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I am a 52 year old male. I live in KS. This March will be my two year anniversary of being on SSDI (for sfn).

I went to a place that helps people understand Medicare. She told me it would cost between $300 to $500 PER MONTH.

Currently, via the marketplace -- I pay 50 bucks per month. BCBS. FREE MEDS, FREE appointments. It is awesome. So, I'm in shock regarding the Medicare costs.

What is your monthly premium? How much do your meds cost? I take six different meds a day so it is important that I find a plan that can handle my med load in an economical fashion.

So, once I get forced into Medicare -- then I can't use the Marketplace? I would like to retain my current BCBS policy if possible.

Those of you that know about Medicare, can you please advise if her figures are accurate? I make just a little too much money to qualify for EXTRA HELP. My IRA makes Extra Help impossible.

Those of you currently on Medicare, what are your thoughts about it? How much do you pay per month? Do you think you are getting good value for the money that you have to spend regarding your healthcare needs. Thanks.

Sure sound like that place you went was full of lies? That sure dont sound helpful?...Sounds more like a scare tactic?

I dont remember the exact amount...I think Medicare takes $104 out a month?...and thats for 80%, so having a secondary is very helpful, depending how much that is out of pocket.....I get lucky my union gives me free insurance to cover the other 20%....But they give me , eye, and dental which Medicare does nothing of....

If I recall .... my medicare is about $104/month.

This does not include part D (drugs).
(we have secondary insurance that pays for both of us including drugs from my husband's pension, however). We have yet to pay any doctor's bills, or the recent ER visit my husband made, because with both insurances everything is covered ..within reason).

I recall that if I didn't file for it within X number of days...I can't recall exactly how many days...the amount goes up.

Things may be different if you are SSDI, and younger than retirement age.

I'd go to the website and check yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD (Post 1224712)

If I recall .... my medicare is about $104/month.

Things may be different if you are SSDI, and younger than retirement age.

I'd go to the website and check yourself.

I am SSDI got it at age 44 now Im 53....If that helps a little.

the cost of medicare now is tied to your income. above a certain amount and you pay more than the $104.

85,000 is the cut off for higher part B deductions.

Part B is what we are talking about here. Part A is free for most
retirees.

Part A for others is 411 dollars a month...as this link explains:
Part A costs | Medicare.gov

So conceivably for some, to get Part A and B could be 500 dollars a month depending on your particular circumstances.

I became eligible for Part A (no fee) when I turned 62... and I enrolled at that time. I became eligible for Part B when I turned 66 and enrolled in that for $104 a month.

Quote:

Originally Posted by echoes long ago (Post 1224759)

the cost of medicare now is tied to your income. above a certain amount and you pay more than the $104.

For individuals its over $85K couples $170K...

And for couples making over $170k its $268 dollars a month....

Thanks for the heads up I got the info here... https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10536.pdf

Quote:

Originally Posted by davOD (Post 1224707)

Sure sound like that place you went was full of lies? That sure dont sound helpful?...Sounds more like a scare tactic?

**** I don't know what her motives were. Volunteer group recommended by the gov't. But if it was a 'scare tactic' - IT WORKED!

I dont remember the exact amount...I think Medicare takes $104 out a month?...and thats for 80%, so having a secondary is very helpful, depending how much that is out of pocket.....I get lucky my union gives me free insurance to cover the other 20%....But they give me , eye, and dental which Medicare does nothing of....

**** Apparently things have gone up just a bit. I think she said $124 will be taken out of my SSDI check when they auto enroll me.

^^^^ The frustrating thing is that just pays for parts A and B. What I need is a good Plan D. Drugs. I take six different one per day. So, is it as simple as just shopping for the best drug plan? Make sure they cover all my drugs and at the lowest cost. She took me to a pretty slick website. We entered my meds and dosages -- and the search engine found Pharms near me and what the cost would be. Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrsD (Post 1224712)

I'm just a bit overwhelmed by all the choices and options. Which website? They have about a dozen of them. Is there something wrong with someone trying 'not to reinvent the wheel'? I figure a few on you this board have already 'been there/done that' and could therefore lessen my learning curve. I'm not asking anybody to do my 'homework' for me. But I'm probably doing the usual thing a neurotic person does -- worrying about nothing.

So, I already got A and B (at least come March 2017). The $124 deducted from my SSDI check. Would it be reasonable to think that I can find a good plan D for around $125?

I wish I did not have to give up the policy I got when I was in the marketplace. Premiums were 40 bucks per month. 500 bucks out of pocket -- after that EVERYTHING was FREE. ZERO. So, I have to let that expire to pay for something that cost ten times more?! And doesn't have near the coverage/benefits. I wish I would have been given a choice about it! I guess this is a good way for them to get some of their money back. Ghez! Thanks Uncle Sam!

Quote:

Originally Posted by davOD (Post 1224743)

I am SSDI got it at age 44 now Im 53....If that helps a little.

Do you take prescription meds?

If so, how do you pay for them?

Just plain old Medicare - Part a and b -- do not cover meds. One has to shop from like over a hundred companies to see which ones carry your meds and then compare them with the other companies that also carry your meds.

Thanks.