[jcommin]

The difficulty/confusion is the supplemental insurance. And it it different for everybody. My package is based on my needs/requirements. The other issue is a prescription drug program - that largely depends on how healthy you are and what your are currently taking.

Medicare payments are usually deduct from your SS check. I'm still working (high income) but on Medicare so I pay a premium which is deducted from my SS check.

I was still working when I turned 65 and applied for Medicare Part A. I retained the company insurance because my youngest son was on my family plan. He was dropped when he turned 26. I allowed myself 4 months to investigate an insurance package that worked for me. When I did apply for Part B and supplemental insurance, I needed to provide a "bridge document" (there is a form for this), showing I had medical insurance from age 65 to present. Unfortunately my employer did not fill out the form correctly and this took about 4 additional weeks to get it straight. I'm still pissed off at my HR Dept.

There are so many options in Illinois, I reached out to a consultant who walked me thru options. Some plans are tailored to the area you live in or if you have a doctor pool you wish to stay with. I'm planning to move out of Illinois and I can take my supplemental plan with me without change.

It can be overwhelming at first but I find it better than my company sponsored insurance.

I have Aetna supplement $150/month
Silver scripts thru Aetna $10/month