I don't know if this is answering your question or not. I kow every insurance is different than another. My husband had good insurance where he worked. His was promary and my Medicare was secondary. So when I went they would charge the bill first to his insurnce since it was primary. If there was any bill left over it was then sent to Medicare. So I generally had no payment for doctors visits after both insurances took their whack at it. Now procedires were different. How I wish he hadn't retired:( Messed our lives up. And I don't have my days to myself. Does anyone need a spare husband. He doesn't come with any household skills except loosing things.

The best advice I can tell you is to first check with your current docs to find out what plans they accept; otherwise you may have to choose new docs found on your new plan.

Here is the government link with all the jargon explained:
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answ...-a,-b,-c-and-d

My husband opted for Humana for his "donut" coverage and also for Part D drug coverage. So far, his co-pays have been $5.

I am truly shocked at how difficult this process is!! You would think they could somehow simplify it.

I am in my 40's, and reading all the information on the Medicare C vs. supplimental insurance; had my head spinning. I can't imagine seniors trying to figure all this out!!

What I have discovered:

Part A-hospital coverage, most people get this with no out of pocket expense.
Part B-doctor visits, outpatient, most people pay 99.90 monthly
A and B ="Original Medicare"

Part C-Medicare Advantage, is an option that can be purchased that includes A and B, (however you must still pay the 99.90 for B) and other extras like some dental, vision and hearing, and most include some form of Part D (prescriptions) There are dozens of plans and each a little different, however there is an additional monthly charge.

Part D-Prescription drug coverage, can be purchased separately, another monthly charge.

Medicare Gap Ins-a secondary ins to cover gaps if you only choose "Original A and B" this is also an additional charge.

If you choose Part C you do NOT purchase Gap insurance.

So, we have so many options....this makes my head spin! I really don't know how people decide what to do, or what is the best option.

This should NOT be this difficult!!

Daisy-

I am also in my 40s (which in many states means you can't even buy a supplement). I very strongly suggest you go to the local or state Area Agency on Aging/State Health Insurance Assistance Program {known as AAA or SHIP}

They are trained medicare advisors. Most are located within senior services nonprofits (for example my Area Agency on Aging is called "Sr. Services of SE Va") They serve ANYBODY who is eligible for Medicare - not just those over 65.

These programs have trained counselors who will utilize special software programs to intelligently guide you to the right Medicare plan for you, based on your needs and circumstances. They plug in all your medications, etc and can show you all the details & costs for the plans. The computer program will clearly spell out which plans are your best choice & lowest costs. It is a free and impartial service.

I do not recommend using the medicare.gov website to do this search. For most first timers it is tedious and not always the most accurate (or even simple to understand). Personally, I would rather let the AAA/SHIP advisor guide me as this is his field of specialty - it usually takes less than 30-45 minutes to get a plan picked and signed up for.

And remember - where you live makes a difference on what plans are available & for how much. Just because your friend Jane Doe has a similar sounding plan, she likely has different "details" and costs than a plan in your state with the same name.

Good luck and you will get throught this. I have no idea why it is so complicated - I just call it mental exercise and lessons on patience LOL

If all else fails: a good stiff drink takes good

As far as the 'gap' is concerned, if you are on Medicare D and also on one of the drugs for MS such as Avonex, Rebif, etc, don't worry about the gap. I am in the gap for about 3 weeks. I usually am in the catastrophic period by the end of march. I pay $2.60 for most of my meds. That does not include my Avonex. i think I pay $179/month for it once I was past the gap. The gap is full price. But that is usually just for the one month.