TFL, MEDICARE, MEDIGAP, PART D, (WHAT?)

turning 65 soon. Started looking into Medicare. I think I got it - maybe? Part A is paid for if you're eligible. Part B is taken care of by TriCare for Life (TFL) if you're eligible. What about part C (Medigap)? Do we need part C or Medigap insurance? With a 20% co-pay with part B you could be looking at mega bucks with a serious illness. I know you can opt-in for a HMO or a PPO organization to cover your six o'clock and reduce costs, but if you're traveling full time HMO's don't work. Any ideas? Thanks...

Semper Fi

Part A is hospitalization. It is free.

Part B is medical insurance and costs about $90 per month, which you MUST pay.

Part C is medigap and as a military retiree does not apply to you.

Part D is drug coverage offered by hundreds of private insurers and is a waste of money for military retirees.

TFL is Tricare For Life and in order to use it you must have Parts A and B coverage. TFL then becomes your supplemental carrier and between Medicare and TFL all of your medical bills will be paid by someone.

But again, you must purchase Part B and pay for it monthly.

Semper Fi
Glenn

'Roger that' Glen... You said in a few words what a 104 page SSN booklet failed to do (but they did confuse me... wonder if it's on purpose?) Save travels...

Note: Just drove out and took some pictures for Larry of McChord's Famcamp. Nice base, easy to get around, and the Famcamp is like being in a National Forest. I only live 10 minutes away and have never used the base facilities. Will start...

Thanks

Part A is hospitalization. It is free.

Part B is medical insurance and costs about $90 per month, which you MUST pay.

Part C is medigap and as a military retiree does not apply to you.

Part D is drug coverage offered by hundreds of private insurers and is a waste of money for military retirees.

TFL is Tricare For Life and in order to use it you must have Parts A and B coverage. TFL then becomes your supplemental carrier and between Medicare and TFL all of your medical bills will be paid by someone.

But again, you must purchase Part B and pay for it monthly.

Semper Fi
Glenn

Nice explanation! Thanks. I have yet to figured out what is best to do with my Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB). From reading here, maybe I should drop it. Or, just don't take part B and keep FEHB. FEHB cost $212 per month, but is good insurance. I retire from Civil Service in two years or so. Am retired Air Force. Thanks again

Larry and Debbie Feather
Titusville, Florida

Nice explanation! Thanks. I have yet to figured out what is best to do with my Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB). From reading here, maybe I should drop it. Or, just don't take part B and keep FEHB. FEHB cost $212 per month, but is good insurance. I retire from Civil Service in two years or so. Am retired Air Force.

Larry and Debbie Feather
Titusville, Florida

I have the same decision to make Larry. I am probably going to retire from Civil Service in 3 or 4 months and cannot come up with enough rationale to decide whether to keep my FEHB and skip Part B and TFL, or take Part B and TFL and drop the FEHB. I know the dollars would indicate to go with Part B, but there is also the fact that the FEHB is good insurance. A lot of doctors have become reluctant to take new Medicare patients because of the amount they are paid, and TFL for life pays the same as Medicare. I would think the FEHB looks a little more attractive to the doctors.

I have the same decision to make Larry. I am probably going to retire from Civil Service in 3 or 4 months and cannot come up with enough rationale to decide whether to keep my FEHB and skip Part B and TFL, or take Part B and TFL and drop the FEHB. I know the dollars would indicate to go with Part B, but there is also the fact that the FEHB is good insurance. A lot of doctors have become reluctant to take new Medicare patients because of the amount they are paid, and TFL for life pays the same as Medicare. I would think the FEHB looks a little more attractive to the doctors.

Remember that after you quit working and turn 65, medicare becomes prime, FEHM (if you keep it) is secondary, and tricare is third.

Also, don't drop your FEHB, suspend it. Congress provide a way of getting FEHB back in case they ever do away with tricare.

So everything I read and all of the articles say that medicare A & B plus tricare is your best deal. Even if you are FEBH eligible.

Don't forget that CSRS civil service retirement offsets your socical security payments. Don't know about FERS.

My opinion, yours case may vary, Michael