Reader Alert: 12 weeks to October 15th…Medicare’s Open Enrollment Countdown begins…
In the past few days, I have had emails regarding mail already being sent in regards to Medicare Open Enrollment, this October 15th and I wanted my readers to be aware that the insurance companies are starting earlier than usual due to the fact that not only will we have Medicare Open Enrollment, but Obamacare will also be enrolling this fall…so get ready!!! I will let you know what is happening…
Toni,
I’m sure this is a common occurrence. My wife is a retired teacher, and we have been on her TRS Care medical insurance since her retirement. My office visits have always had $35 co-pay. I turned 65 this Feb., and recently visited my doctor. I paid nothing at the time of the visit, but received a bill for $73.00, which I was told was my deductible. I called Aetna and was told that I now have a Medicare deductible and an Aetna deductible. The $35 co-pay no longer applies. They said I should have signed up for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage. I don’t think I was given that option. Is this something I had to select as soon as I signed up for Medicare? Is it too late? Is the Medicare Advantage a good plan, or should I be wary? Thanks for your help, Richard
Hi there Richard:
Choosing a TRS-Care plan whether “Original” Medicare with Aetna or the TRS-Aetna Medicare Advantage plan can be kind of tricky.
Before you make your change to the TRS Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, here is what I would do…talk to your doctors or doctors to see which plan your doctor’s offices consider to be your most appropriate choice. Your doctor’s office knows more of what is happening with healthcare reform (Obamacare) than you can imagine and can advise you accordingly.
I am not sure which TRS-Care package your wife was sent, but I am confident that the “Original” Medicare with Aetna was a good choice. She should get a new enrollment package for next year soon. If you desire to change your TRS plan, the enrollment time will be in the package and you will have the new plan effective January 1, 2014.
Below are the 2 TRS-Care options to pick from for 2013 and a little difference in the plans: I do not believe TRS 2014 plans have been released yet.
1) TRS-Care 2 or 3 with “Original Medicare”: TRTA members have used for years. Depending on which plan you elect TRS 2(with $1,000 deductible and $4,000 out of pocket maximum) or TRS 3(with $300 deductible and $3,300 out of pocket maximum). There may be a little more out of pocket and the premium is $15.00 higher, but you use “Original Medicare” with you having control over choosing which doctor, hospital or healthcare professional to use not an insurance company telling you what to do. For those having serious medical conditions, with this TRS plan you will have less worry with fewer headaches.
2) Aetna Medicare Advantage Care 2 or 3 Plan: Aetna not Medicare will pay claims because with a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare pays a fixed amount for you care every month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. There is less out of pocket, but only if you stay in network and going out of network will cost you more. With this TRS plan, your monthly premiums are reduced $15.00.
In the past few weeks, I have had numerous readers that are teachers and retiring, who are also struggling with which TRS plan to chose. I felt I needed to explain TRS’s Medicare plans again.
Toni King, Medicare advocate, consultant and author of Medicare Survival Guide and Confused about Medicare workshop DVD available only at www.tonisays.com. Sign up for the new Medicare Survival newsletter available at www.tonisays.com. For any Medicare questions, contact Toni at www. tonisays.com/ask-toni…
