I have not enrolled yet as it will be two more years until I was eligible. But this post really reinforces what we have found with my parents. I would not forego D as there are penalties if you add it later. I would also have a gap policy.
Not counting hospitalizations or rehab costs, my dad ran up 120,000 in doctor bills and other medical so if he were on traditional medicare with no gap policy, he would owe over 20,000 this year.
I think this is really important to consider:
"Mom lived on a tight income with no residual or potential to earn. She bought a GAP policy because she knew exactly what healthcare would cost her no matter what happened"
I think that is what we will do. I read that the F policy is actually going away, but will be grandfathered in for those who have it--so I would consider that one, personally, if I were eligible now. Unfortunately, it will not be available when we can sign up.