In our Local, when you turn 65, Teamcare ceases for you but will continue on your spouse. Medicare Part A which covers hospitalization is free with no premium. It has deductible of approximately $1147 per year. You are able to purchase Medicare Part B through the government. It is wise to purchase it within 6 months of eligibility or each year you delay there is a 10% addition to the premium, this covers Doctor expenses but with deductibles and co-pays. It costs approximately $91 per month. You are able to purchase Medicare Advantage from private insurers to help with co-pays and deductibles that also include dental, vision, and prescription. Also, if you do not purchase the Advantage or Supplemental Policy within 6 months of eligibility, you will have to provide information of past medical conditions which can get you denied, if purchase within the 6 months, you cannot be denied for past medical conditions. You may purchase a Supplement Policy from private insurers that will help cover deductibles and co-pays. The Supplemental Policy usually has better coverages for co-pays, deductibles, nursing home care. Does not cover dental, vision, and prescription. The amount of the deductibles and co-pays it pays depends on which plan you choose with the Supplemental Policy. The better the policy without lower co-pays and deductibles, the higher the cost per month. There are about 8 Supplemental Plans available. You also are able to purchase a Medicare Part D Plan which covers Prescriptions which also has varying degrees of co-pays and deductibles depending on the price of the Plan. My prescription has a $320 deductible per year, costing $14.95 per month and generics are about $4.00 for a 90 day fill. My Supplemental Policy is $105 per month. This plan pays the full $1147 deductible and any necessary medical equipment (crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, my only expense is $20 co-pay for doctors. Recently had hip replacement surgery, total cost was $95,000 ( some complications from pain medicine rtnd me to hosp), I paid $20 for my share of the total bill. There are several companies offering these plans, all have to offer identical coverage, but the companies do vary what they charge for the exact same plans. TeamStar with the Union offers a plan. I purchase mine with Humana. You can also purchase additional vision and dental plans from these companies. Start your research early maybe about 6 months before your birthday because there is a lot to read and comprehend. Be careful giving out phone numbers, because you will be bombarded with Telemarketers.
