I’m a former Medicare Insurance Agent (now retired). I was healthy when I chose to go on Medicare, but knowing that your health can deteriorate as you age, I chose to buy a supplement rather than go on an Advantage Plan. Turned out to be an excellent choice as I did in fact develop some issues that my supplement covers in full.
My husband was also in good health at retirement, and he chose an Advantage plan. $0 cost. BUT, he really got sick and now he can’t qualify for a supplement which would save us a lot of co-pays and other costs.
You just need to make a decision that makes sense to you. Supplements are government controlled, so shop price. They all have to provide the same benefits.
Check with your current health provider and see what plans they are associated with. That way if you choose an Advantage Plan, they can remain your doctor. Advantage plans are HMO’s whereas Supplements allow you to go anywhere.
You explain it well. I wish I could be so forthcoming with individuals but it would be steering. Your husband is a perfect example of someone who can be healthy with an MAPD but down the road might not qualify for a supplement/medigap plan. It happens all the time. It happened to me today.