The Medicare Thread

[Harry]

Then call Harry.

Serious question: for those of us geezers and gimps contemplating attending Euro BBI this year, what suggestions do you have for a short-term Euro plan ?

I have Cadillac coverage in the US and AFAIK zero coverage over there.

[irul&ublo]

Aarp is the only supplement that give you a gym membership. That’s worth 1/3 the cost of the supp. Then with a G, add 200 bucks in the part B deductible and in most states a 65 yr old is only out 1000-1500 for supplemental. Plus drug co pays.

I’m some shitty rural states. The g’s are 90 bucks a month at 65. In illinois the aarp is 120 with gym benefit.

It’s the way to go. Even though I make 2x as much selling an adv plan, I’m going to focus on traditional supps with the threat of them being defunded and the bullshit compliance I have to follow selling advantage. I already got “randomly” audited with this call recoding shit. It’s not even complaint based.

Not so. I have Anthem which gives me membership in silver sneakers, which gives me free memberships at a number of gyms

[mcski]

Not so. I have Anthem which gives me membership in silver sneakers, which gives me free memberships at a number of gyms

As a supplement, not an advantage plan?

[Cono Este]

Unh and anthem, supplements, give you gym memberships.

If you can’t afford that, look at the high deductible G. Can’t remember if you get the gym membership in those. They’re like 70 bucks a month. If so, it’s damn near free with gym.

Probably what I’m buying if we make it to 65. Agents make nothing on them, thus you never hear about them.

[Cono Este]

New to this thread and 9 months into medicare coverage. And I'm a complete idiot about this stuff.

Have UHC and what I think is a decent broker. Reading the changes didn't seem like they were heinous. Slightly higher co pays and out of pocket limits. Is that what people are calling about or....?

School me....

Nothing wrong with an advantage plan. But I’m actually an honest man. And people rely on me, sick people, and I have pre existing conditions too.

That’s important, because when you are new to medicare, you basically have one chance to buy a supplement if you have pre existing conditions, without health questions. If I put a sick person in a plan without explaining that , and it turns out their doctor doesn’t like it, or bad mouths it, I look bad, and would feel bad not having explained that.

I’ve seen other agents do terrible things. There is alot of money in advantage plans about half as much as supplements. Money steers an industry.

1/2 my book is adv, but not my really, really sick people. You should never be sold anything. You need to the education, and all options, then You chose

[Cono Este]

At the end of the day, unless I see oxygen In your house, etc. there is no bad choice, just bad surprises if you didn’t get the speech.

As a former trader, I believe in leaving options open. Even of I don’t get paid. For example. If you have group coverage, and it’s $150 per month or less, try it out first. Your drugs are usually cheaper, and you can basically push your open enrollment, meaning if you change your mind, I can still get you anything without health questions.

No bad choices, just bad surprises, that’s life unfortunately.

[Cono Este]

Serious question: for those of us geezers and gimps contemplating attending Euro BBI this year, what suggestions do you have for a short-term Euro plan ?

I have Cadillac coverage in the US and AFAIK zero coverage over there.

Medicare pays zero. Supplement 50k reimbursement

Europe, you have good healthcare which is most important. Not an expert on the country you’re going to, but as we get older, maybe get a major medical with a couple hundred grand in coverage. I think golden rule sells them aka uhc

I’m an idiot to have spent 3 months in Chile last time without that. .

[TBS]

Serious question: for those of us geezers and gimps contemplating attending Euro BBI this year, what suggestions do you have for a short-term Euro plan ?

I have Cadillac coverage in the US and AFAIK zero coverage over there.

Some Medicare supplemental plans have foreign coverage. A guy I know crashed his MTB - bad - in Italy a couple of years ago. His supplement paid for everything including a charter home (he was on a gurney for the flight). I think his supplement was thru PacificSource but don’t remember for certain. Check with your carrier.

In other Medicare issues, my doc put me on a new drug for diabetes called Jardiance. Went to get my first Rx and found my co-pay (with a Gold-level supplement) was $250 a month! So my doc hooked me up with a pharmacy in Canada called CanShipMeds. My cost - without insurance - is now $50 per month. Another reason for universal healthcare

[Cono Este]

Some Medicare supplemental plans have foreign coverage. A guy I know crashed his MTB - bad - in Italy a couple of years ago. His supplement paid for everything including a charter home (he was on a gurney for the flight). I think his supplement was thru PacificSource but don’t remember for certain. Check with your carrier.

In other Medicare issues, my doc put me on a new drug for diabetes called Jardiance. Went to get my first Rx and found my co-pay (with a Gold-level supplement) was $250 a month! So my doc hooked me up with a pharmacy in Canada called CanShipMeds. My cost - without insurance - is now $50 per month. Another reason for universal healthcare

On original medicare, it’s your Part D plan that provides drug coverage, not you plan G, N or whatever you have.

Everyone should now be able to go on Medicare.gov and enter your drug list and pharmacies, and it will show every Part D plan in your area. You can switch right on there.

Plans change, your drugs change, and I give a Cono Guarantee, you’ll all be able to save money next yr. If you only have one eye, and two bad knees, I don’t care, do it.

[Cono Este]

Again, Medicare.gov to compare part D plans.

If you’re on an advantage plan, you can do this, but do not switch on there, without having your agent compare all the other benefits and most importantly, look up your doctors. You will be rudely surprised in Jan if you’re not care full.

[oftpiste]

What is this?

look at the high deductible G. Can’t remember if you get the gym membership in those. They’re like 70 bucks a month. If so, it’s damn near free with gym.

Probably what I’m buying if we make it to 65. Agents make nothing on them, thus you never hear about them.

and thanks for all the beta!

[Bunion 2020]

Again, Medicare.gov to compare part D plans.

If you’re on an advantage plan, you can do this, but do not switch on there, without having your agent compare all the other benefits and most importantly, look up your doctors. You will be rudely surprised in Jan if you’re not care full.

QFT on the last bit.
BTW and CE can correct me if wrong, using an agent to help you navigate through the confusing choices available doesn't really affect the cost you will end up paying except by possibly lowing that cost.

[Cono Este]

What is this?



and thanks for all the beta!

There are 2 choices. 1. Original medicare with a supplement and part d plan. 2. Medicare adv.

Understanding the differences is 99% of the decision.

If you feel you need to stay on Option 1, you need to buy a supp when you part b starts, because they can’t ask health questions.

99% of people who go with option 1, buy the plan G supplement. And In St. Louis thats about $159 per month at 65

If you don’t want to spend that, if you live rurally where an adv network will be limiting, or if you have an iron lung, the high deductible G is like $50 bucks. It keeps you on original medicare. Medicare will pay like 80% you’ll pay 20%, until you hit the 2000 deductible then everything is paid 100%.

You can always go from option 1 to option 2. but if you are not healthy, and in option 2, you CAN go back to option 1, but are not guaranteed a supplant past 1 yr on that adv plan. You have to now answer health questions. In most cases.

When I’m 65, if my suga mama lets me live at 10,000 feet, option one and g, or high deductible G.I don’t want to drive to Denver for a scan because the locals don’t take my adv plan. If I’m stuck in St. Louis, an adv plan would be fine.


Also, option 1 bills go directly to medicare, option to, they all go to insurance company. That’s what I tell sick people who get cheap. when you finally get sick, and we all do, just less hassle and happier doctors. Have to keep them happy.

Again, no bad decisions in life, just bad surprises. If you know your plan, you fine.


* every case is diff. Always find a good agent to look up drugs, doctors etc across ALL plans. You could be the guy I tell to keep your group retiree coverage etc.

* working past 65. You can keep your work coverage. Just apply for A ( it’s free) defer part b, for a lot of reasons. Then 3 months before you retire. Print out the cms L 564 form, take it to HR, they sign it, and this verifies to medicare you were not uninsured. Also print out form 40b, that’s the actual part B app. Then call SS, tell them you need B. Or go in. You can pick up b at any month of the yr. There are no penalties, and you can buy\join any plan u want.

[Core Shot]

* working past 65. You can keep your work coverage. Just apply for A ( it’s free) defer part b, for a lot of reasons. Then 3 months before you retire. Print out the cms L 564 form, take it to HR, they sign it, and this verifies to medicare you were not uninsured. Also print out form 40b, that’s the actual part B app. Then call SS, tell them you need B. Or go in. You can pick up b at any month of the yr. There are no penalties, and you can buy\join any plan u want.[/QUOTE]

Interesting. I have a manager that just turned 65 and felt the need for Medicare. But his wife is two years younger. If he drops off my plan she’s screwed.

My carrier always asks about people over 65
Is there a problem keeping him on? I would do it. Great worker. More expense for me. But his wife would be left hanging.

[Cono Este]

* working past 65. You can keep your work coverage. Just apply for A ( it’s free) defer part b, for a lot of reasons. Then 3 months before you retire. Print out the cms L 564 form, take it to HR, they sign it, and this verifies to medicare you were not uninsured. Also print out form 40b, that’s the actual part B app. Then call SS, tell them you need B. Or go in. You can pick up b at any month of the yr. There are no penalties, and you can buy\join any plan u want.

Coreshot

Thats a common situation. Assuming her choices in the mkt place are terrible, he should stay on until she’s 65. Just get the part A, then follow advice three months prior.


* if you’re already on SS, you will be auto enrolled in medicare, both A and B, and mailed a medicare 3 months prior to B Day.

[Core Shot]

My thought for him was file separate taxes next year.
Then in spring she could get state low income health insurance which is less money and better coverage than my plan. He goes full Medicare.

[Cono Este]

My thought for him was file separate taxes next year.
Then in spring she could get state low income health insurance which is less money and better coverage than my plan. He goes full Medicare.

Filing separately may not be enough. They look at household income. May need a divorce.


*. If you make less than 19k per yr, or 26 married, medicare has what they call extra help with prescription drugs, also known as LIS. Caps brand drugs at $8 and other savings. Go to ssa.gov tom apply online.

I just told two att retirees to keep their group plan for drug savings. Saving about 3k. They had 2 tier 3’s and a tier 5 crazy drug. Plus when you change insurance, yea never know.

[frorider]

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-...ural-hospitals

[Bunion 2020]

My plan got cancelled.

It was a "High Deductible" MSA advantage plan, I paid 164 a month to them (Lasso), 5K deductible where they deposit 2K onto a debit card. If you don't use it you keep it. So in reality it was like a 3K deductible. I had shoulder surgery and ran up around 51K in costs. They covered all but my deductible, paid on time, answered all my questions and provided what I considered very good customer service. Guess the model didn't work or something, they were bought by another insurance company and have pulled their product all over the US.

Because it was cancelled I can go back into the Traditional Medicare pool without any questions.

[Cono Este]

My plan got cancelled.

It was a "High Deductible" MSA advantage plan, I paid 164 a month to them (Lasso), 5K deductible where they deposit 2K onto a debit card. If you don't use it you keep it. So in reality it was like a 3K deductible. I had shoulder surgery and ran up around 51K in costs. They covered all but my deductible, paid on time, answered all my questions and provided what I considered very good customer service. Guess the model didn't work or something, they were bought by another insurance company and have pulled their product all over the US.

Because it was cancelled I can go back into the Traditional Medicare pool without any questions.

It’s never a bad idea, hit the reset button, you can always move back to an adv plan. High deductible g is a deal. Look into uhc and anthem for free gym with that. I’m too lazy.

[Bunion 2020]

Exactly what my thoughts were. Thx.

[Bunion 2020]

OK, was on the phone with a rep who was pushing hard for a certain company (Aetna), her reasoning was the claim that they have the most stable rates. Comments?

[Nobody Famous]

A point I have not seen discussed on here, yet:

Are there any things to consider when newly signing up for Medicare and already having (for last 6 +/- years) a long term care insurance policy?

[Harry]

A point I have not seen discussed on here, yet:

Are there any things to consider when newly signing up for Medicare and already having (for last 6 +/- years) a long term care insurance policy?

Medicare does not pay for long term care, so I don’t understand why you are questioning your strategy. It sounds like you are on the correct track.


Sent from my island using TGR Forums

[Cono Este]

In most important news, the Aetna Advantage plans near me include a 1200 fitness benefit that can be used on a Ski Pass!


Winner. (As I buy my epic today)