Medicare

[MSLI]

Ok boys, I’m joining the last milestone. First the drivers license, then voting, then drinking, now Medicare ….. What Plan should I get ? I see stents, bypass, and joint replacements in my future. Should I get Supplemental D, G, K, L, M, or N ? or pass altogether on them and just stick with the basic A + B ?
Thx !

 

[havasu]

Just get A and B.
I have a Blue Cross Platinum PPO as my supplemental, which for some stupid reason is changing to Blue Shield Platinum PPO in January. The cost is $400, but going up 31% in January. Remember, since Obama changed the rules, there is no more 80/20% with PPO, and your primary is Medicare, snd your supplemental is your secondary. Lastly, if Medicare doesn't cover it, your secondary insurance also will not cover it.

 

[MSLI]

So why are there supplementals ?

 

[havasu]

Because for example, a doctors appointment may cost $250. Medicare approves it, but will pay a maximum amount of $110. Your secondary insurance then will pick up the additional $120. This leaves a balance of $20. The rule for Medicare to be accepted at your doctor's office, they must be willing to accept a cheaper amount of payment, so the doctor adjusts his office visit down to $230, so the visit costs you $0 out of pocket.