I have been with Medical Advantage plans in California for almost 15 years. There are no premiums and I receive free dental exams, eye exam, and prescriptions. I also got a $200 credit when I ordered eyeglasses at Costco! This past January, my wife and I decided to switch to Medicare and a Medi-Gap Plan G. Cost for both of us about $500/month (I am 79 and she 76). With Medicare, no free dental exams or eye exams, and prescription coverage only by buying Part D. Once we switched to Medicare, we went to a primary Medicare doctor who was highly recommended but was terrible to work with. I won't go into details. Back we went to Medical Advantage after 1 month. I don't see why so many are against Medicare Advantage...less cost, doctors on the payroll, free extras and a company to call when advice is needed. Am I missing something? I read that over 50% of those 65 or over are using Medical Advantage?
I also have MYGAs. I was able to take my interest from each annuity on a monthly basis so as to lessen the tax hit when the annuity matures and not need to roll the annuity in a 1035 exchange to avoid taxes on the interest. In my case, I will invest in muni bonds due to my age and tax status. Just a thought.
After many years in a Medical Advantage plan in SoCal, my wife and I elected to go back to Medicare last January when I was 79, she 76. We were both accepted due to our good health. We were approved for a Medigap policy too. What a mistake. We found our new Medicare doctor to be only interested in prescribing drugs and rushing us through our visit. Real waste of time. Long story short, we were able to go back to MA with doctors that are vetted in their system and an organization we could call if we had problems. We view Medicare as a big vacuum where you guess who the good doctors are and have little recourse if you encounter problems. And, MA is much less expensive too! Maybe I'm missing something and enlighten me if I am.
Comments
I have been with Medical Advantage plans in California for almost 15 years. There are no premiums and I receive free dental exams, eye exam, and prescriptions. I also got a $200 credit when I ordered eyeglasses at Costco! This past January, my wife and I decided to switch to Medicare and a Medi-Gap Plan G. Cost for both of us about $500/month (I am 79 and she 76). With Medicare, no free dental exams or eye exams, and prescription coverage only by buying Part D. Once we switched to Medicare, we went to a primary Medicare doctor who was highly recommended but was terrible to work with. I won't go into details. Back we went to Medical Advantage after 1 month. I don't see why so many are against Medicare Advantage...less cost, doctors on the payroll, free extras and a company to call when advice is needed. Am I missing something? I read that over 50% of those 65 or over are using Medical Advantage?
Post: Medigap pricing question
Link to comment from September 5, 2024
I also have MYGAs. I was able to take my interest from each annuity on a monthly basis so as to lessen the tax hit when the annuity matures and not need to roll the annuity in a 1035 exchange to avoid taxes on the interest. In my case, I will invest in muni bonds due to my age and tax status. Just a thought.
Post: How to unwind a 3,4, and 5 year MYGA ladder.
Link to comment from June 22, 2024
After many years in a Medical Advantage plan in SoCal, my wife and I elected to go back to Medicare last January when I was 79, she 76. We were both accepted due to our good health. We were approved for a Medigap policy too. What a mistake. We found our new Medicare doctor to be only interested in prescribing drugs and rushing us through our visit. Real waste of time. Long story short, we were able to go back to MA with doctors that are vetted in their system and an organization we could call if we had problems. We view Medicare as a big vacuum where you guess who the good doctors are and have little recourse if you encounter problems. And, MA is much less expensive too! Maybe I'm missing something and enlighten me if I am.
Post: Which is better, traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Link to comment from June 22, 2024