Before attending one of our many workshops, Rich and Rachael were astounded by the amount of misinformation they had learned from friends, relatives, and medical staff about Medicare.
Some of this misinformation:
1. You must sign up for Medicare at age 65 no matter what!
2. You can never change Medicare plans after you choose one.
3. You can’t keep your employer’s plan.
4. You can have as many plans for coverage as you want.
5. You don’t need a Part D drug plan because it’s optional.
6. Many doctors don’t take Medicare anymore.
7. My friend has a great plan, and I want that same one.
8. I thought that no one could ask medical questions anymore.
9. Medicare covers me anywhere in the world.
After attending our Medicare workshop and meeting with a Certified Medicare Planner® to research their specific doctors, hospitals, and prescription needs, they were pleased to find out that Medicare wasn’t the big bad bugger-bear that they thought it would be.
We also clarified that the information they shared about Medicare above was not accurate. The couple asked us, “Why is all that wrong information out there?” The answer was simple. Most folks repeat gossip like it was the gospel; they are not speaking as trained professional advisors.
The other issue is that doctors’ offices confuse folks about which Medicare Advantage network doctors participate in. With over 5000 combinations of Medicare plans available, it’s no surprise!
As part of our initial meeting, we learned that Rich had access to a Retirement Health Plan from his company. But it costs over $1,000 a month to ensure them both! They were thrilled to find a Medicare Medigap plan they could each have for about $300 a month with no co-pays and only a $233 deductible. They could also go to any doctor they wanted to go to, even any specialist, without a referral! When you turn 65, whether you continue working or planning to retire and wonder, “What do I do”?
Be sure to explore your Medicare options. We can help you compare your options to feel confident with your healthcare choices.