Re: WHY? (Re: One-pot dish)

jmcquown wrote:

On 11/27/2024 6:08 PM, Carol wrote:

Jill, for you it's simpler.  You presumably just have your own
employee related insurance, no other. You can keep or drop your
company insurance at 65.  I think you can delay Medicare part B (or
one of those other plans) until you actually retire but just to be
sure, a 10 minute call can tell you if your current insurance is
'creditable' or if you'd be better getting part B.
 
You can even take part B but send them money for it and wait to
claim SS until age 70 or so, if you want.  I have a few months to
decide this.  I might just pay the Part B and wait until 67 for SS.

 
I'm a part time employee so no, I don't have insurance.  For years
I've been going to the Good Neighbor Medical Clinic, which is free
(income based) for people under the age of 65 who don't have
insurance.  It's just like a regular doctor's office except the
doctors and nurses are retirees who donate their time.  The clinic is
affiliated with the local hospital.
 
That's all well and good for routine care and the usual round of
tests including annual mammograms, routine blood work, my last
colonoscopy, a CT scan and an annual eye exam.  If I wind up in the
hospital it would all be out-of-pocket so I'd better not do that. LOL
 
My prescriptions are mailed to me (also free of charge) via a
pharmacy program called WelVista, which has the same income & age
restrictions.
 
When I turn 65 I won't be able to continue using either of the above.
The only option I'll have is Medicare.
 
Jill

Ok, didn't know most of that (I tend to not pry).  Medicare is good but
seems to me you need part B.  Part B doesn't tie you to any specific
provider that I know of.  You may want to at least look at prescription
programs (some are quite cheap but you pay a higher % and/or some only
cover up to an annual cap then nothing until the next year.

I'm not sure on the 'advantage plans' but the catch with them is being
tied to a specific HMO then if they don't also have an allowance for
out-of-network, you can be in trouble.

You have time.  All the 'advantage/other plans' oversell what they
provide so caution but that doesn't mean they may not be the solution
for you, but look close at the in-network aspects.  If out of network
is only allowed on travel, that's not a good sign.  It leaves too much
wriggle room, all in their favor.