QUESTION FOR YOU RETIRED GUYS

[macktheknife]

For you guys with Medicare part A & B did you take supplemental insurance? If so which one has a good level of coverage?

[Vinny]

Yes, I have the high deductible Plan F supplemental thru Colonial Penn/Banker's Life.
However, Plan F may not be available in all states. It covers the part Medicare doesn't pay.

[Walt Sherrill]

We found a firm here in our town that helps you pick the right plans, looking at prescription drugs, etc. and they've guided us well. 

They get a sales commission from the plan/program you use, so any cost is very indirect.  I'm sure there are firms like this in your area.  They don't charge and they're very helpful.  Each year they have group sessions, and a lot of users come and you can review all of the plans available in your region, and be guided to the one that works best for you.

We've  been very happy with our agent (Blue Bridge Financial).

______________________
My wife and I now use United Health Care's Medicare Advantage plan.  It comes in two levels, and we've taken the slight one that costs us about $30 a month (more than the standard Medicare charges).  We also have been using the related dental plan (also about $30 a month.)  Most years the dental plan hasn't been worth it in terms of pure costs vs expenses covered, but one year it paid about half of a new partial plate ($1500).

Our plan has no co-pay charge for visits to our primary care physician, and about $30 - $40 for specialists (depending on whether they're in plan or not.)   We pay about 20% of most diagnostic tests. Prescription drugs have been very reasonable -- most of ours are generic, and generics are $0 if you get them delivered by mail (which is easy when you're on a long-term medication.)  One-time prescriptions can run more, and if they're not generic, even more -- but that's true of almost all plans. 

Costs  to you will be different depending on the state in which you live.  The plan we picked has a maximum cost of $4500 -- and that sort of expense is only likely to happen if you have a long hosptial stay or expensive cancer treatment.

UHC also offers a special  OTC Essentials (over the counter essentials) for things like some vitamins, bandaids, triple antibiotics, for up to $80 a quarter.  (You order what you think you'll need at the first of the quarter.)  You can get a LOT of stuff for $80 four times a year.
Look around for a local firm that offers guidance and services, and rely on their expertise

[Vinny]

If you don't travel and you're satisfied with an Advantage Plan's In-Network choices, maybe it will work for you.

However, because we have a primary home in FL, and a Summer Home in NC, we want to be free to make our own Health Provider choices.
By just electing Medicare A&B, and adding a Supplemental; you get to pick your doctors and don't have to worry about 'In-Network' or 'Out of Network'.  Zero deductible Plan F, IF it's still offered is considered the Cadillac of all Supplemental plans, but the government is trying to phase it out (because they want people to have co-pays or deductibles). It also is available as a high-deductible Plan F (~$2,300/year out of-pocket limit, then there's Zero co-pay). The other benefit of a Plan F is that you don't have to keep a bunch of records, submit bills for re-payment, and all that extra paperwork. It automatically gets submitted and paid. Period. But it doesn't come cheap.

I watched my older Brother who selected a state Advantage plan to 'save money', constantly fight with the insurance company as he battled cancer; and was limited in his choices of where he could get treatment. Ultimately, it may have cost him his life.

Picking the right insurance is an important decision, and it's worthwhile to get professional advice and second opinions.

[Walt Sherrill]

The problem with some of the supplemental plans is that if you have any health problems when you want to sign up, they may not take you.  But if your health is good, and it sounds as though yours is, it may be a good way to go.

How does your total out-of-pocket expenses compare to the less expensive programs. (What is a typical monthly fee for that sort of program?)

A good advisor may help a shopper make the right decision, if he or she (or they) have thought it all through.

[Vinny]

The problem with some of the supplemental plans is that if you have any health problems when you want to sign up, they may not take you.  But if your health is good, and it sounds as though yours is, it may be a good way to go.

How does your total out-of-pocket expenses compare to the less expensive programs. (What is a typical monthly fee for that sort of program?)

A good advisor may help a shopper make the right decision, if he or she (or they) have thought it all through.

Maybe my situation IS different; I'm a Cancer survivor now Cancer Free 15+ years.
It can happen to anyone, so I understand how important it might be to obtain the BEST facility anywhere in the USA and not be limited by 'out-of-network', as my late Brother was.

Virtually every Healthcare facility accepts Medicare. And my Supplemental covers 100% of the 20% Medicare doesn't cover, after meeting the $2,300 out-of-pocket.  It costs me $90/mo plus the Medicare Part A&B (I think currently about $135).  To me, this is better coverage than what I had before age 65 which was costing me over $1,000/mo.

But everyone's situation is different, and it's smart to interview several advisors or providers (you'll learn from each).

[larryflew]

If you are a vet check into Humana for your additional insurance. It's paid for by Uncle Sam. Can be had through an agent or purchased directly through Humana's web site.

[macktheknife]

Thank you for all of the information, I've got to make a choice real soon.

[Vinny]

Good luck in your search for what fits best.

Here's a link to information on avoiding being refused for pre-existing conditions under a Supplemental plan:
https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/medicare-health-coverage-options/supplemental-insurance-for-original-medicare-medigaps/medigaps-and-prior-medical-conditions

[2bfree]

Keep in mind, if you do not have part D covered ether under a regular part d prescription plan or included in a supplement plan in time,  there is a penalty . 
https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty

[painter]

Keep in mind, if you do not have part D covered ether under a regular part d prescription plan or included in a supplement plan in time,  there is a penalty . 
https://www.medicare.gov/drug-coverage-part-d/costs-for-medicare-drug-coverage/part-d-late-enrollment-penalty

I wish I had seen that link when I signed up.

Part D costs me roughly 50% more because I didn't sign up right away.

[macktheknife]

Looked into my options and am going with a part G plan plus a drug plan supplemental, got it through an medicare advisor good to go hopefully.

[Vinny]

Looked into my options and am going with a part G plan plus a drug plan supplemental, got it through an medicare advisor good to go hopefully.

Smart Choices!
Plan F or G are the best.

[Creeker]

I have plan G & get what few meds I use through the VA.