I can't afford Medigap plan

[samplegirl]

So please tell me what I should do?
I'm 67 am I alright with an advantage plan???,?

Please advise because I'm lost and losing sleep over this. Medigap will be an extra 185.00 a month.

I only get 1,000 SS

Somebody help me.


Thanks

[nini]

1. You should be able to get Medicaid assistance also

But if you can’t afford it do the advantage plan. You have to do what you can under your circumstances.

This link may help with options for you.
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help

[Diamond_Dog]

2. Go talk to an insurance navigator

They are very knowledgeable about all things pertaining to Medicare. And their services are free. That’s what I did.

[samplegirl]

4. I did that and really

most of it made no sense.

[LakeArenal]

7. Find a different navigator. That's the only way to be not confused.

If lay people are confused you have to find a professional.

[Ilsa]

3. Good luck to you, and please talk to

someone who can help you sign up for other benefits to enhance your income. I'm guessing you may qualify for other assistance depending on the state in which you reside.

[enough]

5. I have been on an advantage plan for 15 years, since I turned 65.

I have had 3 total joint replacements, and a diagnosis of Afib.

I have never had a denial, delay, or any other problem. All my meds are free except for one. My husband is on the same plan. He’s also 80, Never any denial or delay in 15 years.

Our GP copay is $5 per visit.

[Silent Type]

13. Yeah, I think most denial criticism is overplayed. Even Original Medicare denies claims, asks for additional info, and

have recently started using prior approval on services with a high potential for improper billing.

[Lonestarblue]

6. Is it possible to find a less expensive Medigap plan?

This site lets you compare plans based on where you live.

https://rates.medicarecompared.com/ms/?customer_id=303-229-9197&utm_campaign=e-search_b-mc_l-tier%202_p-ms_d-uk_t-none_bs-tcpa_h-bh&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=search&utm_content=&utm_term=medigap&adgroupid=pd-medigap_mt-e%3Ap&extensionid=&location=102990&adposition=&device=c&matchtype=p&campaignID=638619216&adid=&querystring=cheapest%20medigap%20plans&network=o&adgroup_ID=1250146056034727&msclkid=6e2544c4bd521b97ec84239d1719fb83

The worry I have with Advantage is that they can drop your in-network doctors and force you to change to doctors in their network anytime the want to. Some insurers, like United Healthcare, also have very high rates of denying medical treatment. They can also just choose to cease providing any coverage for your area, which has been happening more in rural and low population areas.

With original Medicare, you’re guaranteed medical care. So you might consider your health and decide whether you even need a Medigap policy if the copays would be less than the premium. There’s a big risk, though, because if you get seriously ill, you might be on the hook for thousands of dollars.

Here’s an article on help for seniors in affording supplemental insurance.

https://www.seniorcorps.org/medicare/what-if-i-cant-afford-premiums-on-medicare-supplemental-insurance/

[Clouds Passing]

8. If you can get a Presbyterian advantage plan, mine has been good.

[edhopper]

9. Income of only $12000 a year

Should qualify you for Medicaid.

[samplegirl]

12. But my husbands income

as well.

[Jacson6]

10. Check with your county social services agency.

You may be eligible Medicaid & Medicare(M&M) and won't have to worry about Medigap or Medicare part C. You should not enroll in a private health insurance plan that allows dual coverage for medicaid & Medicare. They are horrible plans and most Doctors/Clinics won't take people with it. With Medicaid many communities have community health clinics that accept M&M patients. You also may be eligible for waiver of the $175 per month fee for Medicare Part B(DR & Outpatient care). You don't have to worry at all about Medicare Part A.

Good Luck.

[EYESORE 9001]

11. I recently priced medical insurance for myself

Last edited Wed Dec 11, 2024, 12:14 PM - Edit history (1)

I’m a 69-year-old non smoker with no major issues. I was quoted a lower price than what you showed, although I’m sure it varies from state to state. Personally, I’m going to stay on Medicare advantage because I’m a cheap bastage and I’m kicking myself for not getting on a medigap plan when I was first eligible. I’m going to encourage my wife to get a medigap plan when she turns 65 next year, however.

[RobinA]

14. There Is A Bunch

of people here on DU who trash Medicare Advantage every chance they get. Do not let them scare you. Plenty of people have had no problems with Medicare Advantage plans. The downsides are really no different than most every employer-provided health care plans that aren't Medicare. Of course, ANYTHING that seems to be good to be true probably is.

[EYESORE 9001]

15. Until your medical procedure or treatment is deemed too expensive, that is

With Medicare advantage, treatment may be denied, unlike medigap, which cannot deny coverage from any facility or provider that accepts Medicare. I’d rather not face a death panel to get healthcare.

[RobinA]

19. You Are Sorely Mistaken

if you believe that Medicare doesn't deny coverage. I had an Aunt (straight Medicare, Medigap) just a week ago be denied coverage because her hospital didn't keep her for the three days Medicare requires before they will pay for rehab. She was supposed to go home alone with four broken ribs. She couldn't move. She's 90 and relatively healthy.

[mucholderthandirt]

16. I'm so poor, I automatically got enrolled in Medicaid, and I got an advantage plan that has no copay.

I pay nothing, including, so far, nothing for prescriptions. I get $302 a month for qualified OTC and "healthy" groceries. It helps a lot. I'm able to pay my share of the household bills, as neither I or my oldest son can afford to live on our own. Well, he probably could, but it would be tight, with no Internet or any cushion if something happened.

I found my own advantage plan, looked at UHC, Humana, a couple of others. United had the best plan, actually. Shame the big boss there got shot. (And no, I don't romanticize the idiot who did it, it's still murder).

[lynnyl]

17. FYI

My brother was just researching this. Will find out from him what he found out and send you a message later.

[samplegirl]

18. Thanks

[leftyladyfrommo]

20. I can't afford Medigap but I have friends

with it and they never pay anything.

I have Humana Advantage Plus and it's been wonderful so far.

[JCMach1]

21. Depending on health and state, advantage

CAN even possibly work better for you.

Don't sweat the decision too much.

My dad did fine on advantage (was on home hospice) and my mom is fine now with advantage. Just compare the different ones in your state

I know it's hella overwhelming. I also know there are a lot of detractors on DU. Just turn off all the noise and find what works best for you.

[W_HAMILTON]

22. As some others have said, seek out a reputable Medicare broker in your area.

They will be able to walk you through this and should be able to give you a variety of options. Be wary of any that immediately try to steer you directly into Medicare Advantage, though. I would only use that as a last resort. And this comes from experience: I was a caregiver for my elderly mom and had to deal with the disastrous impact of someone wrongly pushing her into a Medicare Advantage plan when she was younger and healthier. As the moniker goes, "Medicare Advantage is great -- as long as you never need to use it."

[Kali999]

23. government plans

Can help you get cheaper regular Medicare. I think if you get that they help pay the other. Check with SHIP three different tiers of it. Good luck.