Still don't know what my premium will be, with 20 days left in Open Enrollment in Medicare

[progree]

Maybe my expectations are way too high, maybe even delusional, but I thought the whole point of open enrollment (for people already in Medicare) was to consider new plans, and obviously plan premiums are an important part of it for those of us in the bottom 90% or so. And in particular, I would expect to know what my existing plan's premium is next year.

Well, I have a United Healthcare Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, and I don't see any info in my online account or messages there or anything that has anything about a new premium.

I called the main number on Nov 10 (a week ago) and the person there said they don't have premiums yet for next year, and they will mail (meaning snail mail from the rest of the conversation) it to me when they have it. I said but but but we're 26 days into a 53 day open enrollment period (October 15 - December 7), and how are we to decide on any new plans? I also asked about plan changes, like changes in the network, but he said "the plan is the plan", and I realized that well, that might be true -- the network in Medigap plans is anyone who accepts Medicare assignment.

But anyhoo, we're now 33 days into the 53 day open enrollment period (20 days left) .... I checked online again for messages.

And what's this shit about snail mailing it to me (I went over that with him too ... that delays things 3-5 days). I think snail mailing it is highly desirable, but how about emailing it too? Sigh

Is this usual? Is this "modern"?

===============================================
11/24 Update - I got a snail mail letter this afternoon with my new premium (a 3.75% increase, so not a shocker that would force me scrambling looking for alternatives with only 11 days left in the 53-day open enrollment period). The letter is dated November 11 (grrr, can't you mail out the letter sooner, grr grr grr). I checked my account online -- no information about this, so not only couldn't they be bothered with an email notification, they can't be bothered to put information like this as an account notice/message. Shitheads).

[enough]

1. Neither usual nor modern if we were living in a civilized democracy.

It's incredible how much we Americans are willing to put up with in our medical system.

[lamp_shade]

2. There's this... just released yesterday...

https://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Press-releases/2017-Press-releases-items/2017-11-17.html

[progree]

3. Thanks! Interesting. Maybe my Medigap plan will take the hint and come up with next year's

premiums too (currently $200/month with autopay)

[progree]

4. I wonder why it talks a lot about M. Advantage plans but not a word about M. Supplement plans

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. Is this your first year on Medicare?

And yes, the open enrollment is to figure out if you want to change plans. Keep in mind, that those who work for the Federal Government have exactly the same open enrollment thing every year, which is in no small part why federal employees do not understand why normal people who work for a private company, have almost no choices in their health care plan.

In any case, I can only tell you this: I have an Advantage plan, which works out very well for me. That might not be so good for you. Go on line and see what you can find out. And maybe call various providers (which is what I did when I first went on Medicare and was figuring out the Advantage plans.)

Unfortunately, all this confusion is part and parcel of our stupid health care system. It's up to the consumer, you in this case, to resarch the plans and figure out what will work for you.

And all I can say is, Good Luck.

[progree]

6. Thanks, Yes, this is my first year on Medicare, been on it since Dec 2016

Last edited Sun Nov 19, 2017, 01:50 PM - Edit history (3)

and I got my Medigap in May 2016 (just within the 6 month window for enrolling in Medigap with federal protections -- no medical questions or higher premium discrimination for pre-existing conditions in that 6 month initial enrollment window).

I chose Medigap over Medicare Advantage because Medigap doesn't have networks. I've read too many horror stories about people meticulously checking that everyone that is going to be in the operating room and the hospital, and the lab and the radiologist etc. etc. are in network, and then one or some aren't, too bad, did we tell you that, do you have a recording, we can't keep our website always perfectly up to date, too many changes too often, so sorry, do you have a time-stamped screen shot of our website? Ha ha, wouldn't matter if you did anyway, you signed an agreement full of disclaimers and an arbitration clause and you know what that means - you lose. I also hate all the rules and badgering that comes with HMO's and PPO's.

On shopping for plans -- I did a ton of that when I was looking for the Medigap plan. I've read the Medicare for Dummies book practically cover to cover (there are some sections that obviously didn't / don't apply to me that I skimmed or skipped), and the local Medicare book put out by the local SHIP office (that Caligula's budget calls for cutting 95%). Plus a seminar and a one-on one session. And tons of time on the Medicare.gov and insurance co. websites. So yes, I'm willing and able to look at other plans and options and don't expect anyone to do the work for me.

I'm just wondering why an extremely very important piece of information is unavailable to me with just 18 days left in open enrollment -- WHAT THE HELL IS MY FUCKING PREMIUM GOING TO BE NEXT YEAR ON MY CURRENT PLAN AND WHY THE FUCK CAN'T THEY EMAIL IT TO ME WHEN THEY HAVE THAT INFO? (as well as snail mail it to me). I know some people are rich and it doesn't really matter what the premiums are or will be, but that's not my situation. And I realize that I've had 5 decades to amass a mountain of wealth, and I didn't, and I know that's my fault and my fault alone.

I thought there would be Medicare rules requiring all Medigap / MA insurance providers to have this information at the time of open enrollment, but I guess I'm delusional to think that would be the case. I know Caligula wants to do everything possible to make it impossible to shop and compare, and turn it all into junk insurance, but I figured he and his ilk haven't screwed up Medicare YET.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Depending on where you live, some Advantage plans

don't have a network, but there will be a higher premium for them.

I have one that doesn't cost me any extra, beyond what is already deducted for Medicare.

Can you find other Medigap plans that post what next year's premium will be? There is something more than a bit off that you can't seem to get that information from the provider.

[progree]

8. The downside of Medigap - If I switch to another Medigap plan, I am subject to medical underwriting

i.e. they can ask medical questions, review my medical history, and come up with a premium accordingly, or even decide not to sell me a policy. Whereas if I stay in the same plan, I'm charged no more than what they charge new 65 year old's no matter how old and sick I become {1}. So I'm kind of stuck in a way .... at the same time, I should at least take a brief look at what my options are each year anyway... I have to do that with my Part D plan (Medigap plans never include drug coverage except the type that is covered under Part B - e.g. administered in a clinic or hospital).

{1} it's called "community rated" -- all Medigap plans in Minnesota are that way, unlike many, probably most other states where plans can also charge based on age -- age of first enrollment, or "attained age" -- one thing a Medigap plan shopper needs to consider).

My policy is an Extended Basic one (unique to Minnesota (Minnesota is one of 3 states that has some different Medigap plans from the standard ones -- Wisconsin and Massachusetts being the other states.).

Here's the type of plans we have available in Minnesota:
https://www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan/results/medigapresults/medigap-view-all-policies.aspx

Here's the one I have. The premium shown is the 2017 premium.
https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/health-plans/medicare-supplement-plans.html

My 2017 premium is $200/mo -- $202 less $2 for paying by autopay.

I'll call the SHIP people tomorrow (here it's the Senior Linkage Line) about what they think about the lack of next year's premium information.

[progree]

9. Update: with 11 days left in open enrollment, they snail mailed me next year's premium

11/24 Update - I got a snail mail letter this afternoon with my new premium (a 3.75% increase, so not a shocker that would force me scrambling looking for alternatives with only 11 days left in the 53-day open enrollment period). The letter is dated November 11 (grrr, can't you mail out the letter sooner, grr grr grr). I checked my account online -- no information about this, so not only couldn't they be bothered with an email notification, they can't be bothered to put information like this as an account notice/message. Shitheads.