turning 66 need info re Medicare

[jkforrest]

Have had disability since 1991. Had HealthSprings as Medicare for last year. However, have found that they require me to go to "their" doctors.

Can anyone recomend another source of insurance for the Medicare that doesn't require "their" doctors and I can choose my own? I live in TN if that makes any difference?

[onlyairfare]

Your state and even your county can affect your Medicare choices. Most places have a number of choices.

It sounds like you are in a Medicare HMO, since you mention "their doctors." Traditional Medicare allows you to see any doctor except for the very few who do not accept Medicare, and you are not required to have a referral or stay "in network." However, with traditional Medicare, you will need a separate Part D drug plan to cover prescription drugs, and most people also buy a Medi-Gap plan, which is a supplemental plan that covers some of what Medicare does not cover. Probably your Medicare HMO includes all of that in one premium so you don't have to buy separate insurances.

You can all 1-800-MEDICARE for advice and information. The annual "Medicare and You" book that you receive in the mail should also tell you the options. The Medicare website is another resource.

Most non-disabled people enroll in Medicare when they turn 65, so I am not sure if "turning 66" is significant as far as Medicare. It may be your "full retirement age" for Social Security, where you receive "regular" Social Security instead of the disability benefit.

[MSer102]

You can find out just about everything you want to know about Medicare at www.Medicare.gov.

It sounds like you signed up for an HMO Advantage plan. HMO's require that you use only their network of doctors and hospitals. If you want to choose your own doctors you can switch to "original" or "straight" Medicare. Your benefits might not be quite as generous, you'll have to pay a 20% copay for many things and you'll have to choose your own Part D insurer. You might also want to buy a Medigap plan to cover your copay and some things that original Medicare doesn't. But all of the choices will be yours. The Medicare website explains everything.

There are enrollment periods and deadlines for changing plans so it's important that you go the the Medicare website to find out when the deadlines are. http://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-chan...#collapse-3192

[jkforrest]

Thanks Really Thanks

Thanks to both of you that replied.
I appreciate it more than you can know!!
Your information was both clear and concise.

I had just about given up even looking at this site except for the arcade games. Since few respond to my ?'s in the past.

I'm sure for a newbie with this lovely Dis ease! lol it can be very helpful however not so much anymore for me I'm afraid.
I must say that I am in fact GLAD it's here for those than need and use it.

Thanks again for responding!!

[mjan]

Yes this gets confusing and often misleading. "Their doctors" usually mean IN NETWORK. HMOs contract with providers.

I went with AARP Medicare Complete. NO monthly premiums and very little to pay after my copay.

Yes, a lot is determined by your state. They were great and went through each and every specialist, hospital, and pharmacy and drugs. I was not expecting 100% providers, but basically got ALL my providers covered. I am also lucky to live in or near a large enough city that contracts with many of my providers.

AARP Complete is part of United healthcare..so far year one, I am very pleased.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

Jan

[akafearless]

UHC also offers a AARP supplemental plan which covers the co-insurance and deductible that Medicare A/B has. The premiums are not cheap must the coverage is good. You still have to get an additional policy for Rx. WellCare is one.
My MIL has these. I have Humana which is an HMO.