Any Medicare experts here?
 

Turning 65 in September and I guess I need to do something or get penalized for not doing it... So, anyone work in this area? What input do members who are already signed up have to offer? I am not dumb but could use a little Medicare For Dummies crash course...

Sorry about putting in main forum but wanted eyes on this.

I’m good with it for 10 yrs,. Buy a supplemental policy to go with it…
The most important thing for me is to be pro active with all your care, just don’t leave it up to the “pro’s”
They’re way to busy trying to keep the numbers up and make money with all the Medicare pricing… IMO

or just don’t get sick or injured… ;-)

Went through it a few years ago. Bought the book "Medicare for Dummys" on Amazon. Cleared things right up. There are options to consider related to coverage, costs, and risks that should be understood before a decision is made. Good Luck! and Congrats!

Like not climbing ladders with a chain saw?

PIEMMA has a good story about that.

member that Jeff?

Nah ….. :smash:

Started working with an advisor since I have to sign up for Part A by Halloween. She seems to know her #^&#^&#^&#^&. Seems like the way to go since there are so many options and things are a changing, and wrong decisions will cost ya.

Advice I got from a smaht guy I trust;

If you don't do certain things on time, you wind up being financially penalized FOREVER

He also recommended two books;

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https...Edh_3F8Hq4WWuk

and;

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https..._s66dnKqisfVQ8

sign up for part A on time to avoid the penalty. Advisor goes beyond medicare to advise on other health insurance coverage as/if needed.

Local senior center in my town had extensive break downs of many supplemental plans and various co pay cost. The more you pay monthly, generally, the out of pocket cost for specialists, X-ray, MRI , etc, are lower. Also you have more of an ability to go out of network if needed.
Lots to digest.
You can switch supplemental plans annually during open enrollment if not satisfied with the one you’re on.
You do have to be an advocate for yourself. Seems the older you get you are not prioritized as much.

Like what was said about a good supplemental plan. We have AARP United Healthcare. Get the best you can afford. There are several levels available. We have the best plan which isn't cheap but, with a Quad Bypass, Cancer etc. we feel it's worth it. I have NO Copay for anything. Even my prescription drugs, (5 a day for me and 2 a day for Jeanne) cost us ZERO.

not many seniors can get away with just basic medicare with no riders

I get hit some on my [d] but like paul I pay more for C but don,t pay a dime on any of my medical visits, precedure, operations , rubbers


Now Gale has a Blue Cross plan that she does have a co pays ........... but her monthlu id much lower .......an they paid for a execise bike an she gets extra money from them to buy medical supplies at CVS non scrip, toothpaste, shaving, bandages, mouthwash ETC

MA, CT and NY are the only three states that can not deny you supplemental insurance (Medigap) due to any health condition and you can get Medigap at any age even if your 100 years old for the same price as someone that turned 65 and is healthy. The other states screw you over the barrel be glad that your a MA resident.
You could get a Blue Cross Advantage Plan for now and if you should get ill then switch over to a supplemental plan for the following year before treatment if you can not wait until the following year the most you will pay is the maximum deductible of the Advantage Plan.
Example if your doctor says you need a heart operation wait until Jan of the following year for the start date of the Medigap plan.
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If you get C which is for long duration of possible many years then you pay whatever Medicare Advantage Plan deductible up until Dec of the C year then switch to the Medigap for Jan.
Massachusetts will not charge more or deny if you have C prior to signing up.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I'm glad I don't have to wade through all of this. I only have Part A in case of the unlikely event of being back in the US for some reason and needing emergency hospital care.

The guy on your road? Yes :1poke: