Our medications forum has some info in the sticky thread, I just added a few more links-
http://www.neurotalk.org/medications...ml#post1224792

Not sure what is around you.....In a month people will have to make choices, go to your local big box pharmacy....Tell them the meds you take and they can make a suggestion as what plan (part D)for meds covers you best...I know for sure Walgreen's does this for free as a service..

Thanks for the suggestion. I will seat-down sometime soon with Walgreen's.

Mine is $104.00 t00

No, after you qualify for Medicare you will no longer be eligible for an exchange plan. It's a shock to many.

Part A will be free.
Part B will be $124.

Your next decision needs to be if you want an Advantage Plan or a Supplement. Advantage Plans often cover your drugs, so you won't need to purchase Part D coverage. Some plans are free, some will cost a few hundred dollars. They are often HMO plans, with choices like Kaiser. Each state has different options. You can meet with a SHIP counselor in your state and they will advise you for free. Some people are very happy with their Advantage plans and some people are not...

A Supplement will give you much more flexibility and will cover your 20% deductibles. You'll still need to choose a Part D Drug Plan. By entering the drugs you use on the Medicare site, it'll give you prices for Advantage Plans and Part D plans and drug costs. You should call and confirm this info with any company you're considering, because they sometimes really won't pay for drugs when the Medicare website says they will.

If you don't choose a Supplement while you're eligible you're unlikely to find a plan that will accept you until you reach retirement age. There is more flexibility in switching to an Advantage plan later. You must check your Part D plans and drug copays every year if you have multiple Rx's because prices change significantly. If you choose an Advantage Plan, you should run those numbers as well.

My costs:

Part B: $104
Part D: $25
Supplement: $320
Drug co-pays: $120

I don't qualify for extra help and have an excellent Supplement. Supplement Plans use the alphabet from A-N. G and H are often exceptional and will have no deductible, and therefore will generally be the most expensive--sometimes lesser coverage costs more, so be careful. A SHIP counselor will probably be able to give you quotes and the best rated companies. My plan is through Mutual of Omaha. AARP uses United Healthcare, but in some states there are age restrictions.

So, IMO, the info you received was likely based on you paying for Part B, Part D, a Supplement, and drug copays. And yes, it will be substantially more expensive than what you have been. If it's any consolation, those prices were likely artificially low and won't continue...

I'm sorry, I have been down and out lately.

I re-read the thread but I am still not clear on this: Does one (like me - 52 year old) absolutely has NO CHOICE to stay in the Marketplace for healthcare insurance once it is the two year anniversary of the beginning of my SSDI benefits?

My limited understanding is that I have no choice. That once my two year anniversary hits -- then I will automatically, without any action or choice on my part -- be put on HIGH PRICED, crappy insurance -- Medicare A/B. My SSDI benefits will automatically be garnished like 150 bucks to pay for A/B. And, on top of that, I will still need to find and pay for a plan D?

It makes no sense. I am with a private insurer (BCBS) via the marketplace. I pay a $500 deductible, after that EVERYTHING IS FREE. I was on it last year. I signed up again for the same plan for next year. More competition, driving the prices down . . . that is the beauty of a truly 'free market'.

If the gov't FORCES me to buy their insurance (Medicare) so much for the benefits of a 'free market'. I will in Aug 2017 suffer the ill effects of a MONOPOLY.


I found out via the SSA that my 2 year anniversary is in Aug 2017. Why would the gov't force me to take crappy insurance (Medicare) that is about 500% more expensive than my current plan? Is it just a money making scheme for the gov't?

So much for a 'free market'. I just don't understand the philosophy of this whole thing other than it is an awesome and easy way for the gov't to make a ton of money. I thought monopolies were illegal?! I guess that doesn't apply to the folks that make all the rules.

Have any of you already fell victim to this two year anniversary racket? Is there no way around/out of it?

Thanks.

Please there is nothing "crappy" about Medicare!
I will bet it is FAR better insurance that what you have now.....
The rules are what they are and have been for decades...

Maybe a call to SS or Medicare can clear up your misconceptions and get some good hard answers?

There are usually groups at a local senior center that can help explain or even help you through this process....please check

And remember a health plan is not the same as a drug plan.....You have some option and not being forced for all coverage...


I use a supplemental insurance for the other 20% of Medicare, and for eye and dental....

I am lucky as my union covers just about all my meds and very little out of pocket.

If the government was making money off Medicare, we wouldnt be having problems funding SS and Medicare...You may want to start reading up on it and keep away from the misinformation on TV?
(There is no such thing as a free market, that term was invented)

^^^ OK. And, I don't watch TV. Thank you for your assistance and the kind tone regarding the way you replied. Much appreciated. Thank you. Dean