[cfrepro]

I have turned 65 and it's time to sign up for Medicare. Almost all of my friends are younger (I haven't moved to the Villages yet, but I do live only 30 miles away), so I don't have friends that can offer me the benefit of their experience. You are my future neighbors, so I will ask your advice.

All the different options can be mind boggling. I met several months ago with a SHINE counselor and have a grasp of how it works. What is best for me? I don't know. I have heard it said that your health determines what is best for you.

Let me tell you about me. I am active, non-smoker, 10-15 extra pounds, in good to very good health with no chronic conditions. Haven't been to the Doctor in 13 years. That's not very smart, I know. I am self-employed in a construction related business in Central Florida. That should give you an idea of how my business has been the last 7 years (Getting somewhat better now).

I will need a hip replacement in the near future and I had a heart "event" 13 years ago. I had angina and didn't go to the hospital but I probably should have. I have had no discomfort since. I am not adverse to modest co-payments if it makes sense.

I would appreciate you offering your advice on which path you would take (straight Medicare, Advantage or which supplement to buy, and your recommendation of a provider).

Thanks for your time, and I look forward to becoming your neighbor.

Rick

[KayakerNC]

Do you currently have any kind of health insurance? Will it play well with Medicare?
Your current health is of course a factor, but keep in mind that in case of a catastrophic health event, insurance is a risk avoidance strategy to prevent what could be a financial disaster for you and your family.

[mtdjed]

Simple Outline

Medicare Part A - Most all contributors eligible no cost

Medicare Part B - Cost about $100,Mo .Covers most eligible costs at about 80%. No drug or dental Coverage

Medicare Part D- Drugs cost varies

Non government options to cover the 20 % not covered by Med Part B

1/ There are Medicare advantage plans which normally limit your choices and force you into a network. Costs can vary fom zero on up.
2/ There are Medicare Supplements. Plans are defined by Letters A,N etc that are defined by the US government . Not related to Medicare Part A,B,D above. Each plan offers certain benefits. That is where you have to make your choice relative to lifestyle , travel etc.

[rjm1cc]

Look at Sign up/change plans | Medicare.gov and similar sites. This one will let you find local plans. Do not go medicare only. You will pick up about 20% of additional costs. Don't know which is better -supplement or advantage. I would lean toward advantage. The quality of your service might depend more on the quality of the employees than the plan. Try and identify the doctors you will want and make sure they are on the plans you pick and accepting new clients. I would go to a GP now and see what else might be wrong and he might be able to give you help on finding doctors.

[Avista]

We are pleased with the United Villages advantage plan. It works well with Villages Health. Have you visited any of the centers? No co pay for primary care docs. True, must stay in network. Good thing is network is very inclusive.

http://www.thevillageshealth.com

[llaran]

If you want the option to go to any Dr anywhere in the country, go with medicare a&b, add a suppliment to pay the 20% and a rx plan. medicare a&b will cost about 105 a month, the supp will be about 150/200. all supp offer the same plan a/n I have my spouse on humana rx for 12 a month.

if you go with an advantage plan you can get ppo or hmo - i would opt for the ppo to give you more freedom to choose.

Are you a vet - you maybe eligible for va medical, ckeck into it.

go to medicare.gov it is very helpful

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by mtdjed

Simple Outline

Medicare Part A - Most all contributors eligible no cost

Medicare Part B - Cost about $100,Mo .Covers most eligible costs at about 80%. No drug or dental Coverage

Medicare Part D- Drugs cost varies

Non government options to cover the 20 % not covered by Med Part B

1/ There are Medicare advantage plans which normally limit your choices and force you into a network. Costs can vary from zero on up.
2/ There are Medicare Supplements. Plans are defined by Letters A,N etc that are defined by the US government . Not related to Medicare Part A,B,D above. Each plan offers certain benefits. That is where you have to make your choice relative to lifestyle , travel etc.

If you think you are going to have major medical issues, I would take original Medicare along with a supplemental plan. Cost will be $105 for original Medicare and approximately $150-200 for the supplemental. This would cover all of your cost for any medical issues.

If you think you will be in reasonably good health, then I would go to a Medical Advantage Plan that will cost $105 per month and also covers drug costs. Most people are selecting these type of plans. I have Florida Blue and it takes some work finding all the doctors that you will like and need as you need to be referred to a specialists through your PCP. I go to Dr. Felix Agbo in LSL.

For your own sake get a complete medical physical, to determine what may be your future needs may entail.

BTW - You cannot get a Medical Advantage Plan along with a supplement. It is not allowed. It's original Medicare and a supplement or a Medical Advantage Plan that contains drug coverage.

If you take Original Medicare with no supplement, it is less coverage than getting a Medical Advantage Plan. IMHO

[virgind]

I have Humana Medicare advantage plan. I had a hip replacement last year cost me 300.00 thought that was good. No premiums out of pocket that can and will change. By the way the implant was 56000.00

[Chi-Town]

Medicare A and B. BCBS supplement F.
Drug plan D. I'm totally happy.

[Villager Dude]

Issues

First and foremost if you are currently employed and have what is called Credible Coverage you do not have to do anything at this time. I would sign up for Part A now only because it has no cost.

If you do not have credible coverage for medical and prescriptions then you will be permanently penalized by not signing up during your window of opportunity. For each and every month you wait to sign up for Part B after the window closes you will be penalized 1% for life.

Keep in mind the Part B rate , currently at 104.90 , is based on income. If your income is high you will pay more than the 104.90 rate.

Now it boils down to cost and risks.

Medicare advantage plans are great if you want to be limited to certain hospitals and doctors. These programs are the most affordable. The Vendors that offer Advantage Programs have actually taken your health care burden from the federal government and assumed it in exchange for the Medicare Part B rate and co pays, etc.

I prefer the medigap policy Part F which covers all costs so there are no co pays, deductibles, or co insurance . The premium in Sumter County for Blue Cross is 180 for a 67 year old . Any place that takes medicare will take your part F. Once you pay your premium you have no other costs.

No need to shop benefits for different Vendors as the benefits are the same for all Part F policies. The only difference will be the cost. United may charge 190. and Blue may charge 180. per month.

If Part F works in your budget then you will have ultimate piece of mind.
Another issue is guaranteed acceptance . If you have a gap in coverage an insurance provider may turn you down. If you apply during your window of opportunity and produce a credible coverage letter then they have to accept you no matter what your health status is.

Hope this helps a little.

[GatorFan]

I also am a couple months from going on Medicare. After much research I decided on United Healthcare F plan. I also got the United Healthcare prescription drug coverage. Around $200.00 month.