Friday Roll Call

Lisa, Dave received a post card from a company that puts on seminars in our area and they explain all about the Parts and Plans that are provided from Medicare and the insurance companies. These companies can buy the lists from SSA with the names of people that are approaching 65. It was really helpful and they explained all the ins and outs. We had already planned on going with BCBS before that due to reputation of the company. It was a very comfortable seminar in that they were very professional and did not even try to strong arm us.

All of the Plans (supplements) that are sold have to provide the same options from Plan A through Plan N. So for instance Plan F with UHC, BCBS, AARP or Mutual of Omaha and all others have to sell the same components within each Plan.  The one thing that is different is the cost per company. It all boils down to the $$$, reputation/customer service of a company. Dave opted for Plan F Select but that kind of back fired on him when he broke his arm because his ortho doc does surgery at NWC in Arlington Heights and that hospital is not covered under the Select Plan. We were able to switch it at the last minute just before his surgery. It was a very difficult day on July 2 because I had to handle the phone calls with BCBS and with the hospital registry lady. She accepted a verbal confirmation from the insurance girl for them to proceed with the surgery. His temporary card was not reflecting that he was covered as of July 1 as it showed Aug 1. It was a mess and I was an emotional wreck. It almost got canceled while Dave was in preop. We have decided to stay with the Standard Plan due to Dave's propensity of needing ortho docs with his bones. We also plan on staying in IL and not moving out of state so his policy can go with him even if we decide to go out of state for a couple of months later on down the line when I retire.

Dave also got a really great book from Medicare that explains everything you would want to know about coverage. I do believe that the publication number for the book is CMS Product No. 10050-23, Medicare & You 2012 is the title. The handbook explaines everything in plain English and is easy to follow. If you have not received it already then you might be able to locate it on the medicare website and request it.

Chris, I have the same book, and I went to Senior Services to clarify that I was making the right informed choices. I have been on Medicare part A for almost 2 years.

Thanks,
LISA