[Kitty]

Okay, I got my Medicare info in the mail and have to either accept Part B or decline it. If I decline and later decide I need it it I can always sign up for it at a later date.

Medicare will deduct about $112 from my SSDI check each month for my Part B Medicare coverage. The way I understand it I am covered for hospitalization at no charge to me.

Here's my question. Should I just get the Part A Medicare and put the $112 in my savings account to use if I need it or should I get the Part B which automatically deducts $112 each month whether or not I need it or not?

I rarely go to the doctor. Just once every 6 months to the Neuro in order to keep my records current for LTD and SSDI. Those visits are $85 each.

[SallyC]

Sheesh, Kell, I've been paying for part B for 5 years and don't think i've used it that much....what a dummy I am. I guess I didn't realize you had a choice.

You do have a annual deductble of 250.00.

I think if I had it to do over, I'd pay for my own dr. bills???

Ask your Docs if they will reduce your fees, since you won't be subjecting them to the Medicare allowances.

[Dejibo]

I say you can never have too much insurance. This latest hospital stay of mine ran into the thousands, or tens of thousands. MRIs, CTscans, blood work, hospital stay, ER visit, it would have quickly bankrupted me had I not been very insured.

I vote for too much insurance, vs not enough.

[Kitty]

I tend to think like you do, Sally. I think I could start my own "Medical Fund" and spend less than if I had money automatically deducted from my SSDI check.

Dej, I will get Medicare hospital coverage. I'm talking about the health care coverage for doctor visits, etc.

I did a cost analysis and could save some money by paying cash for doctor visits and tests. Like Sally, I don't go to the doctor that often and even if I went five times a year that would be less than half of what I'd be paying yearly for Part B Coverage.

I think I'm going to try it with just Part A for the first year. I can always sign up for Part B later if I feel I need it.

[tkrik]

I don't know, Kelly. For me, it would be taking a huge risk considering I have a chronic illness. One bad flare could put such a financially burden on you or even ruin you financially. Part A doesn't cover any outpatient treatments such as PT, vision, home health, etc. that you could potentially need.

Also, I only pay $96.40 for my premium. Unless it went up and I didn't realize it. Anyhow, for it was worth it because my bills for this past year far exceeded $1,200 for the year that I paid in my premium.

[barb02]

Kelly, I agree with Tricia. Sounds rather risky to me.

[Debbie D]

Kel,
Why don't you call your doc's office and ask them how much they charge for doctor's appointments? It will give you more information before making your decision...
I am always afraid of not being covered...I see how much docs charge those who don't have coverage vs. those who do, and those who don't, IMHO, are raped by the docs.

[AfterMyNap]

I would (and do) err on the side of caution, you need to think about durable medical equipment, MRIs and other items that only get coverage with B.

My most recent MRI was $7500, 20% of that came to $1500. My mammo last week cost me $7.51 vs. $300 & change. Pap smears & annual physical, routine blood work, IVSM (the cost of the help, not the juice) walkers, scooters, manual wheel chairs and all that stuff get 80% coverage. One hit like that could destroy a year's budget.

Never forget that unless you're admitted, visits to the ER don't count as hospitalization. Ask around among your adults and find out how many people have had freak/stupid injuries, without MS.

Take serious care against assuming that the only thing that could go wrong would be MS related or within your normal routine. No one plans to trip in a doorway, over a pet, or step in a sinkhole in their lawn.

It's a huge gamble with not-so-good odds.

On the other hand, that +/- $100 a month could buy a lot of candy and magazines.

[Dejibo]

I have used, and used and used my Medicare. Part A and B. Any medical center that I want to see, takes me in. Medicare pays, and then my 2ndary pays the rest. I meet/exceed my deductible by Feb each year. When I need an extra MRI due to a flair, I slide in the machine, and dont fear what it costs me. When i need blood tests to check liver functions, I hold out my arm, not my wallet.

There are places at every hospital to help those paying cash, or those who are under or not insured, but its alot of paperwork, and not a gaurntee of services. Call the financial aid office of your local hospital and ask them "what would happen if I showed up with cash, not insurance?" would you get a discount for paying in cash? Most discount for cash.

Be prepared to scrutinize every bill that ever comes your way. With or without insurance. I saw a paidin full for a full body radiation treatment on my bill once. I called the hospital and argued the charge, which even tho paid, was removed from MY history. If you are paying cash, you will want to be twice as careful.

With insurance, they have a main office that sorts out every charge, and argues it for you.

You are bravier than I am. I simply would be terrified to be uninsured. My brother does this, and it scares me. I keep telling him,he is one stumble away from financial disaster.

***edit*** please go to the website and check to see what part of medicare covers what services. it should be pretty easy to look up. This way you can make an informed choice. GL no matter which way you choose.

[lefthanded]

Medicare Part A is hospitalization and Part B is everything else. If you decline it now, you will pay a penalty when you want it in the future . . . so check this out at the Medicare Website. Medicare without any supplements has deductibles and co-pays, and no prescription coverage. You must take Part D to get drug coverage. There are a host of medicare supplements (medi-gap) plans available, and there are online sites that can help steer you to which ones are available in our state and which would be the best choice for your situation.

I do not recommend declining Medicare Part B coverage. It will cost you in the future, and it offers decent basic coverage for office visits, clinics, and diagnostic tests.