Medicare

We Are at That Age

Gary is at the age where he needs to sign up for Medicare and a Supplement. I’m right behind him. Wondering how we got to be this age doesn’t do any good, so we just go with the flow. Reality has a way of spitting into the wind. It comes back and hits you in the face. One day you’re 18 the next you’re 65. Ask Gary, he’ll tell you. Where did all those years go in between? They'll forever remain a mystery.

We Do Not Know

Knowing next to nothing about the process of getting signed up for Medicare; we were referred to an agent out of Eau Claire. His name was Daniel. Gary and I met with him yesterday. He has been in the same field for years and was very knowledgeable. In other words he was exactly what Gary and I needed. He laid out three different plans for Gary, and in turn explained each one of them to us. He asked questions such as, “Do we smoke? Do we have any pre-existing conditions? Are we on any medications?” Gary, answering no to all the above, proved to be the correct answer. 

I Didn't Say a Word

I wanted to jump in and tell Gary what plan he should take. It was obvious to me as he explained each one. But I didn’t say a word and let Gary decide. Thank God he chose the same one I was thinking was the best plan for him. The other two had stipulations in them that weren’t suited to Gary’s needs.

The medical field and insurance are quite a cost for many people. Like the guy said you can pick a plan for zero dollars but what kind of plan will you get? You either pay up front, or you pay once you start going to the doctor and find out your plan sucks, it has such a high deductible, you wind up with a huge medical bill. Paying up front so you have the best coverage seems to be the sensible thing to do. So that’s what Gary did. 

Since Gary isn’t 65 until next February, the new coverage doesn’t kick in until February first. Here’s hoping he doesn’t get sick or injured before then because the coverage we have now isn’t the best. We will both be on better plans come the first of February. 

I signed Up

The agent had an Accidental plan he told me I should consider picking up for myself. It is only $34.00 a month and will cover what my insurance doesn’t if I fall and break something. With me having osteoporosis it seemed like a good idea. He signed me up and it starts for me in December. I could have used it a few months back when I actually did break my wrist. Live and learn, I guess. 

We were in the Insurance Office for a couple of hours. Gary, being Gary, didn't want to sign up until he looked over all the papers. So, we booked another appointment in December for his actual sign up-date. He can go over the paperwork when he has time at home. It’s exceedingly boring work and I don’t know why anyone wants to do it. But right now, we are both thankful for Daniel’s knowledge and skills. I’m sure we will be returning to him when I reach the age of 65. 

Let's Understand It

Until then we will see how long those papers sit on the table before Gary has a chance to go over them. Knowing my husband as I do I’ll have to remind him they are there. He hates that kind of thing and is normally glad when I take it over. Medicare, and its supplements however are something he needs to understand as well as I do. Getting the best coverage is super important not only for us but for our bank account also.

It is a trap we can't get out of. We all need it, and the prices continue to rise year by year. When it’s your turn, take your time to listen, absorb and make the correct choice. If you do not you will wind up paying the ultimate price. Crappy insurance with a huge price tag. Isn’t life fun? Hope and pray you don’t wind up in a home. That’s a whole different ball game. One you’d rather sit out on the bench than participate in. Trust me on that one.

When it’s time for you to sign up, go see someone who is knowledgeable and has been in the business for a while. He or she knows all the ins and out of the Supplement you need to purchase to give you the most coverage. I believe Gary made the correct choice for him. Everyone is different, so explore, get the facts first before you decide. After all it's for the rest of your life.

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It only makes sense.