All right,
Most probably don't know or care, and that's fine, but I turn 65 in April.
So I can apply for Medicare as of Jan 1, which I did this morning (it becomes effective April 1).
Now I have to sift through all the competing Insurance policies that, hopefully, will prevent
me going bankrupt if I should encounter health issues later on.
Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Part B, Part C, Plan D; you "get it" IF you're over 65.
The rest of you; you won't have a clue, but just wait (I know somethin' you don know).
For those of you in the same boat here's the question.
What options did you take?
I'm self-employed, btw, so no "group coverage" to cover the "gap".
I hoping to lower my now outrageous Health Insurance costs (remember I'm self employed).
But something tells me that big insurance ain't let me go so easy.
And Part A (free! wowie zowie! look at the coverage; can you spell b-a-n-k-r-u-p-t-c-y?)
And Part B; $134 bucks a month to good 'ol Unka Sammy. Still you could quickly run through those benefits.
And guess what? You pay that $134 even if you buy "supplemental" doctors coverage; "such a deal I have for you!"
AND, "from each according to means, to each according to needs", that $134 goes up if you "maka 2 much monet"
Oh yeah, and if you don't buy Plan D, prescription drug coverage; they (good 'ol Samuel again) spank your
a$$ for that too.
I know getting old sucks, and no one wants to talk about it; but hey, we 'ol farts need to stick together; right?
 
T
 

My turn to apply is in August. As I am currently employed and covered with a pretty good PPO I will have the "gap" filled.
 
I did read a report that IF the ACA is repealed drug costs under Medicare will increase as will insurance costs across the board.
 
MODS/HOSTS: That was not political jibe or discourse.

You know who this really scares? - The Bakers upstairs.
We're all a bunch of old washed up musicians.
 
Rock on.
 

Congratulations and welcome to the club. I just went through this myself. I don't know how every insurance company in the country found out I was about to turn 65, but I wish I had a buck for every mailing/solicitation wanting to sell me gap coverage.

"We're all a bunch of old washed up musicians."
some of us are not even washed  nor musicians but play a mean banjo!
 
 
I apply when I get settled in Shreveport. Getting old ain't for wimps!
 

"I wish I had a buck for every mailing/solicitation wanting to sell me gap coverage"
Yep, on me like "white on rice, and cold on ice".
So what "gap" plan did you settle on?
 
T

DeeringAmps
So what "gap" plan did you settle on?
 
T

I have good retiree insurance, including prescription drug coverage, that costs less than I'd have to pay for Part B plus a gap policy so I'm sticking with that and the "free" Part A.
 
There's a lot to consider and an overwhelming amount of information to wade through. I guess we should consider ourselves lucky that we've got options besides just hoping you don't get sick.

I had an unsual career path:  I was a has been before I started.  Now I'm retired.

"never was been" here!

Been there a few years back. I've always been self employed and didn't have a clue when I applied for medicare.
No one tells you anything; they give you a thick brochure that makes little sense, at least for me.

From what little I know:
A + B will be automatically deducted from your social security check. I think I pay around $130 monthly. This will cover about 80% of hospital and doctor costs. Most people, if they can afford it, will add a supplemental policy to cover the rest. This can be expensive depending on age and what shape you are in.

I'm with Kaiser Permanente and I think they're pretty good. I believe you can change plans after one year so if the hospital you choose doesn't suit your needs you can switch.

I also use the VA Hospital. Sometimes the VA is a bargain (price wise) to Kaiser. Medicare does not mind if you use both.
 
Good luck. My advice: don't get sick :)