Good Morning Mass. Seniors, Care to have a discussion?

[Paper Roses]

The time is near to either choose or change your Medicare supplements. I delayed signing up last year for a supplement because of things happening in my life. It is now time to choose and I must admit I am confused. Each time I review the Medicare info, I feel very confused. With the many options available and the cost factor, I have no idea what I am doing.

Many reports have been posted by people on Medicare who state they have been very disappointed in their choices. You never know what is covered until you need it and find out you are refused for some reason.

My first thought was to contact the AARP representative but I know many have been very upset with the provider that works with them, United Healthcare.

I have very little free funds to pay for this supplement. AARP has some kind of a new offering that is cost free. I will look into that. I can never afford the supplements that cost hundreds of dollars. I doubt I can afford the drug coverage.

Anyone care to discuss their choices here in Massachusetts? Coverage? Cost?

[Paper Roses]

1. A little follow up for those who are interested.

I spent the morning reading all the info sent to me by AARP. Very confusing. I ended up calling the Boston office to ask a few questions. It turns out that AARP, through their provider, UnitedHealthcare only writes 2 policies in MA, at least for my county. One costs $135.00 a month and the other $191.75. I eliminated both because I cannot spend that much on a supplement.

I have received a mailing from Tufts Health Plan several times. I went to their web site to read their offerings.
www.tuftsmedicarepreffered.org
1-800-528-9824
It is quite easy to review their options and they have scheduled meetings all over the state starting soon to go over options they offer.

I think one or two of the offerings would cover my needs.

You have to call to register for the meetings. The schedule is listed on the web site.

It would be so much simpler and fairer to all to have these supplements available through Medicare and somehow have Medicare cover all health care needs of all Americans.

I believe that, in the long run, it would save money and be more fair to each of us.

I am going to continue looking. Perhaps some other companies can provide what I need and I can have a basis to compare.

[Mass]

2. My mother in law has AARP as Medicare D and pays about $40 a month.

She seems happy, but she does not have a lot of medication and does not reach the donut hole.

She has Hartford Life as Medicare Supplement. She has the highest of the two levels and pays $195.00 a month, which is a lot. However, if she was to pay directly what Medicare does not pay, she would have a lot more as she is 89, even if she is still in great shape. We looked at AARP for her, and the prices were somewhat better, but not significantly. However, there were some differences in the services offered by each, with ARRP apparently directed more to older people and maintaining them home, and Hartford Life more directed to younger people, in my opinion.

I agree the system is way too complex. But I think that the supplements in MA may be defined by law, because I only saw the two options in everything I saw.

[No Elephants]

3. Try contacting some senior citizen's representative in your town or at the State House

and have them go over your options with you.

If you cannot find any such creature, the City of Boston has a pretty good Elder Affairs office. (Menino did not stay Mayor for 16 without learning that Boston seniors are faithful voters.) Maybe if you walk in, they'll just assume you live in Boston and help you out. Or maybe just call and ask them who can help you. And talk to an AARP rep, too. Just don't take anything at face value. And, there is always our BFF, Mr. Google.

Also, I know saying anything at all positive about AARP at DU is considered evil, but AARP did get in on the health care reform discussions. According to AARP, costs for seniors while they are "in the doughnut hole" will be cut by 50%, once health care reform passes. Of course, I guess nothing prevents the drug companies from raising their prices in general, though.

Sorry I cannot be of more specific help, but I have no direct experience with insurance. I am insured via my husband.

[Tracer]

4. I have Blue Cross.

Here's exactly what I pay:

$86.30 / month for supplemental. (Due to rise to $91 next month)

$43.30 / month for prescriptions.

To me, this is quite reasonable.