Medicare For Full Timers

[DallasSteve]

I'm planning to full time in an RV again starting next Spring and I am covered by Medicare now. Last time I had no health insurance (I've usually been healthy and I've been 'naked' before). I've been on a Medicare Advantage plan (MA) which reduced my Part B premium by about $79 a month. They've canceled that plan so next year (now, starting Oct 15) I need to find a new one. I see some other MA plans that give me a Part B refund and I would like to start off with one of those. I plan to hit the road at the end of March and I don't know what to do then.

Will an MA plan offer any coverage while I'm traveling? I've heard that regular Medicare would cover me anywhere in the US. If I go MA would HMO or PPO work better? I will probably spend the Summer in one general area up North and then travel back South in the Fall, so I think I could switch my MA plan to a different zip code in the Summer and then again in the Winter, but part of the time I will be on the road traveling. How would you do this?

[winnietrey]

OP you might consider looking at "plan G" high deductible, much cheaper than plan G about a third. I have it, no complaints. I also tend to self-insure like you, so was good choice for me

[DallasSteve]

Walaby wrote:
OP is willing to roll the dice and bet on his continued good health. Which is fine until, as some have pointed out, something catastrophic occurs. Doesn't even have to really be catastrophic, as Lou points out with a "simple" pinched nerve.

Whatever you do, Steve, I wish you continued good health and no regrets on whatever you decide.

Mike

As I pointed out there are annual maximum out of pocket amounts in the plans, and I have savings to cover the maximums. It sounds like some people are afraid of a $100 medical bill. I'm not going to spend an extra $2,000 every year because some year I might have to spend $10,000. The last time I had a serious medical problem was 2006 with a knee problem. That's 16 years. I've actually had a pinched nerve and I've spent about $100 on that. I told the doctor I had a pain in the neck (LOL) and he basically said, "Sorry to hear that".

[Walaby]

OP is willing to roll the dice and bet on his continued good health. Which is fine until, as some have pointed out, something catastrophic occurs. Doesn't even have to really be catastrophic, as Lou points out with a "simple" pinched nerve.

Whatever you do, Steve, I wish you continued good health and no regrets on whatever you decide.

Mike

[LouLawrence]

We travel full time and have for many years. I am in excellent health but have been battling a pinched nerve in my neck. Long story short, I ended up with MRI, surgery, neurosurgeon, 2 nights hospital. Now sitting for 3 months with no driving but traditional Medicare and a part F supplement appears to be covering it all but expect some bills for the required deductible payments.

[Scottiemom]

I caution against skimping on coverage due to "I'm in good health" because we don't normally stay that way as we age. With aging brings health challenges to the healthiest of us. I, too, am in good health, but a fall, an accident, etc., can happen to anyone and your health care plan needs to be in place prior.

My Medicare and AARP is not the cheapest, but I think it's the best.

Dale

[nickthehunter]

DallasSteve wrote:
I spoke to a representative at eHealth and I think I have found a plan that will work, at least for the beginning of 2023. It is a PPO Medicare Advantage plan from Humana available in my zip code. It gives me back $110 per month of the Part B premium. It includes a travel coverage provision that allows me to get the standard rates from any in network provider in the USA. However, when they find out I have moved they will probably cancel the plan and I will have to look for a new plan. I plan to leave my address as is and get all of my correspondence via email. When Medicare discovers I have moved they will probably notify Humana and the clock will start ticking. I will also set up a virtual mailbox in Dallas and I may do a search for plans in that zip code to see if Humana offers something there and I may update my address when I leave Texas.

The key words in your post that will screw you over is “any in network provider”. Good luck finding one; especially a specialist.

[NamMedevac_70]

bgum wrote:
Gosh I must have struck a nerve.

Again you assume too much Mr. Snob the loo

[bgum]

Gosh I must have struck a nerve.

[NamMedevac_70]

bgum wrote:

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
begum seems you are out voted again as many many RVers like and use AARP. Happy trails to you.

Gee if I had known you were counting votes I would have called in Roger Stone to certify the results.

Popular doesn't equal best.

Cheers

I feel sorry for you and your extreme jealousy. Your cheap attempt at politics is just that cheap. Take a pill and chill. Hope you get well soon and over your southern sunburn

[DallasSteve]

stickdog wrote:

Why not setup an address with escapees and at the same time find what options are available with supplemental plans. Your find of a PPO with travel sounds as only good within the Humana family. Not a true PPO and they have to pay you to join? Ever wonder why?

The eHealth rep discussed a supplemental health plan with me. She said it would cost at least $60 per month and I would be giving up the $110 per month rebate. That's $2,000 per year. If the supplemental health plan doesn't save me at least $2,000 per year I'm losing money. I'm in good health and I've spent about $200 on health costs this year. The last few years have been like that. I'm willing to gamble my health will stay good for a few more years. I'm doing everything right on that front. I have savings if I'm wrong and all the insurance plans have annual limits. But thanks for the suggestion.

[stickdog]

DallasSteve wrote:
I spoke to a representative at eHealth and I think I have found a plan that will work, at least for the beginning of 2023. It is a PPO Medicare Advantage plan from Humana available in my zip code. It gives me back $110 per month of the Part B premium. It includes a travel coverage provision that allows me to get the standard rates from any in network provider in the USA. However, when they find out I have moved they will probably cancel the plan and I will have to look for a new plan. I plan to leave my address as is and get all of my correspondence via email. When Medicare discovers I have moved they will probably notify Humana and the clock will start ticking. I will also set up a virtual mailbox in Dallas and I may do a search for plans in that zip code to see if Humana offers something there and I may update my address when I leave Texas.

Why not setup an address with escapees and at the same time find what options are available with supplemental plans. Your find of a PPO with travel sounds as only good within the Humana family. Not a true PPO and they have to pay you to join? Ever wonder why?

[bgum]

NamMedevac 70 wrote:
begum seems you are out voted again as many many RVers like and use AARP. Happy trails to you.

Gee if I had known you were counting votes I would have called in Roger Stone to certify the results.

Popular doesn't equal best.

Cheers

[DallasSteve]

I spoke to a representative at eHealth and I think I have found a plan that will work, at least for the beginning of 2023. It is a PPO Medicare Advantage plan from Humana available in my zip code. It gives me back $110 per month of the Part B premium. It includes a travel coverage provision that allows me to get the standard rates from any in network provider in the USA. However, when they find out I have moved they will probably cancel the plan and I will have to look for a new plan. I plan to leave my address as is and get all of my correspondence via email. When Medicare discovers I have moved they will probably notify Humana and the clock will start ticking. I will also set up a virtual mailbox in Dallas and I may do a search for plans in that zip code to see if Humana offers something there and I may update my address when I leave Texas.

[YC_1]

Humana works fine for me traveling through the us.

[NamMedevac_70]

begum seems you are out voted again as many many RVers like and use AARP. Happy trails to you.