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Name:	lotowner -	Reply
Subject:	Medicare Cost
Date:	10/20/2009 2:38:27 PM

If you are 65 and on Medicare, start getting accustomed to bending over and getting the shaft.

I just received my Medicare Pharmacy supplement information package for 2010. The premium cost had increased by 50% and there were significant changes in the deductibles for 2010 versus 2009. For example, my out of pocket cost for Plavix in 2009 was $48 for a 90 day supply. The break out was $473, total prescription cost: $425, amount paid by Insurance; and $48 for my part.

In 20010, the cost for Plavix is $473; Insurance pays $379; and the insured would pay a flat 20% or $94.

Needless to say, I am looking at other insurance options for 2010. I would be interested in what others on the forum are paying for their pharmaceutical coverage and what carriers are best.

Name:	au67 -	Reply
Subject:	Medicare Cost
Date:	10/20/2009 8:14:50 PM

For a 90 day supply of Plavix, my wife pays $105 and insurance pays $354.60 for total cost of $459.60. She pays no deductible. She will pay the same in 2010 (assuming no cost increase in Plavix), but will have to drop a plan level with the insurance company.

If she stays with the same plan she currently has, the premium doubles in 2010 and the Plavix breakdown is $120 + $339.60 = $459.60

This is a Medicare Advantage plan that Obama wants to eliminate. If he gets his way, in a few years you won't have to make a decision...the federal government will make it for you.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Medicare Cost
Date:	10/20/2009 8:38:10 PM

Each insurance company receives payment from the government for medicare D. The insurance company within certain parameters set by the government then establish a premium, deductible, and/or co instance like your plan. They are in the business to make a profit and will price and design their plan accordingly. You seem angry at Medicare seem to want the government to pay more towards your benefits. Basically, the taxpayers need to pay higher Medicare tax to keep your premium lower. As a strong Conservative, you are sounding like a "socialist" asking for more handouts. You premium and co insurance will be higher because the insurance company needs additional money to make a profit.

That being said, I assume you are near zip code 35055. I can assist you with selecting the plan that is best for your needs. A plan that someone else has may not be for you. It depends on generic or non generic. High or low deductible or co insurance. We need to enter your zip, DOB, and drugs you are taking including name (Plavix), dosage, and number of pills each 30 days. Also, same info for any other drugs. Some plans will offer a lower co insurance if you order a 90 day supply through the mail. With some plans it is actually cheaper to buy a 90 day generic through Wal Mart with their $10 deductible and not use Medicare D. The 2010 plans are now available.

I have helped others as a volunteer. You can post any info here or send an email through the Forum and it will be forwarded.

If anyone has any other questions or would like assistance, I will try and help.

Name:	MAJ USA RET -	Reply
Subject:	Medicare Cost
Date:	10/20/2009 9:56:17 PM

I hear a bell

Name:	lotowner -	Reply
Subject:	Medicare Cost
Date:	10/21/2009 7:48:24 AM

I'm just asking why the amount that I pay for my same coverage is changing. The bottom line is that this is a significant cost for me and a significant reduction in cost for the government. I wonder whose health care I am supporting in 2010. I do not want to think about 2011 and beyond. All this is happening about the same time that the health care bills are being debated.

I currently pay $93 for medical coverage for Medicare. Does anyone want to suggest what the number will be for 2010? As I said earlier, retirees and those who work for a living, start your exercise to learn to bend over.

Name:	MAJ USA RET -	Reply
Subject:	TriCare Costs
Date:	10/21/2009 9:03:33 AM

I educated myself, served my country during my best years, maintained my weight and health (no meds), have no debt... and worked hard all of my life. Now, I have to pay to support those who didn't - don't. Isn't there a fable about this?

I'll soon have TriCare with mandatory Medicare Part B. Do I expect my healthcare costs to go down? Do I expect my healthcare to improve?

Take this to the bank: Healthcare WILL BE RATIONED! At some point to you will be suggested that you take the magic pill or complete a DNR. And, if you don't, healthcare will be denied.

Name:	GoneFishin -	Reply
Subject:	Medicare Cost
Date:	10/21/2009 10:47:06 AM

Your premium is increasing because drug compamies continue to increase the price of drugs. The insurance companies have to increase their premium to cover the increase.

Average premiums for Part D plans are increasing by 7% in 2010, to $30 per month, and average premiums for Medicare Advantage plans are jumping by 22%, to $39 per month. These price hikes may be particularly tough to stomach next year, when Social Security will not have a cost-of-living increase.
And premium increases are only part of the picture. More than 60% of Part D plans will charge an annual deductible in 2010 ($310 is standard) before covering any drug costs, up from the 45% that charged a deductible in 2009, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

And you have from November 15 to December 31 to decide whether you want to stay in the same plan or switch plans for 2010. I know many who change plans every year or two based on the current overall cost.

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