[tkrik]

Ok, I just had to post this. I will be starting Medicare on Friday. I got a booklet that talks about different Medicare plans. I never knew there was such a thing. Well, due to some cognitive issues reading this booklet it not happening for me; confused, forgetting what I just read - you all understand. LOL

So this morning, I decided to try and call them again. I got a live person right away and she was the kindest, nicest person. Not only did she help with my Medicare questions and helping me decide on a plan (I guess I'm on Medicaid as well), she also took a look at my prescription drug plan options so I could come up with the cheapest one for me.

God Bless this woman. I guess every now and then we have luck with some of these workers. I wish I got her name but forgot to. She was great.

[Dejibo]

I have found many Medicare phone people to be extremely helpful, and patient when I have called with either my own, or my mother's issues. I never feel rushed, or pushed to hurry through so she can get to the next caller. I have always felt that they wanted to be sure that I completely understood before they let me off the phone. I have gotten one or two sour pusses, but they are the exception, not the norm down there.

Ask for a Social Security and you booklet for 2008. it is full of what is and what is not covered. They should send you a new one every year.

[NurseNancy]

that's helpful to know.
i have to make a decision in feb/march. my cobra runs out may 1.

can i ask what you decided on?
just curious.

i also went to walgreen's and they printed out the top 10 plans that covered the most of my meds.

i'm very hesitant to pick an HMO. my first yr i may go with part D and A & B.
just havn't decided yet.

[tkrik]

Originally Posted by NurseNancy

can i ask what you decided on?
just curious.

i also went to walgreen's and they printed out the top 10 plans that covered the most of my meds.

Because I am on Medicaid it was a little different for me.

I also qualified for help with my prescriptions and won't have to pay a premium for the plan and for all of my medications except Copaxone. C will only cost me $5.60 a month.

I found that calling Medicare early in the morning and later in the month was helpful and I was not on hold for 45 minutes. They were very helpful.