Which Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Do You Have? (monthly, wife, Medigap)
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It would have been so much clearer to myself and our audience here if only you had been more precise by adding one word and said; "My Kaiser Medicare Advantage Plan covers me nationwide". People cannot be expected to know exactly what you have unless you tell us. The devil is in the details...
Really now, I think most people know that Escort Rider has the Kaiser. MA plan.
It is quite obvious that you don't like MA plans. They certainly are not for everyone. But they are definitely a viable alternative for many people. Evidently so as their enrollment far exceeds Medigap enrollment,
Really now, I think most people know that Escort Rider has the Kaiser. MA plan.
Really? I very much doubt that... Why should most people know that? Most people have probably never even heard of a Kaiser plan...and certainly don't have it available to them!
Really? I very much doubt that... Why should most people know that? Most people have probably never even heard of a Kaiser plan...and certainly don't have it available to them!
Because he has posted quite extensively on this forum re MA plans and the Kaiser MA that he belongs to.
Because he has posted quite extensively on this forum re MA plans and the Kaiser MA that he belongs to.
I doubt seriously that most regulars would even remember such stuff pertaining to one select individual...and there are certainly many people (in the audience) reading this thread that are new to C-D and have no clue what anyone has previously posted.
I doubt seriously that most regulars would even remember such stuff pertaining to one select individual...and there are certainly many people (in the audience) reading this thread that are new to C-D and have no clue what anyone has previously posted.
On the topic of Advantage vs Medigap plans you'd likely doubt wrong. There has been a lot of discussions re that very issue on this forum. And given that it is a Retirement forum many people are aware of the issue. And have had opinions one way or the other.
On the topic of Advantage vs Medigap plans you'd likely doubt wrong. There has been a lot of discussions re that very issue on this forum. And given that it is a Retirement forum many people are aware of the issue. And have had opinions one way or the other.
There are many 65+ age people (exclusive of the few state-crafted plans) that don't even know whether they have a Medigap supplemental plan or an Advantage plan...and if they do have a Medigap plan, they are not sure which Medigap [alpha] plan they have.
That said, many people readily admit that they do not know or understand the differences between having [government] 'Medicare plus a supplemental Medigap plan' vs. a [private] 'Medicare Advantage plan'.
There are many 65+ age people (exclusive of the few state-crafted plans) that don't even know whether they have a Medigap supplemental plan or an Advantage plan...and if they do have a Medigap plan, they are not sure which Medigap [alpha] plan they have.
That said, many people readily admit that they do not know or understand the differences between having [government] 'Medicare plus a supplemental Medigap plan' vs. a [private] 'Medicare Advantage plan'.
OTOH, many people do understand the difference. Its a matter of preference and also the geographic area where you live and to the plans offered there. I think that most people who regularly post here know that difference.
In some larger metro areas, half (or more) of those on Medicare are in Advantage plans. For them the Advantage HMOs are huge with most doctors and hospitals in the better plans. And even more if that area has a medical center/medical school included in those HMOs. Resulting in little or no limitations in access to medical care. It makes a lot of sense in that situation to be in Advantage plans. So????
There are many 65+ age people (exclusive of the few state-crafted plans) that don't even know whether they have a Medigap supplemental plan or an Advantage plan...and if they do have a Medigap plan, they are not sure which Medigap [alpha] plan they have.
That said, many people readily admit that they do not know or understand the differences between having [government] 'Medicare plus a supplemental Medigap plan' vs. a [private] 'Medicare Advantage plan'.
You are a bit confused about government as opposed to "private" involvement in the way people elect to get their health coverage in connection with Medicare. If people have a Medigap Plan to supplement their Medicare coverage, then that Medigap Plan is offered by a private health insurance company. Of course the plans have to meet certain specifications laid down by Medicare, but that is also true of the Medicare Advantage Plans, which have to cover a long list of services and also meet various other criteria laid down by Medicare. While there are basic differences in approach and funding between the two types of plans, both types are offered by private companies.
You are a bit confused about government as opposed to "private" involvement in the way people elect to get their health coverage in connection with Medicare. If people have a Medigap Plan to supplement their Medicare coverage, then that Medigap Plan is offered by a private health insurance company. Of course the plans have to meet certain specifications laid down by Medicare, but that is also true of the Medicare Advantage Plans, which have to cover a long list of services and also meet various other criteria laid down by Medicare. While there are basic differences in approach and funding between the two types of plans, both types are offered by private companies.
No, not confused at all. Maybe you like this description better: Government Medicare plus a private supplemental Medigap [alpha] plan vs. a private Medicare Advantage plan. The above links I provided in a previous post clearly states the differences between the package of Medicare plus Medigap plan vs. Advantage plan, which is significant...and can be major...
No, not confused at all. Maybe you like this description better: Government Medicare plus a private supplemental Medigap [alpha] plan vs. a private Medicare Advantage plan. The above links I provided in a previous post clearly states the differences between the package of Medicare plus Medigap plan vs. Advantage plan, which is significant...and can be major...
Even if you are enrolled in an Advantage plan you are still in Medicare.
Generally, I don't see much of a difference in the two types. Especially if you live in the kind of areas that I described.
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Why should most people know that? 
Most people have probably never even heard of a Kaiser plan...and certainly don't have it available to them! 
False distinction between government and private
