Hi Toni,
I am turning 65, this June and have no idea what I should do because I have breast cancer? Currently I am on a COBRA policy from my old employer with all of my medical bills are now being met. The COBRA plan is costing me about $800 a month. But at least I covered with a $1,000 deductible.
I receive all of my care from MD Anderson and am currently taking Chemotherapy with my radiation treatments to start this summer.
Do I enroll in Original Medicare with a Medicare supplement and get Part D, go with a Medicare Advantage plan or stay with my current COBRA plan until it ends in about 15 months. If you could help me sort this out I would greatly appreciate your help. Charlene, a loyal weekly reader
Dear Charlene:
I have good news for you…because you are turning 65 in June, there is a special enrollment time called Medicare Supplement /Medigap open enrollment.
This is the best time for you to purchase a Medicare Supplement because the open enrollment period last for a 6 month period beginning the first day of the month in which you are 65 or maybe you are older and have just enrolled in Part B. Enrolling in Part B for the first time is the trigger. During this open enrollment period, you may enroll in a Medicare Supplement and not have to answer any health questions to be accepted from any Medicare Supplement plan.
If you decide not to keep your COBRA plan, you do not have to worry about your medical care being taking care of with the Medicare Supplement or you can always keep your COBRA plan, but after the 6 month window, you will have to submit to a complete underwritten application for a Medicare Supplement. You may not qualify for a certain policy or it may cost more, if there are other health issues including the cancer after this 6 month window.
This week, a healthcare professional advised me to make my readers aware that many of the newest healthcare and cancer procedures are not readily approved by Medicare Advantage plans as these procedures are generally approved with “Original or Traditional Medicare”. He has to fight everyday to get his patients the care they desperately need when they are with a Medicare Advantage plan. Talk to your healthcare professionals when making your Medicare plan choice.
Medicare Advantage plans are good options when someone is relatively healthy. If you are someone with a serious health condition such as heart problems, Alzheimer, MS, kidney problems requiring kidney dialysis and the list could go on and on…remember to always talk with a healthcare professional who is familiar with your medical conditions when searching for your Medicare plan options.
I would advise you to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to keep from receiving a Part D penalty. Next week’s article, I will discuss how some cancer drugs can be covered thru Medicare Part B (Medical) as well as Medicare’s Part D Prescription Drug plan.
Confused about Medicare workshop:
- Rosebuds-Breast Cancer Support Group-Thursday March 27th from 6:00PM -7:30PM at The Rose-Galleria, 5420 West Loop South, Ste. 3300, Bellaire, TX 77401 RSVP-832/800-4674 You do not have to be a cancer survivor to attend. This workshop is open to the public.
- Cypress Bible Church-Saturday, March 29th from 8:30 AM-11:00 AM at Cypress Bible Church,11711 Cypress- N. Houston Rd, Cypress, TX 77429 RSVP 832/800-4674
**New Social Security and Medicare workshop beginning Tuesday, April 1st from 2:00-4:00 in the afternoon learn how to maximize your Medicare and Social Security benefits. Join Toni King at her Sugar Land office at 77 Sugar Creek Center Blvd, Ste 400, Sugar Land, TX 77478. RSVP 832/800-4674. Reservations are required because seating is limited.
Toni King, author of the new Medicare Survival Guide®, which is a simple guide that puts Medicare in people terms, is on sales at www.tonisays.com. Email questions or to schedule a “Confused about Social Security and Medicare Workshop” to www.tonisays.com/ask-toni or call 832/519-TONI (8664)
