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I am turning 65 very soon and have to make that all-important Medicare supplement decision. Every time I start reading all the stuff I've received in the mail or things online, I get overwhelmed, and my stomach ends up in knots.
I am petrified of losing the very expensive insurance I have now and making a mistake in the choice I'm about to make. All I know for certain is that I do not want an Advantage plan. I wish I had started all this research earlier as I didn't know it would be that difficult to figure out. I need help!
I guess the good news is that the hospital system my doctors are a part of sent out a letter a while back, listing those Medicare plans they accept. That should help me weed out at least some of the many choices.
Anyone else have this type of anxiety, or am I just being a baby?
no you are not being a baby. It's a difficult and confusing decision. I would suggest finding a Medicare broker or maybe calling AARP and have someone help you with this process. You don't have to pay them so you might as well use one.
Use a broker.
I know now that I would have saved a bundle for a few years if I had sought out help from one and hadn't gone with just what looked 'safest' because the whole deal can be confusing and intimidating at first
If you want to feel more confident that she/he has given you the best option, you can always double check it yourself armed with the new knowledge gained from him
My city's Leisure Learning Classes offers a class on Medicare Supplements. The instructor is an insurance agent and he had info on all the major Medicare insurance supplement companies. His class answered a lot of questions for me. Maybe your local Leisure Learning, or adult education equivalent, offers the same kind of classes.
Too, the Medicare internet site offers a pretty good explanation of each of the plans available (they're called A, B, C, etc. "F" is the most popular plan nationwide). The book that Medicare sends each member every year also has a description of each insurance company in each state and how each one is ranked by its subscribers.
Very difficult to choose. In my area they offered many seminars; I went to several.
Go online with your prescriptions, too and figure out which part D is best for you.
I was looking at a plan for a family friend last night and the stupid plan didn't even tell me what KIND of a plan it was..I looked for 20 minutes until I found out that it was a MAPD plan....not on her card, not in the name of the plan, nothing, and I understand how this stuff works. Find a broker!!
I am turning 65 very soon and have to make that all-important Medicare supplement decision. Every time I start reading all the stuff I've received in the mail or things online, I get overwhelmed, and my stomach ends up in knots.
I am petrified of losing the very expensive insurance I have now and making a mistake in the choice I'm about to make. All I know for certain is that I do not want an Advantage plan. I wish I had started all this research earlier as I didn't know it would be that difficult to figure out. I need help!
I guess the good news is that the hospital system my doctors are a part of sent out a letter a while back, listing those Medicare plans they accept. That should help me weed out at least some of the many choices.
Anyone else have this type of anxiety, or am I just being a baby?
Looking around, talking to any number of folks in the same boat, I don't know anyone who doesn't have that kind of anxiety. And for good reason, it is confusing, and so much rides on the decisions you make.
I chose Plan N. for me here in Nazi Jerky. It is the best balance between premiums and coverage for my situation. Your situation might best be served by a different plan.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions. All are very helpful, and I am feeling like less of an idiot for being so stressed out over this. I just don't want to make a costly mistake.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions. All are very helpful, and I am feeling like less of an idiot for being so stressed out over this. I just don't want to make a costly mistake.
Just remember that in terms of medigap plans, all same lettered plans ( ie, A, F, N etc.), regardless of carrier, are exactly equal. For example, one carriers plan A pays exactly the same benefits as another carrier's A. The only difference is the premium you pay. You just need to be sure that your providers are Medicare providers. Most, but not all, are.
Don't feel like an idiot about this. It made me crazy, too.
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