Insurance will be changing in November

Ladybj

Live, Laugh and Love
New health insurance territory for me.

My husb is retiring in November of this year. I was on his group health insurance plan. I called the SSA to see about enrolling in Part B Medicare, as I will be losing coverage when my husband retires. The rep informed me that I will automatically be enrolled in Part B Medicare once I turn 65, which is in a couple of months. The timing is perfect; my Medicare will take effect 11/1 - which is my husb retirement date.

I was thinking about signing up for one of the Advantage plans. However, after reading a few SF posts, I think I will pass. I was on the phone with a rep the other day, and for some reason, I felt uncomfortable. I'm glad I went with my gut instinct. However, I will need a supplement to cover dental and vision. What do you guys recommend? My husb will need health coverage as well. He will not reach 65 until 2 and 1/2 years.
 

Before I was eligible for Medicare, I purchased an Obamacare plan through New York State. Mine was very expensive but they offer many different levels of coverage with many different deductibles.

Since becoming eligible for Medicare, I use a zero premium advantage plan through Excellus BCBS.

My advantage plan covers an annual eye exam and a small allowance for glasses, it also covers a basic dental exam.

The advantage plan also handles all of my prescription payments, PCP, payments, etc…

It does not cover the fairly substantial copayments and deductibles for hospitalizations.

I pay out of pocket for most dental, eyeglasses, etc…but Medicare does cover medically necessary eye care for things like a detached retina, cataracts, etc…

I believe that what I’m currently saving in monthly premiums more than covers the risk of any out of pocket expenses.

If my health changes I will rethink my plan during the annual open enrollment period.

You will receive a Medicare manual when you become eligible, take the time to read it and select a supplement that makes sense for you and your situation.

Do your homework and you’ll be fine.
 
We have an Advantage Plan with Anthem (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) with a no-cost premium and it has served us well since 2018. We have Delta Dental through DH's former employer in Tenn (which is cheaper than the same coverage in Maine) and we get billed once a year. Our Advantage plan includes EyeMed coverage which pays for SOME of the eye care. Medicare pays for any eye related medical issues - including cataract surgery and a tear duct infection. Its a tough decision - good luck!
 

Before I was eligible for Medicare, I purchased an Obamacare plan through New York State. Mine was very expensive but they offer many different levels of coverage with many different deductibles.

Since becoming eligible for Medicare, I use a zero premium advantage plan through Excellus BCBS.

My advantage plan covers an annual eye exam and a small allowance for glasses, it also covers a basic dental exam.

The advantage plan also handles all of my prescription payments, PCP, payments, etc…

It does not cover the fairly substantial copayments and deductibles for hospitalizations.

I pay out of pocket for most dental, eyeglasses, etc…but Medicare does cover medically necessary eye care for things like a detached retina, cataracts, etc…

I believe that what I’m currently saving in monthly premiums more than covers the risk of any out of pocket expenses.

If my health changes I will rethink my plan during the annual open enrollment period.

You will receive a Medicare manual when you become eligible, take the time to read it and select a supplement that makes sense for you and your situation.

Do your homework and you’ll be fine.
Thank you, Aunt Bea.
 
Aunt Bea, in some states although you are free to switch to regular Medicare from a advantage plan you won’t be able to get a supplement plan without passing underwriting which many older people have a problem doing. This is a limitation for many people. I know people in New York don’t have to worry about this issue.
 
My wife and I were both employed by a well known bank. By virtue of our employment we both had health insurance, insurance that continued when we retired. Working out very well.
 

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