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Post by ntsf on May 18, 2022 16:25:40 GMT
if your spouse is covered by company health benefits, and is currently working, you don't have to sign up for medicare until his/her insurance ends and then you have 8 months. most people don't know this.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,173 
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on May 18, 2022 16:48:30 GMT
I watched a webinar on the basics of Medicare, given by insurance brokers. I understood more about the basics after that. I was also recommended a great local broker who many people I know found to be very helpful and knowledgable. I ended up not seeing him since I was choosing between two plans offered by the state for retired teachers. There are, I think, huge differences between states as far as Medicare Advantage goes. My retired teacher options (if I wanted to stick with the subsidized-by-the-state choices) were only for Medicare Advantage choices, and so far, it has been pretty decent. The plans in my area are widely accepted, and they seem to be paying claims pretty quickly. It is more difficult to go back to traditional Medicare from an Advantage Plan than it is to do the reverse. Do you have someone you know locally who has gone through the process recently? That can be a huge help. I also recommend starting as soon as you are eligible. I found I could only go so far online because I had to file under my late husband's account as I did not pay into the system as a teacher. I had to complete the process through a phone call and it was many weeks before I could do that; that was while Social Security offices were still mostly closed - it might be different and faster now. Same. Our Advantage plan is run by our state teachers’ retirement system, and so far, so good. Do they let you switch from Advantage to Original, or vice versa? I should probably know that, but I don’t. Illinois' retired teacher's plan only offers Medicare Advantage plans for those who qualify for Medicare. I can choose to get a supplement instead, but will have to answer the medical questions, and it 'can' be denied. |
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,173
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on May 18, 2022 16:52:48 GMT
I too am navigating these muddy waters! Here is what I've learned that has not yet been mentioned in this thread. In regards to switching from an Advantage plan to a supplemental plan and vice versa, yes you can switch during open enrollment every year. What you need to know though is that during your initial enrollment period a supplemental plan cannot deny you coverage due to pre-existing conditions, however if you choose an Advantage plan during your initial enrollment and decide the next year to switch to a supplemental plan, you CAN be denied based on pre-existing conditions. You only have that first enrollment opportunity to enroll without any regard to your health history. I have a friend who cannot switch to supplemental because of a diagnosis (neuropathy) and will have to stay with an advantage plan forever. Your out of pocket with a supplemental plan is $233 every year ( but you do pay a monthly premium - (for me it will be $113.00) and that does not cover pharmacy - I will pay an additional 13.00 per month for pharmacy coverage. The other thing to remember is that an advantage plan is typically a plan that is based in your community, whereas a straight Medicare with supplemental you will have coverage nation wide. A supplemental plan (by law) has to be accepted anywhere that Medicare is accepted. I had a choice of two Medicare Advantage plans in my county, available as a retired teacher. One DOES provide coverage anywhere, and doesn't require referrals and approvals the way the alternate plan does, and that's the one I chose. So one is the more typical plan but the other option is not. |
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on May 18, 2022 17:41:06 GMT
As with everything, there are exceptions to that rule. If you are still employed full-time and covered by your employer's health insurance you can delay Medicare and do not have to sign up at 65. Once you quit working (or are no longer covered) you then have an 8 month period to sign up. you must sign up, you do not have to use it or pay the premiums. Perhaps in the past, but the current rule is that if you are fully employed and covered by an employer's insurance plan you do not have to sign up with the Medicare system. We are currently in this situation and have been given this advice by multiple people, including the Medicare.gov website. |
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