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Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 2:11 pm
by Jaybird
Just got my information on what it will cost for 2013. It is an Anthem Advantage Plan and the premium really increased and the maximum out of pocket really really really increased. Plus some other increases in co-pays. Don't know who to thank, the insurance company, Obamacare, or just the government in general. Probably all the above. I know there are people on here advanced in age as well, :-o so what do you all do for a supplement plan.

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 4:28 pm
by Pop-O
Went with "Mutual of Omaha" this year. Supposedly covers me with no out of pocket $$$$$. Don't have any experience with claims other than a Colonoscopy. That's been my only doctor visit thus far. No cost to me on that. I pay just over 100$ a month over my Medicare premiums. I won't go AARP ever.

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2012 10:27 pm
by Captain Bob
I'm certainly no expert but, from 5 years of personal experience:

The plans that are available to you are dependent upon where you live*. Also, the same plan in one city might be much more expensive than the same plan in another city. And not all plans are the same everywhere or even available everywhere. The only sure way to make a correct decision is to gather all the facts (and go to the free seminars if you can) and lay out all the available plans side by side. Then, score depending upon what is most important in your personal situation:

Monthly premium? Out-of-pocket? Deductibles? <-very important!
Can you use current doctors? Do you require pre-approval to see specialists?
What is (or is not) covered? Any exisiting conditions to consider?
..And, if possible, try to get info on how responsive the company is (from friends, if possible)

In a similar vein, how do they handle prescriptions? Will your current medicines be covered equally by all plans? Will the prescriptions cost the same in each plan?

Some plans (Humana Plus used to) provide free membership to YMCA, Well-being courses, etc. Ask about it.

Everything changes each year (or has for us). Just sticking with the "same" company from year-to-year might be the easiest (but often, the most expensive ) solution.

Growing old is not for wimps.... :-\

*Plans are dependent upon the demographics of your area: Average age, lifestyles, education, medical facilities and professional care available, etc. are some of the factors considered. Example.. Folks in Appalachia have less access to health care and folks in Florida are (on average) much older --so their costs are higher.

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 7:46 am
by Nervous Wreck
This seems like a good place to post this!


One more reason not to vote for Obama
---------------------------------------------------

This message is to inform the public WHAT is happening


A Message From Blue Cross Blue Shield To ALL AMERICANS .. ..
November 6, 2012 will be the most important date that will affect the rest
of your life ... The Choice Is Yours.

A message from Blue Cross Blue Shield

Professor Emeritus John W. Hill, JD, PhD
Kelley School of Business, Indiana University

MEDICARE

Look clearly at the 2014 rate compared to the 2013 rate.

For those of you who are on Medicare, read the following. It's short, but
important and you probably haven't heard about it in the Mainstream News:

"The per person Medicare Insurance Premium will increase from the present
Monthly Fee of$96.40, rising to:

$104.20 in 2012

$120.20 in 2013

And

$247.00 in 2014."

These are Provisions incorporated in the Obamacare Legislation, purposely
delayed so as not to confuse the 2012 Re-Election Campaigns. Send this to
all Seniors that you know, so they will know who's throwing them under the
bus.

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:26 am
by E_
Is that a actual e-mail you received from Blue Cross? If So I am also going to share that on my facebook feed.

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 8:43 am
by Nervous Wreck
E_HILLMAN wrote:Is that a actual e-mail you received from Blue Cross? If So I am also going to share that on my facebook feed.
sent you an e-mail.

also, just dug this up.

http://jdgroover.wordpress.com/2012/09/ ... ue-shield/
and this:
http://factcheck.org/2011/04/premium-no ... -medicare/

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:17 am
by E_
Thanks, can't figure out if it is legit or not. I DO know premiums will jump drastically but I don't have the actual figures on hand. If I get a chance I'll try to find the "schedule"

Re: Medicare Supplement Plan

Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2012 9:29 am
by E_
Here is a little info
http://www.conservativedailynews.com/20 ... d-workers/


See page 234 here: https://www.cms.gov/ReportsTrustFunds/d ... tr2010.pdf
Some point to this document but it is from 2010 and the healthcare reform law was not fully understood or relseased then to don't follow it.

Here is a updated copy
https://www.cms.gov/ReportsTrustFunds/d ... tr2012.pdf around 236 of 285 you should be able to find some of the data you might be looking for.