It's time to make a change

[MarieC]

I have had a "hybrid" Medicare coverage policy through my late husband's employer (union) but now the two largest health care groups in the area are not accepting this coverage so I have very few options and I feel I need to make a change. I am leaning towards original Medicare with a Plan G supplement. I've been given differing information on whether this can happen without going through underwriting. I'm afraid I don't know what I don't know. I wanted to ask if those with Original Medicare and Plan G are mostly satisfied with this coverage and if you could point out any pros/cons you might have encountered. Thank you

 

[VanWinkle]

You might want to compare the coverage and premiums of plan G with plan N. Plan N has some Dr copays but overall is very close to G coverage for a premium that is 20-25% lower. Also it doesn't pay for the difference if a Dr doesn't accept Medicare- easy to confirm with any medical service.

 

[tominboise]

You might want to compare the coverage and premiums of plan G with plan N. Plan N has some Dr copays but overall is very close to G coverage for a premium that is 20-25% lower. Also it doesn't pay for the difference if a Dr doesn't accept Medicare- easy to confirm with any medical service.

I went with Plan N and so far, so good.

 

[engineernerd]

Not sure which state you are in.

I think all states have SHIP programs, in which they have trained volunteers answering questions about Medicare on a helpline.

Some states have laws that limit the circumstances under which Medigap providers are allowed to use underwriting, beyond the federal rules.

According to the Medicare website, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin offer different standardized Medigap plans.

If you are not in those three states, only Plans F and G appear to cover Part B excess charges, which seems like what you probably want but best to make sure what that actually amounts to (maybe by calling your state's SHIP line).

 

[VanWinkle]

I went with Plan N and so far, so good.

My SO went on it in August and got started with 80.00 per month on a UHC N medigap supplement. Working well so far, but not much experience yet.

 

[VanWinkle]

Not sure which state you are in.

I think all states have SHIP programs, in which they have trained volunteers answering questions about Medicare on a helpline.

Some states have laws that limit the circumstances under which Medigap providers are allowed to use underwriting, beyond the federal rules.

According to the Medicare website, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin offer different standardized Medigap plans.

If you are not in those three states, only Plans F and G appear to cover Part B excess charges, which seems like what you probably want but best to make sure what that actually amounts to (maybe by calling your state's SHIP line).

I am a SHIP volunteer and have helped many compare the plans. The part B excess is close to non-existent and easy to confirm prior to treatment. I'm not suggesting away from plan G, just stating my experience with Plan N members.

 

[MarieC]

Not sure which state you are in.

I think all states have SHIP programs, in which they have trained volunteers answering questions about Medicare on a helpline.

Some states have laws that limit the circumstances under which Medigap providers are allowed to use underwriting, beyond the federal rules.

According to the Medicare website, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin offer different standardized Medigap plans.

If you are not in those three states, only Plans F and G appear to cover Part B excess charges, which seems like what you probably want but best to make sure what that actually amounts to (maybe by calling your state's SHIP line).

I'm in Oregon. I called SHIP. I got a very good representative who helped with a 3 way call to Medicare. Yes, I think I'm looking for excess charges coverage as well as freedom to see the Doctors I choose which I have had with my current coverage, and I wasn't sure if I had to go with a Medicare advantage plan or if I could choose original Medicare which it sounds like I can do.

 

[MarieC]

I am a SHIP volunteer and have helped many compare the plans. The part B excess is close to non-existent and easy to confirm prior to treatment. I'm not suggesting away from plan G, just stating my experience with Plan N members.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean about the part B excess being close to non-existant and easy to confirm. (how do you confirm?) You are saying that Plan N works as well as Plan G? My current plan has no copays or deductibles but it is a UHC PPO plan which is no longer being accepted. The UHC supplement with original Medicare is apparently still being accepted. I just want something that is easily accepted with little to no additional co-pays or deductibles.

 

[savory]

This year DW and I switched back to traditional Medicare from Advantage. Our health remains pretty good and we were both accepted by UHC AARP coverage following our underwriting application. You could probably locate the underwriting questionnaire that is used by insurance companies to verify your health. Each likely have their own hot buttons but I expect they’re similar. That at least will tell you what they are looking for and provide an idea if you will qualify. Obviously, it will be much less stressful if you know you will be able to avoid it. So, I would also continue to investigate that.

As for G vs N, it is a crap shoot like all plans. We have been lucky with our health so far. If we are unlucky and our medical issues increase, we will have a 1 year higher cost. We can ( or one of us) can move to a G plan next year during open enrollment if we end up with a chronic issue. As I write this, I remain confident that N is still a good choice for us this year.

I

 

[DrRoy]

I started last year with Plan N. Fine so far.

 

[JeKa]

I have had a "hybrid" Medicare coverage policy through my late husband's employer (union) but now the two largest health care groups in the area are not accepting this coverage so I have very few options and I feel I need to make a change. I am leaning towards original Medicare with a Plan G supplement. I've been given differing information on whether this can happen without going through underwriting. I'm afraid I don't know what I don't know. I wanted to ask if those with Original Medicare and Plan G are mostly satisfied with this coverage and if you could point out any pros/cons you might have encountered. Thank you

We (dw and I) have original Medicare and plan g hd and are very satisfied. If you are healthy I don't believe you should have any trouble switching. I chose the HD plan G for the lower premium and am banking the difference for when I need the doctors and/or hospital.

 

[a60dan]

Here in NY, no underwriting for Medicare plans is permitted and we pay higher premiums.

Although I learned a lot on my own, I chose to work with Independent Medicare Insurance Broker | Medigap Seminars to purchase a Plan G High Deductible plan. The difference in premiums + deductible from Plan G was around $100.

Approved Medigap supplement plans MUST be accepted if the provider accepts Medicare.

 

[Lvus101]

I have had a "hybrid" Medicare coverage policy through my late husband's employer (union) but now the two largest health care groups in the area are not accepting this coverage so I have very few options and I feel I need to make a change. I am leaning towards original Medicare with a Plan G supplement. I've been given differing information on whether this can happen without going through underwriting. I'm afraid I don't know what I don't know. I wanted to ask if those with Original Medicare and Plan G are mostly satisfied with this coverage and if you could point out any pros/cons you might have encountered. Thank you

Call Medicareschool.com

 

[RetMD21]

So you can switch to a supplement w/o underwriting? That's great. There are fans of N but G results in fewer co-pays.