I have a couple of quick questions for you fulltimers who are on Medicare. Mine starts Aug 1st so I'm preparing now by exploring which plan(s) would be the best choice for a roaming fulltimer.
1. Wouldn't the standard (original) Medicare plan, parts A & B be the best choice for one who travels often because there would be a wider range of doctors & hospitals that accept Medicare as opposed to an HMO or PPO plan?
2. What would be your suggestions regarding a Medigap policy? I'm currently looking into the AARP plans. My mother used Humana and has had no problem with them.
Let me know what's worked for you. Any caveats to be aware of? Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice in this matter....
Mr. Ed (fulltiming since 1987)
2007 Hitchhiker II LS Model 29.5 LKTG
2007 Dodge Ram 3500/6.7 CTD/QC/4X4/SB/SRW/6-speed man/Big Horn edition
I had to make the same type of decision for my Tricare plans when I retired.
>>YOU<< have to read the policies and understand them to make a decision because if you ask a saleman, he only has one end result in mind.
Chances are, he won't understand your situation and needs as a full-timer and you'll spend more time trying to make him understand what you need rather than him telling you what you are purchasing when you buy a "plan".
Greg
Retired member of the U.S. Navy's 1% Club.
Enjoying Champagne on the King Ranch!
'06 King Ranch F-350 Dually Diesel 4x4 Long Bed Crew Cab w/ Tow Boss
'07 Champagne Edition NuWa Hitchiker 3 axle 4 slide 37CKRD /w TrailAir all around
It seems to me that most full timers I've spoken to about this topic subscribe to Medicare A & B and get a medigap Type F policy from Humana or AARP. The Medigap policies are accepted anywhere that Medicare is accepted. Most hospitals and many doctors accept Medicare, so as a full timer, you would have little trouble finding health care anywhere in the US.
We have found that regular Medicare A & B, plus a good medigap is the only way to go for full timers, who do travel. We have never had a problem finding a Dr that would accept our plans. We looked into PPO and HMO and did not find one that was willing to provide care anywhere in the US. All, and I mean all said that they would provide emergency care only, when away from their home area. I have heard good things about the AARP medigap plan.
Bob & Betsy - USN Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 & FT Class of 2002 '05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins -With-'05 GMC Sierra SLT, CC, Z-71, the pusher & our '07 Arctic Cat 500A & '08 Suzuki KQ 400A, riding in the pusher. Where the wheels are stopped
We tried several HMO's and had problems. Then I remembered as a Psychologist & Therapist, Aetna was the best company that Id dealt with. Never had a problem with payment, they paid immediately. We switched to Aetna and have been with them ever since, all I have is parts A&B no other policy is needed.
Our Doctor on the Policy was in Palmdale, Ca. We were staying in a campground in Cottonwood AZ, the closes physician in Family Practice was over 50 miles away. Called a Heart Specialist who had a Clinic in Cottonwood and asked if he accepted Aetna. He did and ran a battery of tests including an MRI, EKG, treadmill and much more. Never had such a complete physical in one day, it took over five hours. Aetna paid the bill, no questions or problems.
Aetna has doctors all over the US, most doctors take more than one plan, if the plan pays well without hassles, they sign up with them.
Bob & Nadine 1984 Allegro 23 feet, always at home!
Living Life With a "Golden Age Passport"
and Thousand Trails VIP Membership, Priceless!.
Thanks for the replies, folks. Looks like I'll stick with the original Medicare A & B and decide on an appropriate Medigap plan. I had a strong feeling the original plan would be the right way to go for a fulltimer. You folks confirmed that...
I turned 65 on June 4th and medicare started on the 1st. I looked at supplemental plans like AARP and some others but ended up with the Bankers Life and Casualty plan. I have Plan J at a monthly rate of $143. I believe AARP and Humana are much higher. Basically I have zero cost out of my pocket for any medical expenses. I also signed up for Part D the perscription drug plan with another company, First Health, at $15 per month which Bankers suggested since they had the best rate.
Offline
