Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

One of the guys I work with is nearing 65 and is being bombarded with Medicare supplement offers. He asked me if I had any advice but I couldn’t help as I’m not there yet. Anyone have any advice or input they’d like to share that I might be able to help him avoid any pitfalls? Thanks.

amyinsparta Loc: White county, TN

We used a person who worked for the bank we use. I think a professional is the better option, considering there are so many questions to be answered.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

If he lives in a larger city/town, there might be general help meetings to attend. If he already has insurance and is satisfied with the terms and cost, then he might contact his current carrier. Is he in a State that opted out of the Medicare expansion that was a part of the ACA. States without the Medicare expansion will not be offering as comprehensive coverage as other States. It is a very complicated situation.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Thanks folks, I think I'll tell him he needs to see his insurance provider.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

The States expanded Medicaid, not Medicare.... Seniors can get Medicare, not Medicaid (which is for people under 65). People over 65 are not affected by the ACA, except those who opted for a Medicare Advantage plan. Those plans funds were tapped to help pay for the ACA.... I declined Medicare myself as my wife is still working & I'm covered under her plan. Best to consult with someone who is familiar with the available options as the costs will vary according to their needs...

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Thanks Scott

twiga Loc: near Boston, MA

Here in Massachusetts we have an outfit called SHINE..... they helped me make good choices....they operate out of the local Senior Center......

4uiprnt Loc: Iowa

I suggest trying this link. It's a god place to start, then get some professional advice from someone who is not selling the insurance. Try local senior service organizations. They usually offer meetings where the entire program is explained.

http://www.medicare.gov/supplement-other-insurance/medigap/whats-medigap.html

It can be a daunting process if you don't seek advice.

TomC. Loc: Bel Air, MD

My wife and I went to our local county Dept. of Aging. Hard to get an appointment, but were very knowledgeable and very helpful in helping us decide. They had everything on their computer and helped with anything we needed to know.

bob44044 Loc: Ohio

If you local city has a senior center, go their. They usually have people that can answer questions like this.

OldEarl Loc: Northeast Kansas

My wife worked for Medicare answering questions. Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Also each state has an information program--often available through the local senior center. NOTE: There are scams out there so beware of what arrives unsolicited in the mail. Also be aware of the popups and ads for services for seniors. They may by Phishing and do not give your SSN to anyone over the phone or in response to unsolicited mail.

jiminee1 Loc: S.E.MA

Best advice I ever got when I was approaching "the age" was from my workplace human resources agent who directed me to go to my local community services for the elderly. I made a phone call to the and asked if they had a center that could help and they directed me to the Council on Aging Senior administration services. I set up an appointment. They have all the information and compare all the costs of each plan available in your state. There are many different plans for different states and you can tailor what you can afford with your current health conditions. They were a big help to me.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

When I was in the market after turning 65, I called the National Medicare phone number & the person I was asking questions of was of no help other than general facts that one can find most anywhere. I posed an example of a coverage question to her. She hung up on me. I also called the local Medicare offices & it wasn't much better. The woman had to call me back with an answer & part of her answer was wrong (having been in the insurance field, I knew a lot of general info) Thus I didn't pursue calling any Medicare offices for advice after that. I turned to an individual whose job it is to guide seniors to plans. He was much more savvy than any other source. I didn't go with any Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans as my wife's coverage from her employment was more comprehensive. Doug (the person who I had asked for info) is a certified counselor. He gets paid by the insurance company, not by the person & I found his info to be the most accurate. I have since referred others to him & they were all appreciative of his advice... Many of the "Senior Centers" are staffed by volunteers and while they can give you the basics, they are not equipped to answer detailed questions.

dljen Loc: Central PA

My aunt used to work at the County Center for the Aged and would be able to help people with questions like your friend has. Have him check into your state's options.

Ka2azman Loc: Tucson, Az

General volunteers may not have the answers but Senior Centers can direct you to organizations that can answer your questions. Here we have the Council on Aging. They hold regular class type seminars for those that are entering Medicare, with people in the know and give detailed information and you can set up a private appointment at another time. This is not sponsored by a particular insurance company, but State or County personal.