I'm on Medicare today
 

A big milestone-went on Medicare today. A few glitches getting it set up with my insurance but now I'm good to go. Turn 65 later this month. Don't feel much older but I'm sure it's coming. Seems like I just retired but it's been almost 7 years.

don't expect much,$3000 cash on hand for hospital treatment. I stick with the V.A. where you can also die for your country.

My advice, don't get sick!

Medicare
 

I've been on it a few years, there certainly were 'glitches' as I wasn't supposed to pay anything for it, instead I pay over $1,000.00 / year, OUCH .

Moreso because I also have KAISER and am very happy with them .

I hope you're retired or will be soon , may you have a long and happy rest of life .

My wife is a little older and has been on Medicare for a few years. Overall been happy. She has had some major surgeries and our out of pocket was not too bad.

Medicare A & B, plus a good supplemental plan (Medigap) is about as good as it gets for health care. Lacks in some areas: dental, optical, physical therapy, but overall pretty good. Avoid the temptation to switch to Advantage plans, the ones you see in the infomercials. These are cheaper, but have more limitations.

My last day of working in a paper mill is 12/31/22:).

I hope that is good news Jim .

It is. I signed up for part A last April and the wife retired about 4 weeks ago so is time to move on to the next chapter. I'm retiring from the rat race after 42 years working in industrial type environments.

'Advantage Plans'
 

It's interesting, I received an E-Mail from Medical yesterday that says there are 27 different advantage plans in my area .

I had Kaiser from my 32 years of Civil Service and decided to keep it, with the Kaiser Advantage plan I only pay $20 / visit and $15 / month .

So far the meds have been covered, isn't that what Medicare Part D is for ? .

I hope you enjoy your retirement Jim ; I am i spite of nearly killing my self the year I retired .

I'm apparently slow to learn as I'm still riding Motocycles .

Big vintage British ride this Sunday in fact .

Part D can only be applied if you have Part A and Part B. An advantage plan is private insurance that replaces A&B, so most will have drug coverage as well. Advantage plans are similar to HMO plans: there are restrictions to in-network doctors or high costs for going out of network. In addition, since private insurance is state-regulated, advantage plans may be a problem if you need coverage out-of-state. The only virtue in an advantage plan is lower cost.

'Splanation
 

Thanx for explaining it to me .

So far, so good .