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SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
3. Since you have access to a computer,
Tue Oct 14, 2014, 01:50 AM
Oct 2014

do research on line.

It all depends on where you live, what is available to you.

I went on Medicare about six months ago, and I likewise found it confusing and complicated. I'd always had coverage through a job where I had very few choices, and so this is an entire new world for me.

Here's what I suggest: Make notes about what you need. What prescription meds you take. Do you need a yearly eye exam?

I happen to have an Advantage plan, because that is the best for me. I pay nothing above and beyond what I pay for my Medicare, about $150/month. I have a high enough income that I pay more than some people. It's a PPO, but my primary care doc and my eye doc are in the plan. I am wondrously healthy, which is nice. I have zero co-pay for office visits.

That's me. Just look at the various options, and see what is best for you. If you have a good friend around your age, ask them what they are doing for their additional coverage. That's what I did when I was getting ready to go on Medicare. A very good friend has a slightly different plan with the same company (we happen to use Humana) and had a pulmonary embolism that put her in a coma nearly two years ago. She came out if it with absolutely no ill effects, and paid almost nothing out of pocket.

So again, look at what's available to you where you are. I know, it shouldn't be this complicated, but for now this is what we have.

Oh, and a couple of years ago I got into a brief conversation with a woman about four or five years older than I am, and she praised Medicare highly, saying it had made her whole health care much simpler. And I know that her husband worked for a major university, and so I hope they had good health coverage through his job. She said life was much easier now on Medicare.

I know, these are only anecdotes, but that's mainly all any of us have to work with when trying to navigate this system.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Go to www.medicare.gov alfie Oct 2014 #1
I have Blue Cross Medicare Advantage left-of-center2012 Oct 2014 #2
Since you have access to a computer, SheilaT Oct 2014 #3
easier blackcrow Jan 2015 #4
Good to hear you've got the plan you need. SheilaT Jan 2015 #5
Latest Discussions»Support Forums»Seniors»Good grief, I am confused...»Reply #3