Since my employer threw us under the Blue Cross bus we're looking to transition Barb to some sort of Medicare plan. Hopefully this will serve two purposes:

1. Allow me to drop family coverage while still taking care of her insurance (hospital, doctor, drugs).

2. Give me some room in case I accidentally let the outside voice out one day and get myself fired before I find employment with a better plan. I'm thinking about applying at Blue Cross as they seem to have plenty of money and may need IT people.

What sort of plans have you retirees settled on and why? Part A and B seem pretty straightforward but what about D?

I've already spent a couple of hours on the Medicare website - could it be any more confusing? I'm beginning to to think it's deliberate.

 

I try not to attribute to malice that which is easily explained by incompetence.

 

I dealt with this a bit for Rick's Mom. Part D was new then. It's a nightmare and they expect ALL senior citizens to go on line and make their choices.

From what I understand, you can use the Medicare website, enter the drugs you use on a regular basis and it will suggest various plans. You probably figured that our already which resulted in I did a test run with it using my meds, and it was frustrating, some plans would cover some meds, some would not. Deductibles and "co insurance" were all over the place, then there is the "donut hole."

Your pharmacy may actually help you sort out what's best.

What about a supplement? Have you gone shopping yet for what Medicare does NOT pay? Deductible, co-insurance, etc.?


I wish you well.

 

Thanks Lainey.

I guess the rest of you folks are still trying to sort it out yourselves.

 

Hey, I tried. Insurance issues are a real PIA, getting worse daily. I'm not old enough for that program yet...but it's coming fast.

I appreciate you doing some of the groundwork for me.

 

You should see the hoops providers have to go through to get paid by Medicare. I don't know how most small physician practices manage to cover the cost of the outside billing services that the absolutely must use, since the filing process has gotten too complex for the business staff.

 

Mike I see it every day. I work for one of those providers. On the upside, most of the private insurers are worse.

 

I won't be on medicare for another 2 years, but my neighbor is on it and has supplemental insurance from Humana. He claim's that he has never paid a penny out of pocket.

 

Thanks Glenn. I guess he doesn't include premiums or deductibles as "out of pocket"?

Thankfully as I understand it you can change coverage every year in case you f**k up the first time.

I'm starting to think I should read up on this stuff and start a consulting business. Or shoot somebody.

 

Pay me now or pay me later...
My co worker opted for a higher premium lesser out of pocket for prescription meds. He doesn't take any medication on a regular basis, but one $80+ antibiotic made him run scared. The choices are tough as health issues can change in a minute, but as you say, you can change your coverage yearly.