A list of all senior discounts

[kartanoman]

Medicare pays 80% and the Supplemental plan pays the rest. There are several plans available from other companies too. AAPR UHC has different coverage plans. I purchased Plan G, which is the most expensive but it covers long term hospitalizations.

Medicare advantage plans are cheaper and they do have some perks but they don't always cover your physicians or medical groups and some procedures.

Both my parents had AARP Supplemental Plans and their many hospital stays, chemo, radiation and surgeries were covered and this was back in the 90's. I consulted a friend who had open heart surgery and he was covered also 100% with Plan G.

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans serve different purposes and have distinct coverage options. Here's a breakdown of what Medicare Advantage plans typically do not cover that Medigap plans often do, along with differences in costs:

### Coverage Differences:

1. **Medigap Plans** do cover:
   - **Coinsurance and Copayments**: Medigap plans can help pay for the coinsurance or copayments required under Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
   - **Deductibles**: Many Medigap plans cover the Part A and Part B deductibles.
   - **Foreign Travel Emergency Care**: Some Medigap plans provide coverage for emergencies that occur outside the U.S.
   - **Extended Hospital Stays**: Certain Medigap plans offer extended coverage for hospital stays beyond Medicare's limits.

2. **Medicare Advantage Plans** do not cover:
   - **Standardized Benefits**: Unlike Medigap, which has standardized benefits across different plans, coverage can vary widely between Medicare Advantage plans.
   - **Foreign Travel**: Most Medicare Advantage plans do not cover healthcare services outside the U.S.
   - **Part B Excess Charges**: If you see a doctor who doesn't accept Medicare assignment, you may have to pay excess charges out of pocket; Medigap may help cover these expenses.

### Cost Differences:

- **Monthly Premiums**:
   - **Medicare Advantage Plans**: Often have lower monthly premiums, sometimes even $0, but may have higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing care.
   - **Medigap Plans**: Typically have higher monthly premiums, as they offer more comprehensive coverage, but they can save you money on out-of-pocket costs when you need care.

- **Out-of-Pocket Costs**:
   - **Medicare Advantage Plans**: Usually involve copayments and coinsurance for services, and they also have an out-of-pocket maximum limit.
   - **Medigap Plans**: Generally, after you meet the deductible, most services are covered without additional costs, but you will need to pay your premium regardless of whether you use healthcare services.

Hi @Ed Vette  .

This is an excellent summary of medical benefits I would expect most folks at or nearing retirement would get up to speed on. The same goes for preparing for retirement and ensuring you planned ahead to factor your financial needs for your retirement years. I understand not everyone is equal and that things will vary by individual.

I turn 56 on Saturday which puts me 11 years and change from my "official" retirement age, per Social Security as we know it today. My company's benefits, as long as I continue to work there (NOTE: my goal is to at least age 67, or 40 years with them), my medical benefits will continue to be provided by them and I can eventually move on to Medicare plans when I am ready. Obviously, my health may dictate future plans, as well as the company's direction, so nothing's guaranteed.

But my wife, who is retired and on disability, is already on Medicare so it's a factor in our household. My plan is an HDP/Advantage plan with a sizable deductible; however, we usually meet that early every calendar year due to the issues my wife has with her Lupus. So post-retirement medical will be an important decision for us come 2036 and beyond.

I appreciate your taking the time to explain the benefits of "Plan G" and I will keep that in my notes as my time gets closer. I want to view all my options and make the most feasible one that will work for both my wife and I.

Peace!