Getting Medicare Part B premium reduced?

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABQ2015 One frustration is that I don't actually need Part B as I have employer health benefits (e.g., FEHB) in retirement. But I'm concerned about future changes to FEHB and feel more comfortable with both even if I am "over insured."

Despite my initial misgivings, similar to yours, I decided to go with both FEHB and Part B. I have to admit it is pretty terrific, overkill or not.

[Moemg]

I also have FEHB Blue Cross standard and was thinking about going to Blue Cross basic .Has anyone made this change? The rates keep going up and I am not sure I need all the coverage especially with medicare as primary .

[Gotadimple]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ABQ2015 One frustration is that I don't actually need Part B as I have employer health benefits (e.g., FEHB) in retirement. But I'm concerned about future changes to FEHB and feel more comfortable with both even if I am "over insured."

Well, your Medicare coverage is secondary to FEHB, so it will only pay for something that FEHB doesn't cover.

I would also think that if FEHB should no longer apply to retirees, Social Security and Medicare would label this a one-time event and allow enrollment in to Part B with no premium surcharge, as you had coverage elsewhere.

- Rita

[ABQ2015]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotadimple Well, your Medicare coverage is secondary to FEHB, so it will only pay for something that FEHB doesn't cover. I would also think that if FEHB should no longer apply to retirees, Social Security and Medicare would label this a one-time event and allow enrollment in to Part B with no premium surcharge, as you had coverage elsewhere. - Rita

I've always read that FEHB will be secondary to Medicare and FEHB will only reimburse up to the Medicare allowance or maybe it is up to the 115% limiting charge. You are probably correct about the one-time event. FEHB plans are being improved to coordinate better with Medicare Part B and Part B may have its advantages over FEHB. I have three years to make my decision.