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I am retired and have Medicare Part A. My spouse is a federal employee and has health insurance coverage for both of us {reason I don't have Medicare B}. When my spouse retires, we have the option to continue the health insurance provided by the federal job as well as having Medicare A for both of us. Do we need to obtain Medicare part B if we continue the federal insurance? Is it better to get Medicare B and a gap policy or retain the federal insurance or some combination of these options. I have read quite a bit on this but the answers to my questions still aren't clear to me.
Thank you for the links. I'm a little clearer on how the system works now. We are planning on keeping FEHB, but still not sure whether we need Medicare B or not. The fed plan we have is BC/BS standard. My impression was that this would cover doctors and prescription drugs and any expenses not covered by Medicare A but I'm still uncertain of this. I'm mainly trying to figure out if we will have adequate coverage with FEHB and Medicare A to avoid any life changing hidden expenses by not having Medicare B also.
Thank you for the links. I'm a little clearer on how the system works now. We are planning on keeping FEHB, but still not sure whether we need Medicare B or not. The fed plan we have is BC/BS standard. My impression was that this would cover doctors and prescription drugs and any expenses not covered by Medicare A but I'm still uncertain of this. I'm mainly trying to figure out if we will have adequate coverage with FEHB and Medicare A to avoid any life changing hidden expenses by not having Medicare B also.
in the federal soup forum there are several lengthy discussions about this very issue. they are in the subforum of medicare and healthcare. at the very basic level it depends on your circumstances.
do not unenroll from FEHB, just about everyone agrees with that.
Thank you for the links. I'm a little clearer on how the system works now. We are planning on keeping FEHB, but still not sure whether we need Medicare B or not. The fed plan we have is BC/BS standard. My impression was that this would cover doctors and prescription drugs and any expenses not covered by Medicare A but I'm still uncertain of this. I'm mainly trying to figure out if we will have adequate coverage with FEHB and Medicare A to avoid any life changing hidden expenses by not having Medicare B also.
It appears with a FEHB you do not need a Medicare B plan. Your doctors should be covered. For prescriptions, depending on what you use you may want a Medicare D plan. Consult your benefits office to see what is best for you. You can go to the Medicare.gov website to look up plans & premiums for Part D plans.
in the federal soup forum there are several lengthy discussions about this very issue. they are in the subforum of medicare and healthcare. at the very basic level it depends on your circumstances.
do not unenroll from FEHB, just about everyone agrees with that.
Thanks. I went on the federal soup forum and read quite a bit. It seems that the answer is always "depends on your circumstances". I guess I'm dumber than I thought because I can't find a definitive answer to my question. I appreciate your help and I really don't know what "personal circumstances" would make or alter the decision to add part B or not. When you say circumstances, are you referring to overall health, net worth, ongoing severe medical issues, usage of prescription drugs, or all of the above? It seems like this would be straight forward but I seem to have hit a mental block trying to figure it out.
It appears with a FEHB you do not need a Medicare B plan. Your doctors should be covered. For prescriptions, depending on what you use you may want a Medicare D plan. Consult your benefits office to see what is best for you. You can go to the Medicare.gov website to look up plans & premiums for Part D plans.
I am leaning to not needing part B but don't want to make a mistake because we would be penalized if we find out later that we need it and didn't get it from the start of retirement.
I am retired and have Medicare Part A. My spouse is a federal employee and has health insurance coverage for both of us {reason I don't have Medicare B}. When my spouse retires, we have the option to continue the health insurance provided by the federal job as well as having Medicare A for both of us. Do we need to obtain Medicare part B if we continue the federal insurance? Is it better to get Medicare B and a gap policy or retain the federal insurance or some combination of these options. I have read quite a bit on this but the answers to my questions still aren't clear to me.
Yes, you have to get Part B, but not Part D (prescriptions). Medicare becomes the primary insurance, and FEHB is the secondary payer.
I'm am a federal retiree, and I have Medicare A&B, Blue Cross FEHB, and Tricare. Maybe overinsured, but that's better than being underinsured. I've had bypass surgery, and also lower back issues, which require a number of prescriptions, some of which are quite expensive, but I have very little out of pocket with FEHB and Tricare.
I am leaning to not needing part B but don't want to make a mistake because we would be penalized if we find out later that we need it and didn't get it from the start of retirement.
I believe BCBS will penalize you and pay less if you do NOT have Part B. I am starting Medicare A&B in December and will keep my BCBS as well.
My husband has been on Medicare A&B and my fed-related FepBlue and rarely pays any copayments. He had a heart attack and placement of two stents last year and between Medicare and BCBS they paid over $211k. We paid NO out of pocket!
You can put your FE Health insurance in "abeyance" if you prefer to use a supplement. That way you can always go back to FEHB if you choose.
Thank you everyone! Part A & B with FEHB also. That should cover us well.
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