Medicaid / Medicaid advantage
- Thread starter Merlin99
- Start date
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
Medicare advantage is a way to replace Medicare with a private plan, called Medicare part C.
The minute my mom became eligible for Medicare she started getting tons of mailings, most were from advantage plans, but they make them look like they are from the government, be very careful. Sometimes you can do better with an advantage plan, but you really have to do the research on it. I kept my mom on regular Medicare and got her a part D prescription plan, with her Medicare supplement plan that she gets through my dads union it was the best coverage by far.
You got that right hands down! I have mine that way, one of the best decisions I have ever made, pretty affordable too.
I talked with a USAA Medicare specialist last year. They said that as my wife is an active federal employee with GEHA/UHC, no Medicare extras were needed.
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
Being able to keep medical coverage when retired is absolutely huge, and a very over looked part of federal employment.
Sneakers
Just sneakin' around....
I wasn't govt, but started with my company when they still had pension plans and retirement medical plans. The medical isn't free, but really inexpensive.
I'm guessing Tricare For Life takes the place of any Medicare Part C plan?
My dad was fortunate, retired with 20 year pensions from a private employer and the state, really good medical, too.
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
I'd say it turns into a supplement plan like the other federal insurance does
@my-thyme is the Medicare Advantage "umbrella" company or group you accepted extremely accessible in your region/area? Are a lot of his doctors in their network?
My HR Manager has been talking to a licensed insurance agent through our job and one of the things we were told is that it CAN be a great plan, but that it also might not be if you can't use their doctors, or if you move to another state, etc. These are issues that may or may not affect people, but are that a couple of us at work have to consider, so that's why I ask. We were told that a couple of the groups are larger groups that don't have a lot of doctors down here in our area.
I'm pretty sure I'll be going with Regular Medicare with a Supplemental and a Drug plan in May 2024 - whether they (supp and/or drug plans) be from my employer's current health plan or not. I think that will be the MOST economical way to go for me, especially if I decided to move in the next 2 years or go into a part time business on my own. It will keep my health insurance much more portable, AS WELL AS as affordable in my case. I can always change it later.
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If I understood correctly, I didn't need Medicare Part C because Medicare and Tricare for Life was the same as Medicare C or Medicare Advantage which was Part C. I think Part C gives you a little more coverage on prescriptions, some dental, vision and hearing.
BUT
So far all my prescriptions have been completely covered including the hundreds of pills my son takes for his epilepsy. It's covered all my eye exams with an occasional co-pay of $25.00. I'm on the separate Tricare dental plan which is fairly inexpensive and has fabulous coverage. The only thing missing is the hearing stuff - I think you can go through VA for that.
I currently have Tricare Select with a Federal dental/eye plan that is pretty good and inexpensive. My only complaint is that Tricare Select's coverage of diabetic meds is pretty lacking. Hopefully that gets better with Medicare and Tricare for Life.
I think you're really going to like it Doing the 20 definitely pays off.
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
Depending on what you are on you may want to check into Harris Teeters prescription plan. For $36/year it has saved my mom thousands, even with the Medicare part D coverage, some of her meds are even free with it. The only reason I got her on a part D plan was to get coverage for Farxiga, expensive, but has been a miracle drug for her diabetes.
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
Just wanted to add this, a Medicare part D plan that actually has a $0 premium you can use to avoid the penalty of later not having one.
If you don't take any drugs and are trying to avoid the penalty for not choosing a drug plan, this $0 premium plan may be a great option.
2024 Wellcare Value Script
Wellcare’s lowest premium plan is the Value Script. This plan, which has always had a low premium, now has a $0 premium for 2024 (previously $8.10 in 2023). It has a $545 drug deductible.If you don't take any drugs and are trying to avoid the penalty for not choosing a drug plan, this $0 premium plan may be a great option.
Now that is good to know, that is great advice. Thanks
PeoplesElbow
Well-Known Member
Being thrust into the role of caregiver, I've learned way more about being old than I ever wanted to.