Community Forums

jacks647 · 04-13-2014, 01:30 PM

My husband and i are getting ready to retire. Right now we have health insurance thru his work, however, when he retires we will have to go on medicare part b, and part d plus we'll have to get a medicare supplemental insurance.. Can anyone suggest a "ppo" medicare supplemental insurance? We plan to travel, so we need an insurance we can use anywhere we travel in the united states. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Bigd9 · 04-13-2014, 01:57 PM

I always thought Medicare started when you reached age 65 regardless weather you are working or not.

I am just now starting to research supplemental insurances available to me. I turn 65 in a half of a year, and I want to know the answer to the same question you do. I'm hoping my past employer will offer supplemental policies to us retirees.

MSHappyCampers · 04-13-2014, 02:54 PM

I highly recommend you get the "plan F" supplement. It takes care of everything that is left after Medicare pays. There is no co-pay! My wife has had 4 neck and 2 lower back surgeries, I have had rotator cuff and carpel tunnel surgeries of both wrists, MANY nerve blocks, and we have not paid one cent out of our pocket! The plan F is more expensive but it's well worth it if you have any medical problems! They even pay the Medicare yearly deductible!

It doesn't make any difference which company you select since they all pay the same thing, at least on the plan F. You can just shop around and find the company with the lowest rate on Plan F! I would only consider the highest rated companies so they will be there when you need them!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Cat320 · 04-13-2014, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

...I always thought Medicare started when you reached age 65 regardless weather you are working or not...

It does.

RoyalD · 04-13-2014, 05:38 PM

We use the "F" plan and insure with Mutual of Omaha. Never paid a cent over the premiums.

BobGed · 04-13-2014, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

I always thought Medicare started when you reached age 65 regardless weather you are working or not.

Not necessarily and only after you apply for it. https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-cha...s-a-and-b.html

TonyDi · 04-13-2014, 07:27 PM

Joe.. does it cover prescription meds and if so what kind of deductible does it have?

Tom-NC · 04-13-2014, 07:33 PM

HI,

Congratulations on your retirement coming up, life is good.

We have AARP supplemental Health Insurance with plan "f:" and it is super. You pay your monthly premium and they cover everything except prescriptions so you don't spend any money out of pocket. MY wife has their added prescription coverage through United Healthcare but it has it's own premium. I am with the VA so don't need prescription coverage.

I highly recommend AARP Supplemental coverage with Plan "F".

MSHappyCampers · 04-14-2014, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyDi

Joe.. does it cover prescription meds and if so what kind of deductible does it have?

No, this doesn't cover RX. You need a separate prescription card for that.

BTW- be aware that there is a Medicare "Advantage" plan where you don't pay Medicare, only the insurance company. THEY are totally responsible for your medical expenses, NOT the government! I'm not really familiar with exactly how it works, but you may not be able to get the "complete coverage" like regular Medicare with Plan F supplement. Be careful!

Hooligan · 04-14-2014, 08:08 AM

This may help explain the plans. More specific info is available on the Medicare website with your personal information entered.

Compare Medigap policies | Medicare.gov

jacks647 · 04-14-2014, 08:59 AM

Thanks. I've researched plan F and I think you are right. My question to you is: Who did you decide on going with, how much do you pay? And, are you fulltimers and does it pay anywhere you happen to be in the United States? And, is it hard to find a doctor that will take Plan F? And, does it pay for your medications or did you opt for Plan D in Medicare? Sorry for all the questions.

MSHappyCampers · 04-14-2014, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacks647

Thanks. I've researched plan F and I think you are right. My question to you is: Who did you decide on going with, how much do you pay? And, are you fulltimers and does it pay anywhere you happen to be in the United States? And, is it hard to find a doctor that will take Plan F? And, does it pay for your medications or did you opt for Plan D in Medicare? Sorry for all the questions.

As I said earlier, it doesn't matter who you go with, so long as it's a highly rated company, because they all pay the same under Plan F. Just ask your insurance agent to shop for the lowest cost plan for you.

Yes, it will cover you wherever you are in the USA.

Any doctor that takes Medicare will take Plan F.

No, it doesn't cover RX.

jacks647 · 04-14-2014, 09:50 AM

Thanks for such a quick response. You've been very helpful. The plan the agent suggested is "Continental General Insurance Company". However, I went on-line and copied all the plan F (companies that provide it) and I'll be on the phone calling the ones that look the best. Why do they make everything so hard for us "boomers"? Thanks again