Shopsmith Forums

I have just been given the opportunity to choose my medicare gap or Advantage plan. Before the choice was basically made for me by my employer and I had a high deductible Medi gap plan. However now I must make the choice.

What are you guys doing?
Medigap where you stay on medicare and have supplemental plan to pay what medicare doesn't?

An advantage plan that become medicare for you but has certain copays that Medicare doesn't have.

If you are in an Advantage plan is it an HMO or a PPO. HMO makes you choose a primary care doctor who refers you should the need arise. PPO is you use one of their doctors but don't need referrrals.

My own 'experience' which I plan to continue is standard medicare with a plan 'F' supplement that pays all co-pays and covers the 20%. Ain't cheap, but out of pocket = 0. In my case it is an AARP plan administered by UHC.

P.S. YOU chose the provider(s)!

Drug, dental, vision are still 'in the air' for me.

Ditto on plan F, we are not young and health becomes an issue, don't go cheap on coverage because that 20% copay can become a killer. A year ago had surgery that cost over $100,000 all I saw were copies of the bills , insurance covered all costs.

One trip to the Operating Room will make you thankful that you have good coverage (if you do).

My original plan was to work for the State for 10 years when I turned 60 to qualify for free health and dental insurance for life and draw a pension. But, this ShopSmith hobby and my Model Sailboat adventures have turned out to be much more expensive than I expected therefore I found a need to continue my employment until such time I decide to drop all my hobbies and retire to the couch and catch up on my netflex movies. I just turned 70 yesterday and feel better today than I have in years. I probably will work for another 5 years for sure if possible if for no other reason to keep my mind active. As I understand it, my State benefits would become my supplemental insurance and Medicare my primary when I finally do retire. The State insurance would cover my Dental.

fredsheldon wrote:My original plan was to work for the State for 10 years when I turned 60 to qualify for free health and dental insurance for life and draw a pension. But, this ShopSmith hobby and my Model Sailboat adventures have turned out to be much more expensive than I expected therefore I found a need to continue my employment until such time I decide to drop all my hobbies and retire to the couch and catch up on my netflex movies. I just turned 70 yesterday and feel better today than I have in years. I probably will work for another 5 years for sure if possible if for no other reason to keep my mind active. As I understand it, my State benefits would become my supplemental insurance and Medicare my primary when I finally do retire. The State insurance would cover my Dental.

It is my philosophy and firm personal belief that if you "retire to the couch", it won't be long until you have no need for an income. Based on that, I suggest that you plan to remain active for as long as your body and mind will allow. Abandon that couch idea.

There may come a time when you want to abandon those hobbies that could result in serious personal injury (like cutting off fingers), but then model sailboats don't sound hazardous (as long as you don't fall into the lake).

fredsheldon wrote:My original plan was to work for the State for 10 years when I turned 60 to qualify for free health and dental insurance for life and draw a pension. But, this ShopSmith hobby and my Model Sailboat adventures have turned out to be much more expensive than I expected therefore I found a need to continue my employment until such time I decide to drop all my hobbies and retire to the couch and catch up on my netflex movies. I just turned 70 yesterday and feel better today than I have in years. I probably will work for another 5 years for sure if possible if for no other reason to keep my mind active. As I understand it, my State benefits would become my supplemental insurance and Medicare my primary when I finally do retire. The State insurance would cover my Dental.

I do not think that will help Ed.

I have concerns that after ObamaCare gets a foot hold all insurance coverage will tend to follow along the same lines.

I recently experienced a nose bleed that I could not stop. I had to go to the emergency room. In the past, my medical coverage would have taken care of the bills. Not this time.

I was subsequently billed for those items and treatments that medicare did not authorize. Included were items like saline solution, something that can be purchased without a prescription. Yes, Medicare covered my Emergency Room visit but with exceptions.

Next time, I'll carry along my own bottle of saline solution.

JPG40504 wrote:My own 'experience' which I plan to continue is standard medicare with a plan 'F' supplement that pays all co-pays and covers the 20%. Ain't cheap, but out of pocket = 0. In my case it is an AARP plan administered by UHC.

P.S. YOU chose the provider(s)!

Drug, dental, vision are still 'in the air' for me.

Jpg
Why not a medicare advantage plan? Many have an out of pocket max that is below the Plan F supplement cost? In my case Blue Cross offers an HMO that has all my doctors and specialist included. It also includes minimal dental, eye and hearing along with a very strong drug plan.

fredsheldon wrote:My original plan was to work for the State for 10 years when I turned 60 to qualify for free health and dental insurance for life and draw a pension. But, this ShopSmith hobby and my Model Sailboat adventures have turned out to be much more expensive than I expected therefore I found a need to continue my employment until such time I decide to drop all my hobbies and retire to the couch and catch up on my netflex movies. I just turned 70 yesterday and feel better today than I have in years. I probably will work for another 5 years for sure if possible if for no other reason to keep my mind active. As I understand it, my State benefits would become my supplemental insurance and Medicare my primary when I finally do retire. The State insurance would cover my Dental.

You sorry dog didn't even mention it when you came over. I had no idea it was your Birthday and you spent it servicing my 510. What a trooper. Thanks again.

Ok for what it is worth I work in the medical industry with Home Oxygen and to a person the people with AARP are the happiest and have less headaches with their insurance for what it is worth.