Medicare plan...which one for me? Confuse!!

[ChrisG392981]

Will be turning 65 this Nov and I need help in choosing the plan...united/,humana??

I am still active healthy, playing tennis, pickleball, fishing, gardening, outdoors....don't drink or smoke

I need vision and dental--as usual- had cataract surgery 2 yrs ago and might need to go for a check up

I heard about the Healthy choice program-- free $$$ for food and etc

Any info will be helpful.

Thanks

[ChrisG392981]

I think the best thing for me to do is call Humana and United directly and ask them all my Qs...

[GailL1]

Sure they can answer all your questions and sell you a policy but you need to know how Medicare works so there is not any “gotchas” that come back to get you.  You need to pay for what is best for your needs.  The network you use, any prescriptions med cost and where to get them.  

But have at it - they are eager to help.  Do you even know the difference in Original (Traditional) Medicare (OM) and a Medicare Advantage plan (MA)?  

If you pick Original (Traditional) Medicare (OM) , you will probably need a Medigap plan also to cover the part that Medicare does not pay but its not mandatory.  In most states, you need to make this decision in your Initial Enrollment period when they can’t use underwriting to up your cost.  After that period, depending on your state, you health will be scrutinized before you can buy a MediGAP policy and they can charge you more or refuse you coverage altogether.  But you’re healthy (with hopes to stay that way).

That’s the thing about insurance - it is a “WHAT IF” product.

Then you have to have a Prescription Drug plan (PDP) [ Medicare Part D] under either choice of how to get your Medicare benefit -  MA or OM - most MA plans have the PDP included - to give you a MAPD - a Medicare Advantage plan with included Prescription Drug coverage.or OM with a free standing PDP.

You will have to pay your Part B premiums under either choice - I assume you will get premium fee Part A.  Currently Part B is $174.70 per month + a higher surcharge if you are a higher income beneficiary.

At least read, listen or watch videos of “Medicare and You” so that you aren’t a deer staring into headlights when you talk with somebody about Your Medicare.

Good Luck 

[GailL1]

You don’t know too much about Medicare, do you?

Start here so that at least you have a foundation on what you are looking for in a Medicare plan or plans as the case may be with Prescription Drug Coverage.  And you know what your cost are for Medicare Part A and Part B.  

Medicare.gov - MEDICARE and YOU

After you have decided on what Medicare coverage you want, then see a SHIP counselor in your state OR an independent Medicare Insurance broker OR a captive Medicare agent at whatever insurance company you want to go with for coverage.

You will have to sign up for Medicare Parts A & B and pay any premiums due before you can select a Medicare Advantage plan in your area with the coverage that you want or accept the traditional program with or without a Medigap plan to help you with some of your out of pocket cost connected to the traditional program.

Medicare is a totally different breed of health coverage - lots of bends and twist in the rules of coverage depending upon how you want to get your Medicare benefits -

I think they call their plan in Australia ‘Medicare” too so don’t get confused - totally different.

[ChrisG392981]

You don’t know too much about Medicare, do you?  ####  that why I am here to seek information.

I am sure there are others that have the same issues that I have and I just want to know what kind of plans they have....

[ChrisG392981]

FYI- I love to travel too and stays in Australia, SE Asia, etc from Jan to April.

So any plans that covers outside USA?

[GailL1]

@ChrisG392981 

Coverage outside the US is very limited - and usually has to do with emergency situations.  You would be better off with travel insurance.

Medicare.gov - Medicare Coverage Outside of the United States 

If you want a Medicare Advantage plan, find one that fits you and it may have a bit more coverage outside the US IF there are any in your area; but probably not too much more than emergency care.

AARP updated 07/17/2024 - Do I have Medicare coverage when traveling abroad?