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Ques for you guys on Medicare re the supplement.
- Thread starter tomhenry
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It will all depend on the listing of prescriptions you are taking. You need to see a Medicare Insurance specialist, (at this time you have probably seen numerous ad's for one). They have computer programs that will evaluate all the different carriers against your list of prescriptions and that will list the company's in order by price. My Wife's plan this year with Wellcare has a $zero premium for the year. Evidently whatever Medicare is paying them is greater than the costs of her prescriptions.
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I think the OP has regular Medicare and a supplemental policy. I think that Wellcare is an Advantage plan which is a different thing.
There are significant changes coming in 2024 and 2025 concerning Part D deductibles and maximum out of pocket costs. It will benefit people taking expensive drugs.
This was part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Changes to Medicare Part D in 2024 and 2025 Under the Inflation Reduction Act and How Enrollees Will Benefit | KFF
This was part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Changes to Medicare Part D in 2024 and 2025 Under the Inflation Reduction Act and How Enrollees Will Benefit | KFF
Sistema1927
US Veteran
A bit off topic, but relevant. I am certainly glad that my Medicare Supplement program is tied into my retirement, and there is no reason for me to shop anywhere else.
However, the amount of advertising money spent on TV and the barrage of mailings wanting you to switch during the annual open enrollment period makes me think that there is so much money being funneled into the program by the feds that there certainly has to be a way to streamline the process and save some bucks for the taxpayers.
I feel for those who have to wade through this endless list of offerings looking for the best deal each year without running the risk of being cheated.
However, the amount of advertising money spent on TV and the barrage of mailings wanting you to switch during the annual open enrollment period makes me think that there is so much money being funneled into the program by the feds that there certainly has to be a way to streamline the process and save some bucks for the taxpayers.
I feel for those who have to wade through this endless list of offerings looking for the best deal each year without running the risk of being cheated.
I have Aetna in which I am well pleased.
Ask Joe Namath. If he's busy, ask Martha.
GypsmJim
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It depends on where you live. My personal coverage actually went down for 2024, and the copays went down and the oops went down.
BCBS may be good coverage, but some areas have options that are better. Also, regardless of company, the specific policy you chose needs to consider the number and type of meds you have.
I had Aetna when I worked and they sucked. BCBS screwed me when I was in business, so I won't go there.
Look for a 5-star rated carrier that services your area.
Last year we went with the zero premium giveback plan. All our prescriptions went up by about $30 a quarter, and doctor visits went up by 5 bucks. But with the $190 / month savings it was a no-brainer. We have no meds above tier 2.
BCBS may be good coverage, but some areas have options that are better. Also, regardless of company, the specific policy you chose needs to consider the number and type of meds you have.
I had Aetna when I worked and they sucked. BCBS screwed me when I was in business, so I won't go there.
Look for a 5-star rated carrier that services your area.
Last year we went with the zero premium giveback plan. All our prescriptions went up by about $30 a quarter, and doctor visits went up by 5 bucks. But with the $190 / month savings it was a no-brainer. We have no meds above tier 2.
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I am curious to know what anyone that has it thinks of Tricare for Life...that's what my future holds in a few more years.
I go to a Medicare supplement advisor, she makes money from the insurance companies when she signs you up. She knows what’s going on with all the companies and saves me searching. Everyone we send to her is happy. Every city has them, Larry
THE PILGRIM
Member
TRICARE - I only use if for meds.
Get them from their contractor, Express Scripts.
I could probably get my two generics locally and pay full cost just as cheap as paying the copays!
The future of TRICARE? Hard to estimate, depends on Congress.
Get them from their contractor, Express Scripts.
I could probably get my two generics locally and pay full cost just as cheap as paying the copays!
The future of TRICARE? Hard to estimate, depends on Congress.
I have been using an insurance agent for years to find the policy for me. However USAA if you qualify has the best rates this year but does not use insurance agents. You buy direct. I am going that way this year. Hate to drop my agent as he has been good to me but but $75 a month cheaper adds up
locolobo56
Member
I'm with Aetna but am pretty much stuck with 'em as I have a RHCP from my former employer. It's worth a fairly large 5 figure investment but I'm stuck with whichever insurance company they are using, which is Aetna. I'm pretty happy with 'em though.
You can't really predict what Congress will do, but right now, TFL is fine. Doesn't cost anything (you have to already have Medicare Part B), pays the remainder that Medicare didn't. Drug co-pays are very small. AFAIK (there may be some strange special cases that I am not aware of) you simply don't need anything else.
Of course, long term care is a whole nother story, and probably varies quite a bit depending on where you live and on your financial state.
DWalt
Member
As stated, there are numerous information sources that will work up a plan rate comparison of all supplemental insurance carriers according to your needs. My now-deceased M-I-L used the AARP supplemental health coverage plan and she was very happy with it. But she died over five years ago, and was not using any of the premium non-generic drugs. My supplemental health coverage is through Aetna, and it has excellent drug coverage, and also everything else. Except I am in a category that not everyone would qualify for. And at present I use only generic drugs which are 100% covered by my plan with no co-pays. As previously mentioned, Medicare Advantage plans are different animals from Medicare Supplement plans.
This may help: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement | Cigna
This may help: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement | Cigna
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Find a local insurance broker.
I deal with this for my mom and we have an insurance broker who goes over the different policies, doctors and prescription benefits that change from year to year and which one will be the most beneficial for her. She comes to the house, too. Nothing is out of pocket for us.
I have standard Medicare A & B and Tricare for Life. Great coverage! I had double knee replacement, a week + in the hospital and another week in rehabilitation care. My costs were $75 for the transport from hospital to rehab and the $55 for a bath seat when I got home. Rarely do I have any patient "pays." Drug coverage is pretty good also.
One word of caution with any coverage--If you are hospitalized, many hospitals use "contract" doctors, the ones who just pop in to take vitals, etc., who may not accept your insurance. Make it known that if any doctor-anesthesiologist, surgeon, whomever--does not accept your insurance to not provide service to you. They can bill you directly without benefit of insurance coverage.
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I like to post this once every year. Each state has a program, usually called SHIIP - Seniors Health Insurance Information Program. They have well trained volunteers who can meet with you in person or over the phone. They don't try, or want, to sell you anything. They'll have info that will optimize your benefits for your needs, and it's free of charge.
Twenty years ago I used to tell people to look in the pages in the front of their phone book for the number, I guess those days are gone. Use your magic device.
Twenty years ago I used to tell people to look in the pages in the front of their phone book for the number, I guess those days are gone. Use your magic device.
MTC(SS)Ret
US Veteran
My wife and I have been on Medicare part A and B and Tricare for life for 4 years. We have NEVER had to pay a deductible or co-pay. During that time she had vocal cord cancer and went through 7 weeks of daily Proton Therapy (she has been cancer free since), had to have C-spine fusion surgery, and was in the hospital for Covid. I was hospitalized a couple days for a coronary stent implant. We are both in pain management, me for a herniated lumbar disc and her for arthritis.
If I had to guess I would estimate our total medical expenses covered by Medicare and TFL, inpatient and outpatient for the last 4 years at $750,000.
The ONLY out of pocket we have is prescriptions, and we get most of those through Express Scripts home delivery. The most we have ever paid for a 90 day supply is $34, and the majority have been $12. We occasionally get short term Rx's at a local pharmacy for no more than $14. (I just got a Rx for 85 cents co-pay).
Needless to say Tricare for Life has been a God send for us. I'm sure anyone else that has it will tell you the same.
We have Medicare Advantage plans. Mine is Aetna. Wife has AARP United Healthcare. Both good plans it seems. Copays $5.00 for primary and $45 to $65 for specialists. I had to switch RX to CVS but can use other pharmacy like Walmart. She got to keep our pharmacy at grocery store. We still pay our Medicare premiums but Both plans are zero cost to us. My retirement provides a secondary Blue Cross low option plan that kicks in for hospital and severe stuff.
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