Man, I am so mad. I learned I would receive Medicare in June but I didn't understand the A and B parts. I just called Medicare and asked if I had to pay for any of this. The only thing I get after all this is hospital care for free.
I have to pay $88 per month for Medicare, and I can't work!!
I am not sure what to do now because I have Blue Cross Blue Shield POS, (we lost the PPO with my husband losing his other job at Morgan Stanley). I have huge bills with IV treatment in the hospital and presently I still have MassHealth,but I wonder what will happen when that runs out, and I need extra insurance.
I should have asked if you can pick it up again or if you have to do it at the effective date.
Posted by AZURE WISH (Member # 804) on :
I am really poor (so poor I qualify for medicaid)
The state pays my medicare premiums.
If you get so much in social security and have so much assets you would not qualify for this and you would have to pay for medicare part B.
Posted by riversinger (Member # 4851) on :
Di, Azure Wish is right. If your income and assets are low enough, then you qualify for Medicaid, and your Medicare premuims will be paid.
You don't have to get Medicare as soon as you qualify, but if you don't they fine you by increasing the amount you have to pay by 1% per month that you don't sign up. Unless you have a qualifying insurance through your work. I don't know if the BC you have now would qualify.
Posted by Christine202 (Member # 6158) on :
I have medicare also..... I pay about the same as you per month and it urkes me.
I didnt have to pay until I got married and They made me use my husbands Blus cross as primary....
Guess that means we were way to "RICH" for me to recieve medicare!
Now my husband is in the process of starting his own business and I am in the same boat of not knowing whether to sign up for one of the new prescription drug plans and pay MORE per month or not.
We are thousands in debt from medical bills....
In my state our congresswoman has set up a help line to call to go over the different plans and see how they could help/effect you , which is best etc...
I would think they would have one in every state...
Or is that wishful thinking on my part???!!!
Posted by ArtistDi (Member # 2297) on :
Thanks, River and Azure for the replies.
Christine, I told my husband about Medicare and how I have to pay because we have "too many assets." He said it may look like that, but we don't.
We really struggled last summer and fall when he lost his job and benefits at Morgan Stanley when they downsized. We had to struggle just to eat and feed our two kids, so yeah we have a ton of assets now. I am thankful that my husband got another job, albeit that he lost almost $20,000 in pay.
I hate being chronically ill, and I wish I could work again. Thanks for the responses.
Posted by Somerset (Member # 7534) on :
"Dear ArtistDi", I just received notifcation that I will start my Medicare in June also. I called Medicare asking questions, they said I would have to talk with a Medicare Counselor 3 to 6 week waiting peroid before a counselor would call you. I needed answers sooner then that. I called my local "Council on Aging" asked if anyone could help me understand about Medicare/Prescription plans, the next day I was face to face taking to an experienced person about Medicare. THANK GOODNESS I DID!!!!!!!!!!!!Please try to find someone face to face to talk to , also when you do, ask about QMB & SLMB programs that will pay for your premium if you fall under a certain income, you won't have to pay.Most important there is a number of different Presription Plans and if you are on any Brand name scipts that don't have a genetic that can be VERY Expensive!!! Please don't wait ,talk to someone that knows and can help guide you ,each state has there own guide lines, I don't mean to sound pushy ,but time and decisions have to be made. "Good Luck", Robin
Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
i pay about 265 per quarter for medicare part a & b. i also have another insurance through work.
it's a lot of money, all right!@#@!# Posted by ArtistDi (Member # 2297) on :
I just got off the phone with the case worker at the hospital and she suggested I call SHINE (this is usually a service for elders and it can explain the Medicare)
Toll Free Number: 1-800-498-4232
I think that number can refer you to a local office. This stuff is very confusing, but I learned that my insurance (BC/BS has credible coverage so I won't need Medicare part D now).
Have to find out about non-generic drugs. God, how I hate navigating this. Can you work at all with Medicare if you start to become well?
Posted by hopeful123 (Member # 3244) on :
yes, you can get off of the disability payments and still get medicare. i am considered working disabled. if the government ever questions this label, i would have to prove that the only way i can work is by having the medicare assistance to pay for treatments i receive. this is true, so i won't have to worry.
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