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It’s fantastic that both you and your wife have been able to stay on Plan N for several years with such a stable premium-that’s definitely a great situation! Having that kind of consistency in your costs can bring a lot of peace of mind.
My Plan N went from $107 to $111 a month. Only one physician charges a co-pay and only $9 a visit which I see him twice a year. So my co pay for the year is $18. Well worth the savings from the higher premiums from Plan G. I was an RN Case Manager in a hospital prior to retirement so I was well aware of Medicare options before signing up.
Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like you made a very informed decision, especially with your background as an RN Case Manager. For many people, Plan N can be a great option, particularly if their healthcare needs are minimal and co-pays stay low, like in your case. That small increase from $107 to $111 still keeps your total costs quite manageable compared to the higher premiums of Plan G.
@@Remedigap Historically, Medicare appears to be closing Medigap plans that have no copays. I wonder if this is a trend. I originally was looking at Plan F which closed, and now with the dwindling membership to split the costs the premiums are much higher. I wonder if Medicare might do the same with Plan G and eliminate free office visits for patients that might go too frequently just because it's no cost to them. Having even a small copay might deter frequent, unnecessary office or ER visits. If so, then Plan G will be the next down the road to have a dwindling membership and higher premiums. I chose Plan N for that reason.
Thank you. I was given the lovely news that Aetna advantage plan is being dropped this year. I’ve only been on it two years. This whole thing created by our government is insane and out of control . It should never be this complicated for seniors to figure out what kind of insurance to be put on yearly! It didn’t used to be this way. I’m glad it’s an election year and God forbid if we have four more years of what we’ve had to put up with. They claim to give everyone a tiny increase in their Social Security when and turn you’re going to have to pay more out-of-pocket to the insurance plans here. Bait and switch. 🎉 I have never had peace of mind since I retired on this stuff. I am thankful I have good health. That’s all I’ve got to say thank you .
It’s critical for Medicare-eligible individuals to select optimal plans to reduce the likelihood that lack of coverage would prevent smart health care utilization choices, not only for their health outcomes, but also to help keep health care spending in check.
In my opinion, enrolling in medicare isn’t just a way to get health care coverage when you turn 65, it’s also a major part of ensuring financial security during retirement. Individuals can seek counsel from a certified financial advisor, who can provide specialized advice and methods to decrease expenses and maximize income.
It's unfortunate most people don't have such information. I don't really blame people who panic. Lack of information can be a big hurdle. I've been making more than $800,000 by investing through an advisor, and I don't have to do much work. Doesn't matter if the economy is misbehaving; great wealth managers will always make returns.
I think this is something I should do, but I've been stalling for a long time now. I don't really know which firm to work with; I feel they are all the same but it seems you’ve got it all worked out with the firm you work with so i surely wouldn’t mind a recommendation.
Certainly, there are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with ‘’Marisa Michelle Litwinsky’’ for about three years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive. She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.
Marisa has the appearance of being a great authority in her profession. I looked her up online and found her website, which I reviewed and went through to learn more about her credentials, academic background, and employment. She has a fiduciary duty to protect my best interests. I sent her an email outlining my objectives and also booked a session with her; thanks for sharing.
Medigap companies generally do adjust their rates periodically, often once a year, and this can happen regardless of which company you’re with. Some companies may raise rates more aggressively than others, so shopping around for the best fit can still be beneficial. Even if a new company raises rates annually, the initial premium you start with could be lower, which could save you money in the short or long term.
Personally, for me, I would only go with plan ‘N’ if I lived in one of the very few eastern states that don’t charge ‘excess charges’. I had a procedure done, and was charged plenty of excess charges…..as there were several other doctors involved….and each charged excess charges. I have a plan ‘F’, and I live in Arizona. Because I had plan’F’, I didn’t have to pay the excess charges myself….but if I had plan ‘N’, I would have cried…..especially since it was recommended that I have this procedure done every two years. How did these other states outlaw excess charges? Sure wish it was that way everywhere. I have noticed that my husband’s and my Medigap plans, increase their premiums on the first day of our birthday months.
Thank you for sharing your experience! You bring up a great point about Plan N and excess charges. In some states, excess charges are not allowed, which makes Plan N more attractive for residents there. Unfortunately, in other states, providers can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan F does cover those excess charges, which is one reason it’s been such a popular option for those who qualified before it was phased out for new enrollees. As for premium increases, it’s common for Medigap premiums to go up based on age, often timed with your birthday. It’s always worth reviewing your options periodically to ensure you’re still in the best plan for your needs.
Thanks for sharing! Even with the slight increase from $86 to $90 a month, it sounds like Plan N is still working out well for you, especially since your visits are fairly limited. Those occasional co-pays can definitely be manageable compared to the higher premiums you’d pay with other plans like Plan G. It’s all about balancing those monthly costs with what you’re comfortable paying out-of-pocket.
Do you have copays on hospital, xray, surgery and all other procedures with plan N, just like with an advantage plan or are the copays limited to just Dr's visits and ER?
Great question! With Plan N, the copays are limited to office visits (Dr. / Specialists) and emergency room (ER) visits (unless you’re admitted to the hospital from the ER, in which case the ER co-pay is waived). You don’t have co-pays for hospital stays, surgeries, X-rays, or other procedures-they’re typically fully covered under Medicare Part A or Part B after you meet the Part B deductible.
southwest us, drs only occasionally charge a copay after all, some a few months later when I assume their bookeeping computer program catches up and recommends and generates it,.. meaning never ever had to pay a copay at an appt on N
My plan N community' based in n.y just jumped again from 242 to 270 for 2025 ,part d scripts are even worse with 590 deductibles,it goes by zip code in n.y for plan N
I completely understand how frustrating it can be to see those premium jumps. The Part D deductible increase to $590 is another tough one to swallow, especially if you rely on regular prescriptions. It’s important to keep reviewing your options each year, especially during the Annual Enrollment Period, to make sure you’re still in the most cost-effective plan for your situation.
But to switch to another Medigap plan you will have to undergo medical underwriting (except in a half dozen or so states). If you have a chronic illness or maybe any medical condition you will be denied. Don’t get your hopes up! My G went up 11% to 200.00. I would consider going to N, but with a history of treated prostate cancer 9 years ago (with continued normal PSA levels) and well managed hypertension, hyperuricemia (with a renal calculus treated surgically 7 yrs ago) and hypercholesterolemia (with medication level is 120) I am sure I would “not pass” (age 76). For 2025 my D plan premium remains the same as in 2024 - 0 (zero) $. Wellcare ValueScript.
In some states they can. For example, I live in California and I can switch each year around my birthday. I don't know where you live but it might be worth your while looking into it.
That’s great to hear that your Plan N stayed the same in Minnesota! It’s always a relief when premiums hold steady, especially with all the changes happening in healthcare costs.
Your address is needed when applying for a Medigap plan. Although the benefits are standardized across most states, the premiums can vary based on where you live. Your location helps determine the rates and available insurance carriers in your area.
Plan G, like most Medigap plans, typically requires medical underwriting if you’re switching to a new Plan G outside of your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period. This means that in most cases, the insurance company can evaluate your health status and decide whether to accept your application or adjust your rates. However, there are some exceptions. Certain states have rules that allow you to change plans without underwriting at specific times.
Interesting. Contacted a broker about changing carriers, Was informed that even if I pass medical underwriting because of my age, 81, I will be denied. Age discrimination?
I understand your frustration! It can be tough to see rate hikes, especially when it feels like companies are only responsible for a portion of the cost. Many factors contribute to these increases, like rising healthcare costs, changes in the population, and how much care people are using.
