Medicare Welcome Physical

[Artemis Windsong]

I had a big surprise today.  I had scheduled my annual stuff with my doctor and a mammogram.  She told me to wait until I could get my Medicare Welcome Physical where Medicare pays for absolutely everything including bone density to  EKGs to immunizations.  I could hug her PA for her knowledge of Medicare.

She said she'd charge me for a prescription check and wrote me a new prescription.  That costs the same or more than an office visit.

The telling words were that the insurance company might cover the exam but not pay for it.  Big difference and confusing language for the lay person.  Then I would have to pay for it and the amount deducted from the deductible, which would be the cover.

So much for Obamacare medical insurance.

[Blonde Granny]

Shoot, PB just ate my last post.

Anyway, if you have a good supplement, you will not have to pay a deductible, your supplement pays it for you.

I had a total knee replacement last year, total bills close to $80K.  I've never received a bill.  I just finished this week with having cataracts removed from both eyes.  Again, no bills.

As for mammograms, when Medicare says 1 per year, that's exactly what it means.  If you have on on Aug. 2 this year, you won't get it next year on Aug. 1st.  One year means one year and a day (just to be safe).

I've also heard, and don't know yet if its true, that when you have cataract surgery, your yearly eye exams are paid for by Medicare.  I've also heard that if you need glasses after surgery (looks like I need only readers) I'll receive a Medicare discount on them.

Gotta luv this Medicare and Mutual of Omaha supplement!!

[Artemis Windsong]

We've earned this benefit by contributing for years of labor.

I went to the state insurance department to discuss the supplements.  I hope I made the right choice.  If not,  I can change next year.  Only one company gave me a quote and I signed up before I got my medicare book. 

I really wanted my gym membership partially covered but my gym is not on the list; although, I am continuing with the same insurance company I have now and they do cover it.

It's a maze; a freaking maze. 

[TheOtherMe]

I've helped my 89 year old parents last year choose a supplement program when Firestone dumped it's white collar retirees from health care.  They have no deductible and have yet to have a co-pay on anything medical.  They have the monthly premium.  For 2013, and they told me 2014, Firestone is reimbursing them for quite a bit of the insurance premiums.

It's the Part D prescription drug coverage that they have complained about.  They each have a $250 deductible.  Then it got really cheap for prescriptions.  Nothing compared to what they were paying under Firestone's policy.  They have the Walmart plan and most of the prescriptions are $1 or $4.  

Mom and dad always had a co-pay on their medical bills when they had Firestone's health insurance.  I don't know for sure, but I think they are better off because of the reimbursement.  However, the letters they get have not promised the reimbursement will last forever.

[TheOtherMe]

Sept 12, 2013 19:49:15 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

As for mammograms, when Medicare says 1 per year, that's exactly what it means.  If you have on on Aug. 2 this year, you won't get it next year on Aug. 1st.  One year means one year and a day (just to be safe).

My health insurance has always been that way.  I have to wait one year and one day for mammograms.  The facilities know it and schedule that way.