incomes may have no other alternative than to go with MA. But I think most Villagers have a few extra dollars to invest in obtaining the best possible medical coverage available.

It isn’t always about money. Some people have existing health issues that prevents them from passing through the underwriting.

Yes, it is necessary to go through medical underwriting if after the age of 65, one wishes to move from MA to TM, however, there is no medical underwriting to initially enroll in TM at age 65.

That is why it’s so important to make the correct decision when turning 65.

I would highly recommend reading this book to anyone getting close to turning 65. I ordered it on Amazon, and after reading it passed it along to two of my good friends. We all signed up for the exact same plans (except for part D) after reading this book. Good luck to everyone navigating this very important decision.

True, unless you buy your policy from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, or New York. Note, one of those states has to be your primary residence in order to purchase your policy there.

So if getting on TM were crucial, someone could move to one of those states for three months and then move back to the villages?

Never thought of that, but I suppose. You would have to establish that state as your primary residence before the annual enrollment period. Would probably take more than three months, and then you would have to pay state income tax in that state and you would lose your Florida homestead exemption.

At the time I was covered on my wife’s Federal health care. Over the years the self plus one became too expensive.

54% of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. I enrolled in Medicare Advantage because I wanted to be able to see Villages Health primary doctors. I was not impressed with any local primary doctors who where not part of Villages Health. IHMO, MA is perfect for those without chronic illness or conditions. High blood pressure, obese, heart condition, obese etc. You will see how expensive a gold Medicare supplemental plan is and then you will decide for yourself.

Don't forget about the required Medicare premium which will probably be over $200 when you are enrolled.

For those with a medigap plan, how much does it cost? And how much does it usually go up each year?

$189 per month for UHC Plan N. How much it goes up varies. The premium varies with age and some other factors.

What is a "gold Medicare supplemental plan" ?

Plan G in most states for new enrollees. In Massachusetts it’s called Supplement 1A. It basically pays for 100% of everything not covered by Traditional Medicare, after about a $250 annual deductible. I have the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Sapphire Supplement 1A plan with a monthly premium of $189. It’s absolutely the best Supplemental plan available.

All premiums go up because of inflation. It depends on the state you purchase your policy from if/how much your premium will go up every year based on age. Some states use attained age ratings, some use issue age ratings, and other states use community age ratings. My state of primary residence uses community age ratings, so my policy doesn’t increase as I get older because of my age. That being said, I pay more when I’m younger than in many other states, but less as I get older.