What am I Missing?

Originally Posted by Ariadne22

Rethink the Aetna. It is probably attained-aged rated, which means age-based price increases until age 85. AARP UHC is community-rated. Slightly more expensive in the beginning, premiums discounted for those under age 77, no age-based increases after age 77.

Most here choose AARP UHC because of the community rating. Whether one is 77 or 97, the base-rate is the same. Only increases are due to inflation and/or regional medical costs.

https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan...-policies.aspx

We have had endless discussions on the pricing issue if you search through the Medicare threads. My sister started out with a very low Aetna premium. In matter of four years, it had increased from $148 to $235, almost $90/mo.

AARP UHC for her age four years later would have been the same, with no risk of outlandish premiums after age 77. Attained-age policies can easily cost well over $400/mo if you are in your 80's.

Medicare on pricing, here:

https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan...-policies.aspx

Other threads you should read:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/healt...-decision.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/healt...upplement.html