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You're talking about two separate things. You have an employer provided GROUP plan. Yes, your employer had a great deal of control when selecting which plans to offer their employees (as well as how much of the premium they contribute as a benefit to their employees).
I'm talking about INDIVIDUAL coverage through the Federal ACA program. I have no employer. Nobody contributes anything towards my premiums and I have no access to an FSA.
Apples and oranges.
I didn't realize you weren't working. I'm sure different employers offer different flavors depending on their contribution level. But the spirit behind ACA is lumping individuals into a "group" via a centralized market place. You can call it apples and oranges, but I don't see where an individual plan you lay out for yourself is that different being unemployed pre or post ACA. COBRA style insurance was always very expensive.
Being out of work is a big deal. So, I guess ultimately it comes down to why you're not employed and/or why you're not covered under a family plan. If you retire before Medicaid I guess that's a personal choice - but health benefits are certainly something that should have been a consideration.
Even with a Medicare Advantage plan now, I have no deductible, and have Part A, B and D. Regular Medicare does have a very small deductible, like $150 or so.
Off topic, but I'd be interested in knowing what Advantage plan you have in NC, as I am thinking about retiring to NC, and am on Medicare with a medigap plan. You mentioned that you have no deductible, so I'd be interested in knowing which plan/company you are with. PM if you prefer. Thanks!
Off topic, but I'd be interested in knowing what Advantage plan you have in NC, as I am thinking about retiring to NC, and am on Medicare with a medigap plan. You mentioned that you have no deductible, so I'd be interested in knowing which plan/company you are with. PM if you prefer. Thanks!
Blue Cross of NC has 3 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from, each has a monthly payment. You can go to their website for all the information. With Blue Cross of NC, there is no 'out of network', the entire State of NC is innetwork.
A medi-gap plan is a supplemental plan which you pay for on your own separately.
United Healthcare has some supplemental plans; and United Healthcare/AARP also serves NC.
Straight Medicare has a deductible. Medicare Advantage plans have no deductible.
Blue Cross of NC has 3 Medicare Advantage plans to choose from, each has a monthly payment. You can go to their website for all the information. With Blue Cross of NC, there is no 'out of network', the entire State of NC is innetwork.
A medi-gap plan is a supplemental plan which you pay for on your own separately.
United Healthcare has some supplemental plans; and United Healthcare/AARP also serves NC.
Straight Medicare has a deductible. Medicare Advantage plans have no deductible.
Thanks! Good info. One difference between medigap plans (I have plan F) and Advantage plans, is the out of pocket maximum. I think all Advantage plans have some out of pocket amounts, usually a few thousand $$. My medigap plan F has no deductibles or out of pocket costs at all, but I have to have a separate Drug plan, and those have deductibles and more out of pocket costs. I'll look at the NC BCBS website. Thanks!
Thanks! Good info. One difference between medigap plans (I have plan F) and Advantage plans, is the out of pocket maximum. I think all Advantage plans have some out of pocket amounts, usually a few thousand $$. My medigap plan F has no deductibles or out of pocket costs at all, but I have to have a separate Drug plan, and those have deductibles and more out of pocket costs. I'll look at the NC BCBS website. Thanks!
Of course, I failed to mention one other comparison, that with a medigap plan F, while it covers everything and has no copays or deductibles, is pricey. Advantage plans that are a combo with both medical and drug coverage are often a good deal. Even with the out of pocket max amounts if you are hospitalized, etc., the premiums are often lower. I'll have to do the math! Thanks again!
Of course, I failed to mention one other comparison, that with a medigap plan F, while it covers everything and has no copays or deductibles, is pricey. Advantage plans that are a combo with both medical and drug coverage are often a good deal. Even with the out of pocket max amounts if you are hospitalized, etc., the premiums are often lower. I'll have to do the math! Thanks again!
Yes, the supplemental plans are pricey. I'd rather save the money from year to year on my own, and let it accumulate. Rather than give 'them' $2400 a year or so for a premium which ends each year, and have to start all over again every year. Even with a $40 or $50 copay for a specialist that you go to maybe once or twice a year, or copays for xrays or ultrasound etc., if there are any, you're way ahead of the game socking it away for yourself.
Back on topic: the ACA is the reason for sinfully high deductibles for people under 65. I also just read somewhere that Disability benefits are going to be cut almost 20%. I don't know how the legitimately disabled are going to survive! It's a travesty.
Yes, the supplemental plans are pricey. I'd rather save the money from year to year on my own, and let it accumulate. Rather than give 'them' $2400 a year or so for a premium which ends each year, and have to start all over again every year. Even with a $40 or $50 copay for a specialist that you go to maybe once or twice a year, or copays for xrays or ultrasound etc., if there are any, you're way ahead of the game socking it away for yourself.
Back on topic: the ACA is the reason for sinfully high deductibles for people under 65. I also just read somewhere that Disability benefits are going to be cut almost 20%. I don't know how the legitimately disabled are going to survive! It's a travesty.
Good info. Thanks!
Re: the Disability benefit potential cuts in 2016, I would hope that they can find the $$ to not cut those benefits, but hopefully not by raiding the SS retirement fund, which will eventually have shortfalls of its own.
One issue with SSDI is all the fraud. When I lived in Michigan, I would read about people collecting SSDI benefits and starting businesses, working under the table, etc. If they rooted out the fraud, there probably wouldn't be a shortfall. The legitimately disabled need the benefits, not the scammers. Anyway, just my 2 cents...
Thanks! Good info. One difference between medigap plans (I have plan F) and Advantage plans, is the out of pocket maximum. I think all Advantage plans have some out of pocket amounts, usually a few thousand $$. My medigap plan F has no deductibles or out of pocket costs at all, but I have to have a separate Drug plan, and those have deductibles and more out of pocket costs. I'll look at the NC BCBS website. Thanks!
Also remember to check with your current providrr BEFORE you switch. When we moved to NC in 2012, I found out that his USAA Plan F was much more expensive in NC than it was in AZ. So I researched and filled out the paperwork to switchhimto another NC Plan F.
When I called USAA to tell them I was switching, they explained that his premiums remainec at theprices charged in AX regardless of our relocation. I still don't understand why, but 3 surgeries in 3 years here in NC, and we are STILL paying the less expensive AZ rates anx have never paid any medical bills for anything except prescriptions.
Also remember to check with your current providrr BEFORE you switch. When we moved to NC in 2012, I found out that his USAA Plan F was much more expensive in NC than it was in AZ. So I researched and filled out the paperwork to switchhimto another NC Plan F.
When I called USAA to tell them I was switching, they explained that his premiums remainec at theprices charged in AX regardless of our relocation. I still don't understand why, but 3 surgeries in 3 years here in NC, and we are STILL paying the less expensive AZ rates anx have never paid any medical bills for anything except prescriptions.
Great advice! Thanks very much!
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