Medicare supplement policies - Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield or UHC through AARP? (health insurance)

[karen_in_nh_2012]

I was born 1/1/59 so am about to go on Medicare -- my start date is 12/1/23 (due to being born on the first of the month).

I am going with a Medigap (Medicare supplemental) policy, NOT an Advantage plan.

I THINK I have narrowed down my choices to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield or AARP's United Health Plan. Both would cost me about the same per month (just under $150/month for 12/23, then goes up slightly starting 1/24).

Any thoughts on either of those plans?

[rodolfocostarica]

I have united health care aarp plan g for 3 years now. Don't use it much but happy with it.
Was thinking of switching to high deductible but decided to keep it non HD after calling a couple of other companies. United does not offer HD.

Anyway it's great for travelling around. Accepted everywhere no questions.
I would never go with advantage unless I was static in one place.
Best of luck and enjoy retirement!

[rodolfocostarica]

By the way and you probably know but the healthcare subforum has great threads on medicare. Ariadne over there and others can answer all questions

https://www.city-data.com/forum/health-insurance/

[karen_in_nh_2012]

Originally Posted by rodolfocostarica

By the way and you probably know but the healthcare subforum has great threads on medicare. Ariadne over there and others can answer all questions

https://www.city-data.com/forum/health-insurance/

Thank you -- I actually posted there too when I realized there was a subforum on insurance.

[Last1Standing]

I can't imagine paying $150 a month for additional health insurance. I have an Advantage plan through Harvard Pilgrim called Stride Basic. The cost is ZERO. That's right, there's no monthly premium beyond your Medicare A and B. For 2024 this plan includes $1200 for dental care, $300 for over-the-counter items (like vitamins), and $520 for a "wallet benefit" that covers things like eye glasses. That's over $2000 in free stuff. To me, this is a no-brainer. I had almost no medical costs at all this year, in fact I made a profit due to the free items.



Read about this plan at https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/enrol...ANOC_Final.pdf


Need a health insurance agent? I highly recommend Todd Reagin in Cumberland, Maine. Why would you go to a Maine agent for insurance in New Hampshire? Because he covers both states and is incredibly knowledgeable about Medicare plans. There will be no hard selling, only information and wise advice. He is at http://www.mainemedicareoptions.com/

[Last1Standing]

Originally Posted by rodolfocostarica

By the way and you probably know but the healthcare subforum has great threads on medicare. Ariadne over there and others can answer all questions

https://www.city-data.com/forum/health-insurance/

I would rate that forum as "so so" because members there are biased against Advantage plans without being aware of specific programs in your area. Go to a reliable insurance agent instead who knows your area.

[karen_in_nh_2012]

Originally Posted by Last1Standing

I can't imagine paying $150 a month for additional health insurance. I have an Advantage plan through Harvard Pilgrim called Stride Basic. The cost is ZERO. That's right, there's no monthly premium beyond your Medicare A and B. For 2024 this plan includes $1200 for dental care, $300 for over-the-counter items (like vitamins), and $520 for a "wallet benefit" that covers things like eye glasses. That's over $2000 in free stuff. To me, this is a no-brainer. I had almost no medical costs at all this year, in fact I made a profit due to the free items.

But I very specifically said in the OP that I DON'T WANT an Advantage plan. I do understand that they work for others, but I want the option to change plans in future years without underwriting, and you can't do that if you have an Advantage plan that you keep after the first year.

Originally Posted by Last1Standing

I would rate that forum as "so so" because members there are biased against Advantage plans without being aware of specific programs in your area. Go to a reliable insurance agent instead who knows your area.

Again, an Advantage plan wouldn't work for me. I want to be able to go to ANY doctor that accepts Medicare and ANY hospital. I don't want to worry about having to go through underwriting in the future. I don't want a gatekeeper.

I'm glad you're happy with your plan -- that's what matters!

[Last1Standing]

My post was directed at anyone who is looking for a Medicare plan. I haven't experienced any gatekeeping with my Advantage Plan. Harvard Pilgrim's network is vast and I believe they changed their policy a couple of years ago so that no referral is needed to see a specialist. I had two major surgeries (joint replacements) with Harvard Pilgrim and I was very pleasantly surprised at how simple everything was and the low cost. I didn't have to do any paperwork. The surgeon's office handled everything with HP. I just paid the bill. Again, this is directed at other people who might not know much about Advantage plans.

[KCZ]

Be aware that all Medigap plans are not created equal, and make sure you review the benefits of each one.
https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug...-plan-benefits Example...I've been disabled by multiple orthopedic injuries and surgery for same, so I chose a plan with the best PT benefits.