you might consider looking at what a Plan G woudl cost including the deductible. (I previously had Plan F, but switched to G+deductible as it was a better deal then, and still a better deal now.)
Since you mentioned CA, you can easily compare rates here:
Note, the popular ARRP plan is considered Group.
Agreed. Plan F was great, but the remaining members are now getting pretty old (except you, of course) so the cost of care is probably higher, and spread out across fewer and fewer covered lives, as the population in Plan F dwindles. Agree you should look at other options, just to be sure. Yes you will pay the deductible, but its only around $257 or so.
@bluebayou and @jym626 - thanks for the heads up! I vaguely remember hearing about this a couple of years ago but I think it wasn’t better then - good idea to check again!
Yes, those with traditional Medicare plans have a $2,000 max for covered drugs, but it’s under Part D, which is purchased separately from the actual Medicare plan.
I have learned: you can’t change Medigap plans during open enrollment, or normally anytime without underwriting. But in California, you can change within 60 days of your birthday if the new plan offers fewer benefits. So F to G qualifies since technically dropping the deductible coverage is a lesser benefit plan.
Just did a deep dive into various plans, including how the companies are rated in California. We have been fine with our current company, and could save a little money by changing to their F. Or we could change to another company, especially if husband makes the same change next year (spousal discount). But we’re only talking about a net benefit of $300-400 or so, depending, so not a huge issue at present.
Is this a CA thing?
It’s a Medicare thing; California (and other states) created exceptions.
In most cases, you won’t have a right under federal law to switch Medigap policies, unless:
You’re within your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, or
You’re eligible under a specific situation or guaranteed issue right (when an insurance company can’t deny you a Medigap policy).
Annual open enrollment (which starts today) is for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. (That six month period is the first six months after turning 65.)
I learned/relearned a lot today. I think I knew this all before? But it left the recall section of my brain.
Edit to add I am within 60 days of my birthday. I did get a notice about this, which I skimmed and filed and ignored.
not quite correct: But in California, you can change within 60 days of your birthday if the new plan offers the same or lesser benefits.
[Fixed it for you.]. So yes, you can go from F to F, or G to G w/o underwriting in CA near your BD
There are ~5 states that have the birthday rule or something similar. NY and MA have a whole different situation.
That’s interesting a god information to know.
Just took a look at the Part G plans in my area and there are a few that are known names, with a lot of “plans” by companies I never heard of. Is there a way to compare the companies vs the plans? Is there a difference besides cost (and maybe extras like gyms)? Most of the folks I know have chosen one of the AARP plans but there are more options than I was aware of.
NerdWallet does a review of Medigap plans. AARP does generally rate at the top but (1) it would not save us money and we’re happy with our current company and (2) it’s affiliated with UnitedHealthCare which husband says has had issues. I have 45 days to decide if I want to change this year. But as noted, “only” would save $200-300 for now.
Hard to have a review for Medigap plans nationally.
Part D drug plans, IMHO can trust UHC, Humana, AARP, because generally based on the drugs you take and the plans are apples to apples comparison with the specifics you put into the Medicare comparison - if you will use mail-in, what pharmacies, etc. I put in Walgreens because it is competitive even compared to mail-in and it is most convenient for us (and usually has pharmacy hours almost 24/7).
I had a HS classmate that was an attorney for UHC (out of MSP) and she would only say she worked in health care unless you pinned her down with the company.
I knew a gal that worked administrative for top of Humana Insurance dept that handled denials.
Some insurance companies get quite limiting and certainly have reason for people to be upset with serious medical conditions and correct care.
Agree about UHC having ‘issues’.
Going to check now to see if DH and I change our part D drug plans. He currently has Wellcare Medicare RX Value Plus (PCP) and I have Humana Basic RX Plan (PCP).
My agent got back to me and I’m switching to a Health Spring plan with a $0 premium.
Best benefit I switched my gym membership to SilverSneakers so will save 80 a month.
Health Spring is the Part D plan that won’t cover my expensive non-generic next year.
At this point in life I’m fortunate to only take one medication.
Did the Part D online for 2026 plans. DH and my medications have not changed nor anything else. My new plan saved $228.20. DH is with the same company, but it has a different name, went from Value Plus to Value Script. Printed off the page and now waiting to complete the process. We each have a $3.60 monthly premium and $615 drug deductible. So we pay at the pharmacy along the way, every 90 days’ refills. Annually he pays $ 734 more for medications - name brand blood thinner is key for him.
Somehow BCBS calls 14.5% increase in premiums for Medicare B supplement for next year “a small premium increase”.
Looking to make better money on our retirement assets so these incremental costs don’t stress our nest egg with hopeful long life.
for married folks both on Medicare with Blue Shield or Blue Cross/Anthem*, check to see if the “household discount” which can provide a discount for both spouses on the same letter plan. In CA, for example, the household discount is ~7%. But one has to dig deep in the website to find it. When I’ve called their ‘800’ number, I gotten ‘huh, we offer a discount to married spouses’?
*Dunno if other insurers offer something similar, but I do know that the Blues in CA offer it.
Not in Alabama but a good thought!
For folks who get meds in multiple places, any concerns about losing “crosscheck” to ensure no meds that not recommended together? (I assume pharmacies have automated way of doing this, but perhaps that is not true. Just hear about risks with different prescribers/specialists)