Looking for advice - I am 64 years, 8 months - Medicare is coming at me fast!

[Desert grandma]

24. I agree with those who advise against advantage plans.

Last edited Sun Aug 9, 2020, 05:44 PM - Edit history (2)

One big reason is that, as mentioned above, if you ever want to back on original Medicare, you have to go through underwriting. The only time you are exempt from underwriting is when you are first eligible for Medicare. The other important thing to know is that supplement plans are rated in one of 3 ways. Age attained rating refers to the age you are when you get the policy. Premiums can increase due to inflation as well as increasing age. They will increase every year on your birthday. Age issue rating refers to premiums that are based on your age when you are issued the policy. They will not increase as you age, They will only increase due to inflation. Community rating is used by AARP. They put all policy holders in a "community" and all policy holders are charged the same premium. My experience is that age issue premiums are the most cost effective. They are fewer in number. In our state, there were only two of them. My hubby and I both have plan G and are very satisfied. The premium on our supplemental policy with Transamerica has barely increased since we have had it. Good luck to you! it is confusing, but you will really like Medicare. Most doctors and other providers accept it. With the supplemental policy we have, we could even go to prestigious clinics like the Mayo or Cleveland Clinics.