candystripper
Posts: 3486
Joined: 11/1/2005
Status: offline
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If you are buying your health insurance from Medicare, the annual 45 day window for making any changes has begun.
* If you read the Health Insurance and Access to Care in the U.S. thread here in Off-Topics, bear in mind it is VERY general advice. DON'T make decisions just on the thread; go to the links themselves.
* If you wish to consider buying your health insurance elsewhere, and leaving Medicare, I suggest you spend a little time first poking around on Medicare.gov to see what's on offer. It is a government agency, but as folks in other nations will tell you, socialised medicine isn't the end of the world. You need coverage tailored to your needs, and dealing with a government agency gives you certain rights as to appeal, etc.
* If you have joined a Medicare 'plan' for Parts A, B or D, remember if you do nothing, the plan(s) you joined last year will evergreen. I know this is a big fat nuisance, but you cannot just expect that they will offer the same coverage from year to year. I urge you to double check the formulary for Part D coverage (Rx drugs) most especially, as well as whether your local hospital and family MD are still 'preferred providers'.
* If you decide to make changes, by buying private coverage, buying 'straight Medicare' or moving to another Medicare plan, double check with both Medicare and Social Security to be certain your choices are in effect by Dec. 31, 2008. ssa.gov.
Isn't it a nusiance? Boy howdy, folks in non-U.S. countries must be laughing at us for not rioting in the streets to get a NHS.
Peace out.
candystripper 
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It's Nov. 15h --are You On Medicare? - 
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