Page 2 of 2
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2021 2:04 pm
by jdeacon
If you plan on traveling outside the United States, medicare does not cover you whereas most FEHB plans do. That is why I have kept my BCBS at the less expensive basic level. With the annual $800 rebate per person for Medicare participants. I found it to be worth the piece of mind.
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Thu Feb 03, 2022 8:53 am
by jhonalbert
Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare.
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2022 7:44 am
by bamablue
This is great information. I'm in a different boat, since I have my primary medical care through Tricare and individual care through the VA. I've got a couple of years before I need to make this decision, but it's never too early to start planning.
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2022 8:33 am
by bloobs
jdeacon wrote: ↑Tue Sep 21, 2021 2:04 pm
If you plan on traveling outside the United States, medicare does not cover you whereas most FEHB plans do. That is why I have kept my BCBS at the less expensive basic level. With the annual $800 rebate per person for Medicare participants. I found it to be worth the piece of mind.
@jdeacon - may i ask how much you pay for BCBS in retirement, relative to what you paid pre-retirement? do you get to keep medicare too?
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2022 8:48 am
by jdeacon
I only have insurance on myself with BCBS basic. It costs about $1,100 per year after the $800 rebate for keeping Medicare. There was no change in cost for the BCBS premium between pre and post retirement, since OPM picks up 3/4th of the premium after retirement just like before. BTW, I retired at the end of March 2021. I decided that the annual $1,100 difference in retirement pay was worth the piece of mind when I travel overseas. The 2021 COLA covered it as a matter of fact! Having BCBS also give me additional piece of mind here in the US.
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2022 9:13 am
by bloobs
jdeacon wrote: ↑Fri Feb 04, 2022 8:48 am
I only have insurance on myself with BCBS basic. It costs about $1,100 per year after the $800 rebate for keeping Medicare. There was no change in cost for the BCBS premium between pre and post retirement, since OPM picks up 3/4th of the premium after retirement just like before. BTW, I retired at the end of March 2021. I decided that the annual $1,100 difference in retirement pay was worth the piece of mind when I travel overseas. The 2021 COLA covered it as a matter of fact! Having BCBS also give me additional piece of mind here in the US.
Thanks
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2022 10:29 pm
by evilanne
bamablue wrote: ↑Fri Feb 04, 2022 7:44 am
This is great information. I'm in a different boat, since I have my primary medical care through Tricare and individual care through the VA. I've got a couple of years before I need to make this decision, but it's never too early to start planning.
With Tricare, you are required to sign up for medicare Part B when eligible (not sure if there is an exception for if you are still working), but Tricare for life doesn't cost anything once you fall under Medicare.
Re: Coming up on Medicare... what to do
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2022 10:36 pm
by evilanne
See also
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=18902 entitled Should Federal Retirees Take Medicare Part B?