[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.