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Desert grandma

(1,080 posts)
60. Original Medicare and a good plan G supplement are the best.
Sun May 31, 2026, 05:21 PM
Sunday

Folks need to research the medical supplement plans "rating systems". I found out that almost all supplement plans in our state, are "age attained rated". This means rates will increase every year on your birthday as well as for medical inflation costs in your region. At the time we joined Medicare, almost ALL supplement plans were this type. Only 2 plans were "age issued". Age issued plans DO NOT increase due to advancing age. They stay at the premium set when you got on the plan. They CAN increase but only because of medical inflation in your region. Medicare.gov will point out how the plans are rated, but one needs to look for that information. When we joined Medicare, Transamerica was one of only 2 companies that were rated "age issue". Our premiums have increased but I believe it was $135 when I turned 65, and it is now $179. That represents a $44 increase over 13 years. It can be very costly to return to original Medicare if you have have major health issues. Unless you have a union sponsored or a former employer sponsored supplement option, every private supplement plan can require an underwriting process before they will accept you. That unfortunately makes it very difficult for most people to stay or return to original Medicare. There are certain exceptions to this. If your Medicare Advantage plan is no longer available for purchase in your area, you are able to return to original Medicare and choose a supplement plan as if you were originally going on Medicare, and thus avoid underwriting. I am very pleased with our choice because we have no network restrictions and can go to other out of state facilities as long as they accept Medicare. It really is a confusing and complicated process.

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Absolutely! buzzycrumbhunger Saturday #1
I've had an advantafe plan for ten years and didn't know this. How can they prevent me from switching? FadedMullet Saturday #2
you can switch back to regular Medicare Skittles Saturday #5
Plan B is allowed to do "medical underwriting," nilram Sunday #8
You generally have a one-time opportunity to sign up for a Medigap/Supplement plan. Ms. Toad Sunday #9
It's not that you can "never" go back buzzycrumbhunger Sunday #11
I think you mean Plan C dflprincess Sunday #13
When I was about to turn 65, I was inundated with mail ads for Medicare Advantage Wednesdays Saturday #3
I'm 76, and I still get those ads occasionally. ShazzieB Sunday #15
Same, and it wasn't just mail ads. GoCubsGo Sunday #43
Yes, we've gotten them at my house... inundated is right. I can't imagine how much money is wasted on these mailers LymphocyteLover Sunday #50
I still get a ton of calls even though I use a regular Medicare plan and a schedule g supplement LetMyPeopleVote Sunday #52
I agree, but they have made regular Medicare unaffordable for a lot of people Skittles Saturday #4
Gods, yes! buzzycrumbhunger Sunday #12
it's all a racket Skittles Sunday #17
The biggest pisser? buzzycrumbhunger Sunday #22
oh wow Skittles Sunday #24
Sorry mate. mahina Yesterday #63
My traditional Medicare is my biggest budget expense by far. GoodRaisin Sunday #23
yup Skittles Sunday #25
Bull OhioBack2Blue Sunday #28
why not just say single payer Skittles Sunday #29
I think its because scrapping Medicare Johonny Sunday #42
There's a possibility that this admin will channel everyone into Advantage plans... allegorical oracle Sunday #48
Traditional Medicare is far from "wrecked" Dave says Sunday #53
This message was self-deleted by its author Emile Sunday #33
Less than buy-your-own. (nt) ret5hd Sunday #47
Buzzy, are you referring to Advantage? Dave says Sunday #44
That's the worst part imo. ShazzieB Sunday #16
I had a landlord several years ago, who said she had changed her mom's health plan to one of those... C Moon Sunday #6
Medicare has a trust fund? n/t aggiesal Sunday #7
Switching Medicare options after you are already on it can be done at the same time of year that other switches summer_in_TX Sunday #10
If it was designed to destroy Medicare, why would President Clinton sign it into law? MichMan Sunday #14
LOL Skittles Sunday #18
Good question Hope22 Sunday #19
Republicons held the house and senate in 1997... OhioBack2Blue Sunday #31
+1 leftstreet Sunday #37
honestly this describes most Democrats but they are still 1,000 better than Republicons LymphocyteLover Sunday #49
This message was self-deleted by its author Sector 001 Sunday #20
? Skittles Sunday #26
This message was self-deleted by its author Sector 001 Sunday #27
try online Skittles Sunday #30
This message was self-deleted by its author Sector 001 Sunday #45
OK something ain't right Skittles Sunday #54
This message was self-deleted by its author Sector 001 Sunday #55
"deadbeats on Medicare"? Skittles Sunday #56
This message was self-deleted by its author Sector 001 Sunday #59
same answer as two years ago - and two years before that - and ... stopdiggin Sunday #21
Once again, thanking God for my union. Scrivener7 Sunday #32
Same here gab13by13 Sunday #35
My wife is delighted with parts A/B plus supplemental plan G Shrek Sunday #34
We've had a good experience so far babsbunny Sunday #36
And AARP is a partner/investor in the UnitedHealth Advantage scam Ruby the Liberal Sunday #38
My ex employer mandates a single Medicare Advantage HMO plan for all its US retitees. I pay $0 into it. So, sinkingfeeling Sunday #39
That is bad advice for a huge number of people. MineralMan Sunday #40
If it gives people pause I am glad I posted it. applegrove Sunday #46
$600 Per Month ProfessorGAC Sunday #58
I have an Allina Aetna Advantage plan. MineralMan Sunday #62
Omg, Chris is against MA?!? THE Chris,?!? gulliver Sunday #41
I had an advisor help me when I turn 65 LetMyPeopleVote Sunday #51
In order to save Medicare, should eliminating MA be a campaign issue in 2028? MichMan Sunday #57
Original Medicare and a good plan G supplement are the best. Desert grandma Sunday #60
The only exception is if it is provided IbogaProject Sunday #61
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