Social Security & Medicare

babylonsister

(171,732 posts) Mon Nov 9, 2020, 04:31 PM Nov 2020

The dreaded 65 is fast approaching and I have [View all]

a few questions. First off, I don't require any medications at this time, so that's a plus.

I'm getting so much mail regarding supplemental insurance I don't really know what to do with it all.
I've read on here Advantage is not a good way to go, so am steering clear.

I am wondering what an average monthly payment might be. My neighbor claims she pays $350 for hers. That's way too steep for my blood and pocketbook as I 'make' less than $1K monthly for SS. So I'm on a semi-fixed income.

I am soliciting advice only. Is anyone in love with the provider they chose?

And what's the deal with glasses/hearing aids/dentists? Has anyone signed up for these, are they on Advantage plans, and are they worth it? Might be for me as I need all those things.

Disjointed this is, I know, but thanks for any feedback!

43 replies

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The dreaded 65 is fast approaching and I have [View all] babylonsister Nov 2020 OP

Every State is different. 634-5789 Nov 2020 #1

Listening in. Delphinus Nov 2020 #2

Did you get your big Medicare booklet in the mail yet? flying_wahini Nov 2020 #3

Yes, I got a booklet and will call soon, thanks! nt babylonsister Nov 2020 #31

I have an advantage plan, no monthly premium, just the medicare charges. 5X Nov 2020 #4

Ditto. Aetna Advantage in GA. Pay zero. There are copays but not awful. CurtEastPoint Nov 2020 #8

STep ONe... Eliot Rosewater Nov 2020 #5

Advantage plans can cover a lot, as you mentioned, ... JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 2020 #6

65 is in February so I have time. babylonsister Nov 2020 #32

Great idea, however, the stress repeats every Oct-Dec enrollment period. JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 2020 #41

Aw geeze, say it isn't so! babylonsister Nov 2020 #42

Well, before I was on Medicare, I was on the company's group plan ... JustABozoOnThisBus Nov 2020 #43

Your income maybe low enough to get financial support Big Blue Marble Nov 2020 #7

I turned 65 this past May. redstatebluegirl Nov 2020 #9

I was googling yesterday and babylonsister Nov 2020 #33

I did the same thing, it was awful! redstatebluegirl Nov 2020 #38

Results vary. babylonsister Nov 2020 #39

I do what they tell me about MD. My Dad and Uncle had it too. redstatebluegirl Nov 2020 #40

I wouldn't automatically write off Advantage plans. Hoyt Nov 2020 #10

I am 66 - one year on Medicare. I have an Advantage plan - costs me $0 a month. $0. stopbush Nov 2020 #11

What advantage plan do you have? redstatebluegirl Nov 2020 #14

I'm with Kaiser Permanente. stopbush Nov 2020 #15

I looked at that one, it only gave me one option for a back surgeon and it was a guy who looked 80. redstatebluegirl Nov 2020 #16

Sounds like you picked a great plan! nt babylonsister Nov 2020 #34

SHIP Counseling and other senior services Hela Nov 2020 #12

They were really helpful! redstatebluegirl Nov 2020 #17

I will be calling SHIP, thanks! nt babylonsister Nov 2020 #35

I'm in the same boat in about a year and have been trying to research online... wcmagumba Nov 2020 #13

Just for reference MLAA Nov 2020 #18

Call your local United Way. Ask for assistance negotiating Your medicare sign up. magicarpet Nov 2020 #19

I turn 65 in Jan, just went through it. NRaleighLiberal Nov 2020 #20

Thanks, and thanks for your offer. I am working on this. nt babylonsister Nov 2020 #36

Set up an appointment with an insurance agent who focuses on Medicare plans Bradshaw3 Nov 2020 #21

I went to the senior center in the next county south of me. murielm99 Nov 2020 #22

The type of Medicare insurance you can receive is dependent on your state. I, too, have read a lot in2herbs Nov 2020 #23

My doctor strongly suggested I get traditional Medicare and not Advantage. Patterson Nov 2020 #24

My Part B is $140 a month and my Part D supplement is $19 a month jpak Nov 2020 #25

I wouldn't pass on a Medicare Advantage program Sherman A1 Nov 2020 #26

This article from AARP may help: Big Blue Marble Nov 2020 #27

There should be a Medicare advisor in your area who can fill you in. hedda_foil Nov 2020 #28

Blue Cross Medicare HMO RicROC Nov 2020 #29

Advantage plans El Mimbreno Nov 2020 #30

Thank you all so much for responding! babylonsister Nov 2020 #37