To Those Who Qualify: 3 Medicare Mistakes to Avoid During the Coronavirus Pandemic

DTA ^ | 08/15/2020 | by Maurie Backman

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Yeah, it was not such a pain for us but for my parents who were out of the country when Mom turned 65 it was a major problem. Fortunately her company hired a lawyer and they made Medicare sit down and behave.

There should be someone in your HR department who does know what they are doing.

[metmom]

I ***HATE*** Medicare.

I was forced to go on it when I turned 65 and lost my wonderful private ins.

Now my medical bills are through the roof. It’s beyond ridiculous what it’s costing me because Meidcare won’t cover it and the supposedly secondary ins won’t pick it up.

I know National healthcare would be a failure because Medicare was mismanaged, but I didn’t realize how bad Medicare was until I was forced to go on it.

I’m paying ins. premiums for next to nothing in coverage. It’s useless.

Did I say how much I hate Medicare????

[metmom]

I turn 65 in October. I’ll be working at least another three years...probably four. I’ll sign up for Medicare then.

I don't think you have a choice.

Better look into it and make sure you can do that or you could be screwed.

Not that you won't be when you get on Medicare anyways.

[Lakewood]

Thanks.

The information the Medicare folks put out is not straightforward. However, looking at what they put out and what a third party has put out I am confident that if I stay employed and continue to have group medical insurance (with the group being greater than 20 employees) that I am exempt from signing up for Medicare A or B until I am no longer employed and part of that group medical insurance.

It’s the same for my wife so long as she is covered under my plan.

They certainly don’t make it easy and for me and my wife it will be substantially more expensive than what we are paying now under our group plan. I’m talking more than $1,000 more per month expensive...Sigh...

[Swanks]

Recommend finding and talking a 1-2 hr local Medicare session. These guys are highly regulated by Medicare they can’t take a cup of coffee as a gift without getting in trouble. Key take away is, you are a rock star; untouchable, at age 65 - Medicare and supplemental HAVE to take you. After 6 mo, not so much. And you will PAY higher rates forever, for skipping months or years, down the road. Lastly, SOMEONE gets paid; the Ins Co, the Agent given these sessions, etc. You save nothing by going direct without them. So go and learn, and sign up on time.

[metmom]

Our premiums have gone down but I’m getting killed on medicine expenses.

And then I went for a shot that’s considered a theraputic injection, and the bill was for over $2000 and after medicare and the secondary ins paid out I still owe over $200. For an injection done by a nurse.

That’s ridiculous.

So my premiums are less.

Big deal.

My advice to ANYONE nearing being forced to go on medicare, is to take care of ANY health issues that need to be addressed. Any procedures like colonoscopies, physicals, immunizations they want to get, anything that is bothering them. Do it while on private insurance that will pay for it.

Also, make sure you’ve stocked up as well as possible on prescription drugs that you are on. I know many have short shelf lives, but for those that don’t, do what you can to get a decent supply.

[bankwalker]

I just bought my medigap policy through AMAC. The agent was the best salesperson I’ve ever dealt with in my life. She guided me through the entire Medicare maze and helped me make informed decisions. No membership was required and the commission goes to a good conservative cause.

[metmom]

No, nothing about medicare is staright forward.

It’s very confusing and hard to find out exactly what you’re getting to be able to compare plans and benefits and expenses.

However, I do hear Humana is very good. That one has been consistent.

[JCL3]

I turn 65 in October. I’ll be working at least another three years...probably four. I’ll sign up for Medicare then.
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I was planning that BUT the layoff hatchet started swinging recently and I’d prefer to pay some now in case I’m a target and have medical issues shortly after before coverage starts. At this point in life/career, it is affordable and only take one generic med(Part D yearly premium at on plan is less than my yearly copay now for a year of the med).

My exit plan AT THE MOMENT is similar to yours.