So much information out there.

S

sam1954

New Member
I won't be eligible for full retirement until I turn 66, so I'm looking over all my options. Talk about information overload. I still don't know if I'm better off dropping my employer's group health coverage for my final year at work and going on Medicare/Medicare Supplement when I turn 65.

At first, I was thinking of just signing up for Medicare Part A / Part B and supplementing that with a Medicare Advantage plan -- but now I'm thinking of going with a Medigap plan (specifically Plan G) instead of a Medicare Advantage plan. It looks like Plan F is going away after 2020. I know with plan G that I'll have to pay my Part B premium. I already have a separate vision/dental plan lined up.

With all the information out there, it's hard to know who to trust -- and who's just trying to sell you something. :confused:
 

sam1954 said:
I won't be eligible for full retirement until I turn 66, so I'm looking over all my options. Talk about information overload. I still don't know if I'm better off dropping my employer's group health coverage for my final year at work and going on Medicare/Medicare Supplement when I turn 65.

At first, I was thinking of just signing up for Medicare Part A / Part B and supplementing that with a Medicare Advantage plan -- but now I'm thinking of going with a Medigap plan (specifically Plan G) instead of a Medicare Advantage plan. It looks like Plan F is going away after 2020. I know with plan G that I'll have to pay my Part B premium. I already have a separate vision/dental plan lined up.

With all the information out there, it's hard to know who to trust -- and who's just trying to sell you something. :confused:
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Just to clarify, you don't supplement Medicare with an advantage plan. You replace the Medicare benefit with private insurance. Plan G is the same as F other than who pays the deductible If you want the insurance company to pay it you will hand them more premium than the actual deductible amount.

Not all agents are just trying to sell something - that would generally be limited to agents who only represent or work for one company. There is no one right path.

Interview a number of agents about 4 months prior to going on Medicare. Find someone who seems trustworthy and offers a number of options. (BTW, 80% of my clients are on Plan N so please don't say "I'm leaning to Plan G" until you really review everything available).

Rick
 
GreenSky said:
Interview a number of agents about 4 months prior to going on Medicare. Find someone who seems trustworthy and offers a number of options. (BTW, 80% of my clients are on Plan N so please don't say "I'm leaning to Plan G" until you really review everything available).

Rick
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Got that right, at least 4 months (they take their sweet time)

Heh, thought I was the lone stranger on plan N
As I recall, in a nutshell, it's geared for the major stuff
I'm good with that

I know what yer going thru, Sam

Please keep us posted
 

Gary O' said:
Got that right, at least 4 months (they take their sweet time)

Heh, thought I was the lone stranger on plan N
As I recall, in a nutshell, it's geared for the major stuff
I'm good with that

I know what yer going thru, Sam

Please keep us posted
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Actually, it's geared to everything. You generally only have to worry about the Part B deductible of $185 (2019), up to $20 for some office visits, and $50 for ER which doesn't result in admission. It's so unusual to have excess charges that it's not worth insuring unless you use some of the Mayo Clinics.

All supplements cover exactly the same items. The only difference is how much you pay along the way.

And no "at least 4 months" needed. You don't need to do anything prior to 4 months - it's really not difficult especially if you use an independent agent who can help with all options.

Rick
 
GreenSky said:
Actually, it's geared to everything. You generally only have to worry about the Part B deductible of $185 (2019), up to $20 for some office visits, and $50 for ER which doesn't result in admission. It's so unusual to have excess charges that it's not worth insuring unless you use some of the Mayo Clinics.

All supplements cover exactly the same items. The only difference is how much you pay along the way.

And no "at least 4 months" needed. You don't need to do anything prior to 4 months - it's really not difficult especially if you use an independent agent who can help with all options.

Rick
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where were you 4 years ago?

great info, Rick
Independent agents are truly the best

I'm so with Sam
The reams of info are mind boggling
 
Gary O' said:
where were you 4 years ago?

great info, Rick
Independent agents are truly the best

I'm so with Sam
The reams of info are mind boggling
Click to expand...

Thanks for the nice response.

Now let me ask you a question. After four years with the same company how many times have you shopped to be sure you have the best price? Since we all know that the only difference between companies with the same plan letter is the cost, have you looked to make sure your "best" company is still competitive? (And that question really goes for everyone).

It takes an independent agent about 5-10 minutes to search every company available in a zip code.

And since you live in Oregon I hope you're aware that if you can't qualify to change your supplement due to health you can change on your birthday without medical questions.

Rick
 
GreenSky said:
Thanks for the nice response.

Now let me ask you a question. After four years with the same company how many times have you shopped to be sure you have the best price? Since we all know that the only difference between companies with the same plan letter is the cost, have you looked to make sure your "best" company is still competitive? (And that question really goes for everyone).

It takes an independent agent about 5-10 minutes to search every company available in a zip code.

And since you live in Oregon I hope you're aware that if you can't qualify to change your supplement due to health you can change on your birthday without medical questions.

Rick
Click to expand...

Is this still true? Don't some companies offer a few "extras" (such as silver sneakers) along with plan F/G/N???
 
Information overload to be sure. It's as if someone(s) had forgotten they're supposed to sell (agents make $ selling insurance, it's not free of that cost) these plans and slapped on jargon labels that only the few will comprehend.
 

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