Help with choosing a medicare part b plan--AARP?

[JimMIA]

Add to that, people who don't read well /people who are on the low end of the educational spectrum. Do they have any hope of making the best choices for themselves?
Yes, my Social Worker daughter is studying to become an expert in Medicare-Maedicaid -- her intention is to work in a hospital helping people navigate these confusing waters. It's sad that programs intended to help people are so incredibly complicated that experts are necessary.

Social workers are absolutely priceless, even for educated consumers. DW and I both have masters degrees, but it was a social worker at a rehab center where Grandma stayed briefly who helped enormously. Grandma needed a motorized chair for home use, and our very good insurance simply didn't cover that level of expense. The social worker made some suggestions, we switched Grandma's Medicare for one year, and got the chair. Then, we switched back.

The social worker also got her food delivery (free), daily nurse visits (free) and a Hoyer Lift (free) from MedicAID, which we didn't even know she was eligible for!

 

[MrsCobraBubbles]

@MrsCobraBubbles does she have health benefits through her employer? As @luvnwdwgal mentions - she can stay on an employer-sponsored plan as long as she (or the employee-subscriber) is actively employed. No penalty as long as she later applies within the designated time after that “active employment” status ends (i think it’s 6 months but may be less).

Thanks, that is very helpful info. But my mom pays about $400/month for her health insurance so I think she will do better with medicare.

 

[lanejudy]

Thanks, that is very helpful info. But my mom pays about $400/month for her health insurance so I think she will do better with medicare.

Be sure to crunch the numbers for the kind of coverage she wants/needs. The “base” Medicare premium rate for 2021 will be $153.30, but many supplement plans or advantage plans and Part D plans all cost additional. Be aware of total out-of-pocket costs - all premiums plus deductibles and copays/co-insurance. Good luck!