Advice on Medicare Advantage vs Medigap

[catherine]

Arghhh.. I hate this stuff.

DH turns 65 in a couple of weeks. I'm already on Medicare but since I rarely go to the doctor (maybe less than 10 times over the past 15 years) and have no chronic conditions, other than osteopenia, I chose the cheap option: Just the basic A&B.

But DH has a few medical conditions and 4 regular prescriptions (all available in generic form) so I definitely want to shore up his coverage.

My instinct is to go with Medicare Advantage over MediGap/Medicare Supplemental. He has two doctors that he definitely wants to stick with and there's one Advantage plan I found that has both in its network.

Any reason why I should choose MediGap instead?

[Sad Eyed Lady]

I have no answer because I am mulling over those options myself right now. I get so confused with all this stuff. I too am leaning toward an advantage plan because they seem more conclusive, some have dental and vision as well as the drug plan. I called one of the advantage companies yesterday because I had just received the new booklet in the mail and he said they would not have any answers until next Monday as to pricing and coverage area. Good luck! I hope someone with more knowledge will share on this post.

[pinkytoe]

This might be a good question for the city data.com retirement forum. I have to start thinking about this stuff too...

[Teacher Terry]

I have friends on the advantage plan. They say many doctors aren’t taking regular Medicare but everyone takes the advantage plans.

[Rogar]

Probably worth verifying, but I understand that under the advantage plans if you want to see a specialist you need a referral from you designated primary care doctor. With medigap you can see a specialist of choice and at your discretion as long as they accept medicare and do not need a referral.

I have had questions about whether you are in an advantage plan and develop medical problems, whether you can switch into a comprehensive medigap policy during open enrollment?

[Teacher Terry]

Locally that’s not true for us Roger. In fact here you can see whoever you want no referrals needed. But I am sure every place is different.

[Rogar]

Locally that’s not true for us Roger. In fact here you can see whoever you want no referrals needed. But I am sure every place is different.

I don't know that all advantage plans are the same either?

[Teacher Terry]

My guess would be that they are not the same.

[Sad Eyed Lady]

No, they are not all the same. The booklet I was looking at yesterday listed some as needing a referral for a specialist, some not. Some offer drug plans, some not. All different.

[Gardnr]

Mom always had a gap plan. She was on SS only and she knew exactly what her healthcare would cost-just her premium. And all expenses were paid by it. That said, she died in 2007. Her premium was $168 and she liked the peace of mind it offered her. She had 2 total joints and a triple bypass with that plan over 15 years.

Don't forget about plan D. There is an accumulating penalty if you don't have it.