Well, we are all reaching retirement time or many of you already started the process of those Medicare forms at the beginning of the year and for a few of us we have to wait until the first few months of 2010 which includes me for one.Time for decisions selecting Medicare supplements, a new primary care doctor and so many options and not all clear to understand.
In a complex health care system, having a primary care doctor is one way to keep things simple and mandatory with most health systems.
Word of mouth is the way to go in selecting doctors and healthcare programs offered in your state. Here in South Florida, most of my friends are with Humana HMO and they seem to be pleased with it. But, keep in mind a lot of doctors do not accept Medicare patients.
You can search for a doctor in your area at the American Medical Association’s website:
http://webapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/home.jsp.
I found that Internal medicine focuses specifically on treating adults opposed to family medicine.
Ah, and there is that issue as to what to do when your own doctor is retiring too!
All this can be unsettling and confusing but there are several resources to help you select the best supplements to meet your needs. So far, all I know about Medicare is that Part A is FREE, Part B is $96.50 taken out of your social security check monthly, Part C & D is optional and an added expense. However, I was informed that Humana Gold HMO....all is inclusive....social security sends Humana that $96.50 which covers A,B,C & D. If this is incorrect, please advise.
My nurse friend advises that if you should be selecting a new physician, always tell him something unique and important about you and your life so he will remember you amongst all his patients. Get to know the staff and inquire what are the busiest days in the office so you can adjust your appointments accordingly and avoid long waits.
The staff always appreciates that you bring your list of important information with you…….saves time and can go directly into your file….
1. list of medications plus vitamins and supplements you take
medical history.
2. copy of your medical records from your former doctor and their names/telephone numbers
3. emergency telephone numbers of family members.
I also read somewhere that this January will be the first year that we will not be receiving a cost of living raise for the next two years due to the bad economy!...............Ugh!
I found that Internal medicine focuses specifically on treating adults opposed to family medicine.
Ah, and there is that issue as to what to do when your own doctor is retiring too!
All this can be unsettling and confusing but there are several resources to help you select the best supplements to meet your needs. So far, all I know about Medicare is that Part A is FREE, Part B is $96.50 taken out of your social security check monthly, Part C & D is optional and an added expense. However, I was informed that Humana Gold HMO....all is inclusive....social security sends Humana that $96.50 which covers A,B,C & D. If this is incorrect, please advise.
My nurse friend advises that if you should be selecting a new physician, always tell him something unique and important about you and your life so he will remember you amongst all his patients. Get to know the staff and inquire what are the busiest days in the office so you can adjust your appointments accordingly and avoid long waits.
The staff always appreciates that you bring your list of important information with you…….saves time and can go directly into your file….
1. list of medications plus vitamins and supplements you take
medical history.
2. copy of your medical records from your former doctor and their names/telephone numbers
3. emergency telephone numbers of family members.
I also read somewhere that this January will be the first year that we will not be receiving a cost of living raise for the next two years due to the bad economy!...............Ugh!
How many of us are retired now?
ReplyDeleteI am for one! I will be eligible for Medicare in January. I don't wish to be older but I surely need that insurance.
Hugs, Rose
Hmmm, retired? I guess I am officially and legally, but I am busier than before with the books. I have German health insurance, which is 50 percent paid by the government and expensive. I would be very interested to learn the costs of Medicare, should I decide to return to the USA--and thus lose my German health insurance.
ReplyDeleteI thought all of Europe had free health insurance?
ReplyDeleteWell, Medicare HMO costs only $96.50 per month taken directly out of your social security check. Should you choose a PPO plan, then there will be an added expense.
Many people in Florida use Humana Gold Plus HMO which covers everything (doctors, hosptial, dentist, eye exams, prescriptions)
You can research that online. Humana does not service all states however.
Are you planning on coming home?
Hugs, Rose
Hey, Rich
ReplyDeleteMeant to say, now that you listed yourself as a Follower of The Lantern and thank you for that by the way.
You no longer have to leave a comment by using the anonymous feature. You can use your Gmail account information to sign in.
Either way is fine with me. Whatever is easier for you.
Hugs,Rose
Almost all Americans think that health insurance is free in Europe. I guess it is, if you are on welfare or have unemployment benefits. Otherwise, it is very expensive. About 4 times what you pay for the Medicare HMO, also taken directly out of one's social security payment.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to be anon, thanks.
Hey, thanks Rose for the simple to understand info. I hate even thinking about all the confusing Medicare information that keeps getting sent to me. Maybe I'll just keep working forever so I can keep my BC/BS. I have great hopes that Obama can come up with a solution for health care for everybody.
ReplyDelete