New To Medicare

[Jozzie]

We are in the process of deciding on which AARP plan would work best for us. Have been reading your boards, and the information is very helpful. A question I have is If I sign up with Plan N, since I don't have any medical issues, would I be able to sign up with Plan F, if my health declines in the future? Would there be underwriting issues or can I be declined coverage for any reason?

Doing the math, the way I see it, at this time Plan N will work for now.
However, I dont want to regret my decision if I am stuck in the plan. My family says just go with the F plan and then I will be safe and nothing to worry about. It's all about the higher premium between the two plans.



What is your opinion.
Thank you
Jozzie

 

[Mack]

Hi Jozzie,

Welcome to MyMedicareForum.com!

I don't see why Plan N wouldn't be a good choice. It covers about the same as Plan F except there is a $20 copay. If you are going to the doctor several times a month then plan F might be better, but if not Plan N would save you money now and in the long run.

I think most companies will let you change between plans, but that is something you would need to ask the individual insurer.

 

[SeniorAvocate]

I would have to highly agree with your family on this one, going with an N plan would leave you exposed to the Part B excess charges which can be many thousands of dollars in the event of some major health occurrence. The difference in premium for that protection is worth it (big time) and medical care is not going down in price.

The real question I want to know is why AARP? From what I know is that they have group coverage, and if and when the group gets cancelled, depending on your health, you may never have another opportunity to get another F plan. You have so many other companies to chose from that can't cancel you like BCBS, Mutual of Omaha, and Colonial Penn (although BCBS can drop your coverage if you move from your state because it's a franchise).

 

[MBSC]

I would have to highly agree with your family on this one, going with an N plan would leave you exposed to the Part B excess charges which can be many thousands of dollars in the event of some major health occurrence. The difference in premium for that protection is worth it (big time) and medical care is not going down in price.

I have to disagree. All you have to do is look at the tiny difference in premium between Plan C (excludes Part B excess charges) and Plan F (covers excess charges) to see that insurance companies do not see Part B excess charges as an issue.

The Part B excess charge occurs in the rare instance when a physician does not accept Medicare assignment. When this happens, the physician can balance bill an additional 15% over the Medicare approved amount. Therefore, the physician's approved amount (not the higher billed charge) would have to be over $13,000 in order expose you to $2000 in Part B excess charges. For amounts that high, the physician would have you sign a form stating you're responsible.

Medicare regulations prohibit balance billing of facility fees, drugs, and certain lab services, so only physician charges are left to balance bill.