Anyone really happy on traditional Medicare?

[Desert grandma]

110. Very happy with A B D and G supplemental

The problem as I see it, is that there is not enough information given to new retirees that will allow them to make an informed choice. IMO original medicare is the best option because you are not limited by networks and needed authorizations. What is not known is that those supplemental "medigap" policies are themselves rated. "Age attained" is the most commonly rated policy which guarantees that the premium will increase each year as you age in addition to any rise in medical costs. These type of policies can end up being the most expensive over time. "Age issued" is far less common (only 2 rated this way in our state this year) and it will NOT increase due to age increases. It only goes up if medical costs increase a lot in your region due to inflation. Ours has stayed relatively stable over the 10 years we have had it. It has gone up only between 10 and 15 dollars per month TOTAL in all that time. The important thing with this plan is to get it as soon as you are eligible for Medicare. The third rating system is called community rated and in that plan, everyone regardless of age pays the same as everyone else in that "community".AARP is the only community rated plan.
We are covered for dental care with my previous employers Delta dental coverage. In addition, my husband is a veteran and both of us are covered on the VADIP dental plan with Metlife. Any veteran and spouse can get this plan as long as the veteran gets some of his/her healthcare at the VA. If Medicare could negotiate drug prices like the VA, we would all benefit. Until then, I have checked each year to see which plan D will work best for me. Hubby gets all of his meds through the VA.