Medicare question: Traditional or Advantage approach better for MPNers

You could also contact your local (State Health Insurance Program) SHIP office. These counselors are trained by both Medicare and your state agency. They understand Medicare and can provide unbiased guidance. They are volunteers and are not insurance agents or brokers. They will know which Advantage Plans, drug plans and carriers for supplemental coverage are available in your area.

Please let us all know your final decision.

We tried Medicare with a crappy Part D. When my husband had a heart attack, we found out how inadequate that was.

We now have an advantage plan thru our regional hospital system. If you are willing to stay in the network, it is a good deal. If you like to get second opinions and hit the big university research hospitals and try new drugs, not so much.

It's all about what's available, the level of care you can live with, and what you can afford.

There is no perfect plan unless you are wealthy.

It is a big decision finding the right Medicare plan.
We have been on a UCare Advantage plan which includes part D since we started on Medicare 11 years ago and have been very happy. This year my husband was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and he reached his maximum of $3,200 very quickly with the chemo drugs but he hasn’t paid a dime since. We need no referrals and Mayo is in our network. Not all advantage plans are bad. I think one thing to watch is that the drugs you take are in their formulary. Good luck!

Cancer is one of the main reasons I chose not to take and advantage plan. I am glad it works for you.

OK, a question about Medicare choice and chemo drugs for ET and MPNs! My Medicare advisor/broker put it to me like this: If your chemo drug is bought at a pharmacy and taken at home (like HU?), the advantage plans are better because their drug plans are superior to Traditional Part D plans. If one should get the choice to take an injectible (Interferon? Pegasys? Besremi? ones I have not been offered yet!), are those drugs considered pharmacy drugs or in office treatments? If "in doctor's office" then Traditional is the way to go. I know there are multiple other comparisons between the choices, but I'm trying to focus on the drug issue right now. Broker says you can switch plans mid year if your treatment shifts and you can see you are not in the best spot. Has anyone done that?

I've been on Medicare for 2 yrs, and spent much time researching my options. I chose straight Medicare (A & B) + Plan D with Aetna + Plan G with Aetna. Of course I didn't want to spend a lot in premiums (my total premiums almost $400/mo). The best decision I've ever made!! And worth every penny. Was very healthy at 65, but the "what ifs" concerned me. Indeed, the what-ifs have happened nonstop since then...surgeries, hospitalizations, multiple specialists, very expensive meds. The fantastic news is I never have to worry about out of pocket expenses-- no co-pays anywhere, no referrals required (can see any doctor I want in the U.S.). Because of Plan G, I am 100% covered. Advantage plans have limitations, restrictions, and don't cover everything. I've got friends who regret choosing & they switched. Being ill is stressful enough, but at least I don't have any money stress for any/all the care I need. I'm not thrilled with Plan D, however, I take an extremely expensive med that I could never afford without Plan D. My monthly outgo for the Rx is only $47, vs. $600/mo. Good luck to you. P.S. Medicare.gov reps are extremely helpful. They've helped me several times (Medicare.gov).

I can't agree more with Eileen comment about freedom to go out-of-network. During Covid, I had to get a hysterectomy out-of-state bcuz there was no "elective surgery" in my city for over 6 months. When facing possibility of ovarian cancer, I couldn't afford to gamble. She is also so right about switching plans if you have pre-existing condition. A huge gamble at 65 yo. Good luck.

Such helpful info! Your details now have me wondering if I need Medicare B, because I have Plan G. The B plan is $170 premium/mo. Plan G (Aetna) is $190. Wondering now if I'm paying more than needed.

Not matter what plan you take….supplement G or Medical Advantage….you must pay Part B. If you are on Social Security it is taken right out of your monthly Social Security. Read the plans…they all very clearly state you must have Part B.
Supplement G pays all except for the Part B annual deductible.
Eileen