by kayrun1 » Sun Apr 26, 2009 02:04 am
I am currrently on Medicare, am 49 years old, and currently am paying out the nose for a cobra. I do not need drug coverage. I am disabled and would like a reasonable seconday health insurance plan. Dental would be nice too. thank you and I look orward to hearing from someone. I spoke with someone on the phone, but he said he could not send any info, via the mail, which set off an alarm. He also seemed in a big hurry for me to decide. at 187.00 (the quote I was given) I would like to investigate a bit about this company. Thank you!
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 11:56 pm Post Subject: Health supplement insurance
It depends on the state you live in, some states require insurance carriers to offer Medigap to those under 65 who are on medicare. Off the top of my head I am not sure which states require this. You can do a web search on Disability Medicare or contact your states insurance office.
Posted: Mon Apr 27, 2009 11:15 am Post Subject:
Hi Kay, have you checked with the Medicaid program in your state?
There is also Medicare-Aid program which would help the recipient with the Medicare co-pays and deductible. This program is available to people who are disabled with limited income. You are required to pay a monthly premium to continue receiving the benefits.
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 02:35 am Post Subject:
Although you do not need drug coverage now, you need to get a Part D program as soon as possible and here's why. Medicare charges a late enrollment penalty to anyone not signing up for Part D when first available. So if you don't need it for 5 years...you pay a penalty because of those 5 years for the rest of your life!
Pick a cheap one that covers hardly anything if you must, but you do need one. There are a lot of supplemental policies out there that will cover all of your expenses...and $189 a month seems a little high. Feel free to contact me privately if I can answer any more questions or steer you in the right direction.
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 06:48 am Post Subject:
Hey Chris, what would be the consequences if someone decides to opt out of the Medicare part-D plan? Would it attract penalties as well?
Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 05:46 pm Post Subject:
If one opts out of the Part D program...they better be planning on staying out of it for good. If they EVER enroll in a Part D program, the premium will be increased by the penalty amount for the rest of their life. I have seen people pay $90 a month for a drug plan worth about $30 a month. $60 may not seem like too much of a difference, but when you're on a fixed income it is!
There are also penalties associated with opting out of Medicare Part B.
As long as someone knows they are NEVER going to need it, you can opt out of it without penalty. The penalties only apply if you then enroll late in either program.
Add your comment