I just wanted to mention for anyone who's new to Medicare this year, it really does matter whether or not you do a Medicare Advantage program. Since the election advertising has disappeared (thank Bilbo) the primary advertising, at least around here, is for Medicare Advantage programs. They really make them seem like great deals over regular Medicare with all kinds of free shit like dental and vision care, but it's mostly a bait and switch and they aren't offering any more than you can get included in many of supplement (medigap) programs available. And while many of the Medicare Advantage programs have 0 premiums, they also require you to preauthorize many medical services, which they often end up turning down. I've been through a fairly nasty three years of medical events since I've been on Medicare and I've never had to preauthorize anything or been turned down for any medical need I had. I might have liked another day or two in the hospital after lung surgery, but I would have had the same experience with any insurance company.
There are companies out there called Medicare brokers, or Independent Medicare Insurance agents that will help seniors figure their way through the gauntlet. They don't charge us a fee, they are paid by the insurance companies, and they really can and will help. I use a company called United Medicare Advisors, but there are many out there. You have nothing to lose by checking them out. It is hard sometimes to get them to say "don't buy Medicare advantage" but they will rarely show you Medicare Advantage options unless you are in that small class of folks who may be forced to take the risk associated with MA, like not being able to go to a Dr you want to see. And if you get one who is brave, they will answer your direct questions. I think they are pressured to not give up the game about Medicare Advantage because those are far and away the plans that will make the insurance companies the most money.
Couple years ago, when I first qualified for Medicare I contacted "
SHIP"... provides unbiased
help to
Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.
SHIP is your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
Just before I contacted SHIP I did as much studying up on Medicare as I could. I marveled at the complexity and wondered how the average person would be able to navigate this shit without getting scammed. I specifically wanted to steer clear of any "brokers" even though many said they they are independent. I have to admit I was even skeptical about "SHIP" which was another driving factor in all the homework I did prior to working with SHIP. I did get comfortable with SHIP once it became apparent they were the real deal.
My SHIP rep complemented me on knowing so much about Medicare already and I found I knew just about everything I needed to EXCEPT whether I should go with original Medicare or Advantage. My SHIP rep gave me examples but was trying desperately not to answer the question directly. I kept asking him what he and his wife were using and he kept changing the topic. Eventually he said "Original Medicare is the best option
if you can afford it because it has the least restrictions". He even used the term "Gold Standard" to describe how I was using the Medicare site to investigate Medigap and Part D plans and that I had selected the right options to go with .... "If I could afford it".
Its easy to see how some might get frustrated, throw up their hands and select an Advantage plan for zero $. I've seen plenty of Advantage commercials and received a slew of Advantage emails, Facebook links, etc. but I've received hardly any introductions to Medigap and Part D.
I know plenty of folks who are happy with their Advantage plan until they try to select a specific hospital, doctor or need medical help outside of their state. Advantage plans for healthy folks are still a good choice depending on what you can afford and whether your doctors and such are "in network".