Onebyone

I went to a medicare seminar and was shocked at the different options. There is a lot of out of pocket costs with A B and C plans. I didn't know you could choose a plan for specific illenss like diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illness. It sure pays to go to one of the seminars that explains everything. No selling allowed at medicare sponsored ones. Anyone here have the F plan? That has no out of pocket cost or co pays. No limits.

Onebyone

If you have a specific illness do not let the 7 month window escape by! After that you have to answer health questions to get the coverage.

Doggramma

Thanks for the tip. I'll need to choose next year and I have a chronic illness. It'll be better if I start planning for it now.

dunster

I opted for F coverage. That means no out of pocket costs, no co pays, no deductible, and I can go to any doctor or hospital, even if traveling in another country. The cost goes up as you get older, and it can be a hefty increase, but I would rather pay that known amount for insurance than face a huge medical bill, or neglect getting medical treatment because of the cost.

Onebyone

Dh and I will get the F plan . It is peace of mind for long term when we might not have a mind left!

GramE

I kept my full BCBS. I couldn't find a seminar close to me & the only people who would talk with me weren't the ones I wanted to talk to. The drug plan was one of our concerns. My husband is an insulin diabetic, has heart issues, BP, prostrate, on & on and I have a chronic condition that requires treatment every 3-5 months + monthly dr visits & specialists. So we kept our full BCBS plan & took Medicare. I've been on Medicare for 4 yrs, my husband just one.

Jeanne S

Don't forget to also select a Part D plan for prescription drugs---they are not covered under Medicare Part A or B or the Medicare supplemental plans.

Prism99

We have F. Be sure to get a prescription drug plan too. If you go longer than 6 months without one, you get charged more when you do get one. The longer you don't have one, the higher the percentage rate extra you are charged.

Stitchnripper

If you are covered by a good plan through your or husband's employer and can keep it, do consider what GremE said too. We have good coverage through my former employer so I opted for straight Medicare and that other coverage acts as my supplement. Hubby has 5 more years before he is eligible for Medicare and if the coverage is still as good he will stay on it too.

paoberle

There is an organization in every state called SHIIP - Senior Health Insurance Information Program. It is free. They will help you with all you insurance questions and concerns and help you navigate the very confusing world of Medicare. They will even be an advocate should you ever need one. Call you local Senior Services for more information.