Tough decision. He may not qualify using underwriting in the future or it could be very expensive. A few thoughts based on our situation and my experience as a Medicare SHIP volunteer. We moved from a large urban area where we had a high quality large network MA plan (Kaiser) to a small rural state with national plans but small MA networks and no 5 star plans. Yes, we know Kaiser isn't perfect, but it towers above most plans. We chose to switch to straight medicare and supplement since moving allowed us choice without underwriting. We have been happy with the switch -everything paid for. There's benefit to having a fixed cost without coinsurance, no preapprovals, etc. and, so far, no limit on providers. If I was in your situation, I'd look carefully at his policy for quality rating, his cost liability and extent of network. Read through complaints on the medicare website. If he cannot afford the supplement his copays and coinsurance could be devastating financially. If I was a helping financially and the plan was average, I would talk to a SHIP volunteer about better MA plans but probably buy the supplement for a more even cost. If the plan appears to be excellent, I'd put aside money to help with coinsurance etc. Finally, as a SHIP volunteer in the rural state, I had many people prefer nearly free MA plans when they were healthy only to return for a change to a supplement when their health declined and costs increased. They were usually surprised and very angry they now faced underwriting . His plan today probably is cheaper, but that could change tomorrow. Good luck. You're a good brother.
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Tough decision. He may not qualify using underwriting in the future or it could be very expensive. A few thoughts based on our situation and my experience as a Medicare SHIP volunteer. We moved from a large urban area where we had a high quality large network MA plan (Kaiser) to a small rural state with national plans but small MA networks and no 5 star plans. Yes, we know Kaiser isn't perfect, but it towers above most plans. We chose to switch to straight medicare and supplement since moving allowed us choice without underwriting. We have been happy with the switch -everything paid for. There's benefit to having a fixed cost without coinsurance, no preapprovals, etc. and, so far, no limit on providers. If I was in your situation, I'd look carefully at his policy for quality rating, his cost liability and extent of network. Read through complaints on the medicare website. If he cannot afford the supplement his copays and coinsurance could be devastating financially. If I was a helping financially and the plan was average, I would talk to a SHIP volunteer about better MA plans but probably buy the supplement for a more even cost. If the plan appears to be excellent, I'd put aside money to help with coinsurance etc. Finally, as a SHIP volunteer in the rural state, I had many people prefer nearly free MA plans when they were healthy only to return for a change to a supplement when their health declined and costs increased. They were usually surprised and very angry they now faced underwriting . His plan today probably is cheaper, but that could change tomorrow. Good luck. You're a good brother.
Post: Helping a Sibling with Health Insurance Costs?
Link to comment from September 13, 2025