Page 1 of 1

Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-05-31 07:59:34
by Gordon
I am a federal agency employee. I plan to retire at the end of the 2013 leave year (January 11, 2014) and carry my federal health benefit plan into retirement. I also am a military veteran, although not a retiree.

I always have planned to enroll in Medicare B when I retire; however, I have read and heard conflicting information about whether, as a veteran, I need to enroll in Medicare B. (I did enroll in Medicare A when I turned sixty five.) I plan to move to Portland, Oregon, soon after I retire and use the veterans facility up there for my health care. I fall under either Enrollment Priority Group 7 or Enrollment Priority Group 8.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-05-31 12:55:28
by Jimbob
I am not familiar with your federal govt plan and what you will have or will not have.

I am a Military Retiree and I enroll in Part B, It does cost each month which is deducted from my Social Security. So much for free health care for life. and use Tricare for life as the supplement.

I have never used the VA system for any of my health care issues

Maybe someone will be along who knows more than I do.

Jimbob

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-06-16 02:36:59
by bluegrass71
If you live overseas as a Retiree and use TRICARE or a Military Medical Facility you must have Part B.
Tricare will not pay for coverage without Part B.
I would think you should get Part B vs counting on the VA or Mil to always be there.

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-06-17 17:41:10
by DianeLeigh
The federal plans used to be simple, now not so much. If you are planning to get your medical care at your local VA then you need to weigh your federal plan against Medicare part b.
Now you said federal, not Tricare? Are you going to get your meds at the VA as well as any inpatient care? What type of federal plan do you have? Is it going to change when you retire ? What is your cost share?
Ferderal plans could be one of dozens now a days. If you take part B what are your options on supplement plan or can you take your plan as a secondary?
if you would rather pm me for privacy please do so.

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-06-17 20:31:37
by Gordon
DianeLeigh wrote:The federal plans used to be simple, now not so much. If you are planning to get your medical care at your local VA then you need to weigh your federal plan against Medicare part b.
Now you said federal, not Tricare? Are you going to get your meds at the VA as well as any inpatient care? What type of federal plan do you have? Is it going to change when you retire ? What is your cost share?
Ferderal plans could be one of dozens now a days. If you take part B what are your options on supplement plan or can you take your plan as a secondary?
if you would rather pm me for privacy please do so.
My federal plan is the Federal Health Benefit Plan that I have as a federal employee and will be taking into retirement. I pay a eighteen dollar co-pay right now and have been for the last several years; however, my coinsurance depends on the benefit, I think. Right now, I don't know where I would be getting my prescriptions filled, whether it would be at the VA or at a private pharmacy. At retirement, my Federal Health Benefit Plan would be my supplement insurance, and Medicare B would be my primary insurance, if I do enroll in Medicare B.

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-06-23 12:43:38
by DianeLeigh
Hi Gordon
Ok. I found this booklet posted online which says, if it's correct, that you may not have to take Part B but you may have better benefits if you do
Ive posted the link here

http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance ... -final.pdf

Check page 9 for an update on the cost share and the benefits

I would NOT take a Part C plan (Medicare Advanage) as there is no advantage to have a Part C plan with your Coverage. In my experience, your cost share would be much higher, your benefits would be cut and your "provider network" (required by most Part C plans) would be quite restrictive.

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-06-23 14:26:47
by Gordon
Thanks, Diane. I bookmarked that link are will read it when I get a chance this week. Just skimming through it, however, it confirms what I had been thinking.

(I had not planned on enrolling in Medicare C, because, as you say, my FEHB pretty much covers my prescription needs.

Thanks, again.

Re: Should I enroll in Medicare B?

Posted: 2013-11-27 08:35:48
by Mike ET
Gordon, et al.

It may be wise to appreciate the current turmoil with governmental intervention in the health care marketplace. What government giveth it can also taketh away. There was a time when Federally subsidized plans were considered sacrosanct; however, I would not characterize them as such in current times and environments.

If you can be sure that what you currently have is adequate, and likely to remain so, then you may take your chances and hope for the best.

Mike ET