Something else I might add at this point. Although in my previous post I explained that I had switched from my Medicare to a MA plan and so far I'm good, and most importantly keeping my current doc. Down the road I anticipate additional dental costs for necessary work, the dental, (and I'd expect with many of the MA plans)doesn't cover much outside some annual x-rays or cleanings, so I was checking into some of these other MA plans that "do" seem to have a better dental plan as advertised, ie; root canal work, fillings, extractions, etc. Unfortunately the do not cover in my area.

Out of curiosity I wanted to touch base with my MA plan with a few questions. I found some other interesting info as well that I was not aware of after I switched from the regular Medicare to this MA. First off, I found out that my plan coverage will cover events up to about approx 100mi from my home, and outside of that range costs will increase as it will no longer cover their network of doctors. At which time I had to ask, what if I'm traveling? or a vacation? They will cover the costs but for ER services only without too much of a higher out of pocket expense. I had to ask then, what if I move? Then I would have to purchase another MA plan that covers the new area..and that would put me in the "pre-existing event conditions because of the heart attack and a previous stroke" so moving or using services outside of my 100mi service area is a concern and something I wasn't aware of.

Currently, the best thing about my MA plan is that my PCP is within their network, and as a family friend, he will always send me to other specialists if needed, within my network, and doctors he knows personally. In my search for another MA plan with dental during this enrollment period, I did however find another plan that covers a wider range of dental costs but my PCP is not one of their network doctors

I would guess that from several of these informed posts in this thread, that down the road should even my current MA plan shrink their services, or drop my doctor from their network, or moving, my pre-existing conditions are going to follow me with much higher premiums and out of pocket costs. Ah, the joys of age/health catches up..

quote:

Originally posted by Bob at the Beach:
Very timely for me. Thanks for posting I have some friends at work that will find this helpful as well.

Gotta be done by the 7th I do believe.

quote:

Originally posted by ranger312:
I haven't reviewed options since I first bought a supplemental policy 6 yrs ago. Took a look this year at an advantage plan. I think the AARP Advantage plan in my area is pretty good, but the "unknowns" still scare me.

I did discover that some companies write some supplemental (medigap) plans with a "high deductible" option. Same coverage as my expensive Plan F, but I can save about $4000 in annual premium for my wife and I combined, in return for a $2340 deductible per person. So if we both maxed out our deductibles in the same year, we would be losing a little, but the chances of that are probably low, since we are both in good health so far. But in a normal year we could save a lot, and still have top notch coverage. Anybody using one of these?

Why don't you check into a Plan G?
G has the same terms except for a deductible of about $190/yr. instead of 0 and the reduction in premiums pays for that in just over two months.

These are the people my wife was working with: GoMedigap

She still consults with them, on occasion, to see if we should make any changes.

She also talked with a Medicare consultant I'd met at my old gym who'd offered a free consultation, and, as I said, the did a heckuva lot of her own footwork.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
These are the people my wife was working with: GoMedigap

She still consults with them, on occasion, to see if we should make any changes.

She also talked with a Medicare consultant I'd met at my old gym who'd offered a free consultation, and, as I said, the did a heckuva lot of her own footwork.

Thanks for the info ensignmatic, just got off the phone with one of their supplemental plans representative. A lot of info exchanged and needs digesting, costs, various plans, and many questions discussed. Nonetheless worth the call to get some clarity about my current plan and restrictions and advantages of other supplemental plans available in my area. Thanks. Time wise changing to a Medi-Gap I needed another dept and he mentioned cutting it pretty close time wise to get enrolled or changes at this late of enrollment, and may need to wait on that for now.

Good topic ZMICHAEL thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by just1tym:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
These are the people my wife was working with: GoMedigap

She still consults with them, on occasion, to see if we should make any changes.

She also talked with a Medicare consultant I'd met at my old gym who'd offered a free consultation, and, as I said, the did a heckuva lot of her own footwork.

Thanks for the info ensignmatic, ...

You're welcome. Glad you found it helpful

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
These are the people my wife was working with: GoMedigap

She still consults with them, on occasion, to see if we should make any changes.

She also talked with a Medicare consultant I'd met at my old gym who'd offered a free consultation, and, as I said, the did a heckuva lot of her own footwork.

Best thread of the day for me!
I got a great plan from them!
Thanks, ensigmatic

quote:

Originally posted by downtownv:

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:
These are the people my wife was working with: GoMedigap

She still consults with them, on occasion, to see if we should make any changes.

She also talked with a Medicare consultant I'd met at my old gym who'd offered a free consultation, and, as I said, the did a heckuva lot of her own footwork.

Best thread of the day for me!
I got a great plan from them!
Thanks, ensigmatic

Great! I'm glad they were able to help you out. You're welcome.

My wife and I are both starting medicare in 2020. We took the medigap with a deductible of about $200. Runs about $200 month for us both. Drug coverage is another 75 or so. And I may be off on numbers because mama is handling it. She's smart that way.