Medicare will I need it?

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Hi, I won at the alj level last month and found out within a few months I will be eligible for Medicare. I am insured thru my wife. it isn't the greatest. 500 deductible and 80/20 payments. Should I get medicare and lose close to 100 a month for the premium or should I just stay with the wife's insurance. Also if I have a major bill who pays first the wife's insurance or medicare. And will the other carrier pay the difference. Can you also tell me how much brand name prescriptions and generics cost. Thanks in advance for answering.

[Kathi49]

Hoosier Daddy,

I just had to make this decision myself. First, I would contact your wife's insurance company to find out their requirements if any. SOME insurance companies require you to have Part B.

In any case, I have Federal BC/BS and Tricare. Of course Part A is free but Tricare REQUIRES me to have Part B.

The way it will go down with me is as follows: Medicare will be my Primary, BC/BS will be my Secondary and Tricare will be Tertiary. And yep, I will be paying the additional $96.40 a month but it is worth it to me. Why? Because if you opt for Part B, BC/BS (my own policy) will WAIVE co-pays, etc. So, in essence it pays for itself, if say, I see a doctor 3 times in one month.

I am not quite sure how it would work considering your wife's policy but that's why I said to contact them. As a matter of fact, you HAVE to contact them to let them know you are receiving Medicare. And might I add my own mother has Medicare Parts A & B and ALSO BC/BS. She loves it and told me yesterday there is virtually no out of pocket expenses except for her prescriptions. But that's where BC/BS kicks in and her prescription costs are very, very low.

One other thing. Since Medicare kicked in in July of this year and I don't have my card yet they did send me an "Entitlement" letter to carry with me UNTIL I receive my card. Oh, but I had to call and ask for it. I am telling you what I have been on the phone quite a bit LOL! But I am just trying to make sure I follow through with everything appropriately.

Anyway, long story short and based on talking with experts and federal retirees...ALL are saying...get Part B!

I hope this helps a little bit and I do understand everyone's situation is different. I was just relaying how it will be with me.

[Pookie]

Can you also tell me how much brand name prescriptions and generics cost.
Call your local pharmacist for a price list.

Contact the Social Service Department in your town. Ask them for a list of all the available prescription programs for the disabled/seniors in your state/county/town (seniors & disabled get the same discounts). :)
Most of the large chain drug stores ie. CVS, WalGreens, WalMart, etc have $5 prescription programs. :D


Personally, if I were you do not get rid of Medicare in view of "the great depression." You will be SOL if your wife was laid off. :(

[Hoosier_Daddy]

You are both right. My wife's job is shaky so I should go for it. I was just looking at saving over $1,000 per year. Thanks for the advise. Once it gets closer I will call her insurance company.