Home › Forums › WSB Reader Recommendations › Help with Medicare Supplement Insurance
- This topic has 10 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 11 months ago by dhg.
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March 28, 2017 at 1:26 pm #878412
Ilovedogs123ParticipantI just signed up for Medicare, but am still employed and have medical insurance. Soon I would like to retire and understand
I will need a supplement to my Medicare. Any advice on plans would be very appreciated. I am a single, 65 year old female in relatively good health. I plan to travel out of state at times and need a supplement which will cover me. I will start the Part B Medicare after I retire also. Any suggestions.. It all looks so confusing. Thank you.March 28, 2017 at 6:13 pm #878437
happy hourParticipantI happen to have a great lead for you. My friend with Bellevue fire dept had this group come in to present and discuss many factors relating to retiremnt and medical
I cant find the speciic URL right now but look up
Its a free service….SHIBA http://www.insurance.wa.gov
i hope this helpsMarch 29, 2017 at 2:03 am #878464
RagsParticipantContact Shirley Van Nostrand at Advantage Insurance Benefits in Burien….206 941-0453 (2104 SW 152nd, Suite2). She and her sons provide expert consultation in helping you choose the Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan that will work best for you. They will do one-on-one counseling and also offer seminars during the Medicare open enrollment period later in the year. There’s no charge to you and they receive the same compensation regardless of the plan you choose so there is no bias in their recommendations.
March 29, 2017 at 10:05 am #878481
birdrescuerParticipantI strongly urge an “Advantage” program if you are (like me) planning to do a lot of traveling. They have the most flexibility. I prefer Premera because it covers all my docs, Swedish and the UW hospitals. I would run as fast as I could away from United Healthcare sponsored by AARP.
March 29, 2017 at 4:35 pm #878537
RagsParticipantEveryone’s situation is different so please get expert consultation and not rely on someone else’s experience. There are significant differences between Advantage plans and Supplemental plans as well as within the plans. It’s my understanding that Swedish is currently having contract problems with one of the Primera plans. The AARP United Healthcare plans are highly rated by Medicare. You can go to the Medicare website and see the ratings for yourself.
March 29, 2017 at 4:47 pm #878538
anonymeParticipantWhen I started Part B last fall, I got on the Premera Advantage plan. I had no sooner picked a PCP (no mean feat) than the docs canceled their contract. I canceled Premera soon after, as I could not find docs. I also found SHIBA to be of little help. They will explain the differences between supplemental and advantage plans, and provide a list of Washington state providers, but will not make recommendations or help with decision making. I feel for you, dogs; even though I used to manage a medical practice, the health insurance market has become an absolute nightmare to navigate. I agree with Rags that the clearest source of info is on the Medicare website.
March 29, 2017 at 4:58 pm #878539
birdrescuerParticipantNo, the Regence plan is the one that was canceled. As a former provider I know how much trouble UHC gives to their patients. This is from experience, not someone else’s rating.
March 30, 2017 at 12:39 am #878568
JanSParticipantJust remember, Premera Medicare Advantage ( I have it, too), is only for a few states in the Pacific Northwest…WA, OR, ID (I believe), not sure who else. I like the MA part because Part D drugs are included, with A and B…
I have this year’s manual and formulary, if you want to browse it. I’m in the admiral District near Safeway. email mmfeelgood at gee mail dot com
- This reply was modified 6 years, 11 months ago by JanS.
March 30, 2017 at 10:08 am #878598
birdrescuerParticipantIt is only offered in those few states but can be used around the world.
April 1, 2017 at 1:39 am #878776
JTBParticipantWhy did you sign up for Medicare if you are still working and receiving health insurance from your employer? I hope it was because your employer required you do so or you expect to pay less with Medicare than your employer’s insurance. The Medicare contact should have worked with you to determine the best approach.
As to additional coverage to Part B, you need to determine what your likely medical expenses will be based on your health status and age. If it’s good and you expect little medical intervention, you can get a Medicare Advantage policy with no monthly fee but significant deductables and co-pays. One simple surgical procedure can cost you about the same as a complete Medicare Supplement policy that covers most everything Part B doesn’t.
When it comes to Medicare Supplement policies, the cost is more or less the same for the main insurance providers. What you need to do is select from a half dozen policies with differing costs and co-pays. The insurance companies lay it out clearly on their web sites. Medicare does as well and will indicate which companies have approved programs in your state.
April 1, 2017 at 3:42 pm #878832
dhgParticipantTalk to Carol McClure of Financial Designs, right here on Calif Ave SW, 425-392-7390: http://financialdesignsinsurance.com/
It doesn’t cost you a thing and it’s a very comfortable, inviting environment.
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