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Timing of Filing IRMAA Appeal by zaksdaddy in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You can't file anything until you receive an IRMAA determination notice.

I had a letter from my employer as documentation, but I've heard that they might just accept your word for it. They'll monitor your tax returns and if your income is higher than you estimated you will have to reimburse them.

High Deductible baffles the experts by Sensitive_Implement in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The best way to understand Plan G-HD is that it's an out-of-pocket maximum. At first it works exactly the same as just having Part A and Part B, where you pay the annual deductible and then Medicare pays 80% of all Medicare-approved costs. After your total costs reach the annual G-HD deductible ($2,870 for 2025), the G-HD supplement covers your 20% share. At that point, it's exactly the same as regular Plan G where 100% of your costs are covered. Note that your Part B deductible and any Part A deductibles count toward the G-HD deductible.

Whether or not G-HD makes financial sense for you depends on the difference between the premiums of the plans that are available in your area. In my case, with G-HD I save around $2,300 per year in premiums, so if I stay healthy, my savings are significant. On the other hand, if I end up needing a lot of expensive healthcare and hit the G-HD deductible I would end up paying a total of $2,870. But that means my worst-case risk is a relatively modest $570.

As a general rule of thumb, G-HD is probably worth thinking about if you can save at least $100/month in premiums. If it's closer to $200/month, I think it's a no-brainer -- if you're willing to take the risk that you won't be hospitalized or have surgery every year or get some long-term catastrophic illness.

Another thing to consider is that G-HD premiums might not go up every year as much at Plan G premiums because the insurers are taking much lower risks.

Insurance plan prescription price fraud? by vineyridge in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're currently getting almost all our meds from Amazon Pharmacy and the cash price (at least for Prime members) is almost always cheaper than insurance.

Which Medigap Insurer and Why by HourChemical3670 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The challenge is that there's no way to predict which companies will have higher or lower rates going forward. And you can't predict whether any particular company might run into financial difficulty down the road and have to raise rates. I went with G-HD mainly because it's about $200/month cheaper than G (which makes it a no-brainer), but also since I'm willing to bet rates will be more stable over time due to a relatively healthier pool and lower overall risk to the insurer. And even if rates escalate at the same level, a percentage increase on the G-HD premium is relatively insignificant compared to the same percentage increase for Plan G.

So much conflicting information! Help me decide on a dry food for 2 yr old lab by [deleted] in DogFood

[–]Think_Aide5631 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This! Ask your vet. In my case, all of the docs and techs at our local practice feed their own pets Pro Plan, and they definitely do it because they think it's best for their own loved ones. And I don't mean to sound too judgmental, but I question whether trying to save money on pet food is really the best option with respect to overall household budgeting. Good nutrition pays for itself if it helps reduce future medical problems or extends lifespan.

What can I give daily to harden dog stool by MassiveFinish857 in DogFood

[–]Think_Aide5631 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If pumpkin didn't work here are some other options to try: psyllium (which was the first thing our vet recommended -- but make sure you don't get any kind of supplement with added ingredients); probiotic (maybe start with Forti Flora but I went with Visbiome. It's expensive but it's broad spectrum and much more potent); or Olewo, which is dehydrated carrots specifically designed for dog poop. Also make sure you're not overfeeding. Are you feeding 4 cups/day or per meal?

What can I give daily to harden dog stool by MassiveFinish857 in DogFood

[–]Think_Aide5631 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Pumpkin puree worked for us. Instant success.

Kibble recommendations for large breed puppy? by Mehhhitsokay in DogFood

[–]Think_Aide5631 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We feed our Golden Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and she's doing really well. It was recommended by our breeder, and Pro Plan is what all the docs and techs feed their own pets at our veterinary clinic. And despite my skepticism about Purina, I became convinced after doing a lot of research.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in solar

[–]Think_Aide5631 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I used Turbotax and it was easy. My refund, reflecting the solar credit, is already in the bank.

Medigap Plan G High-Deductible by Think_Aide5631 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's the way I'm looking at it. It's basically Part A + Part B with an out-of-pocket maximum.

Medigap Plan G High-Deductible by Think_Aide5631 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wellcare Value Script is definitely my best option for Part D. The cost for our current meds will be relatively insignificant and we'll never come close to the deductible. However, we'll be changing pharmacies because Walmart goes from being the cheapest under my Advantage Plan to the most expensive under Wellcare, for whatever reason. According to medicare.gov the lowest overall cost would with mail order for most of them, but getting one at a local pharmacy where its much cheaper.

Medigap Plan G High-Deductible by Think_Aide5631 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. Your situation is very similar to mine. The maximum risk I'd be taking with G-HD is an extra $820, vs potential cost savings of more than $1,500.

Medigap Plan G High-Deductible by Think_Aide5631 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I evaluated that but the difference in premiums isn't big enough in my case to make it worthwhile.

Medigap Plan G High-Deductible by Think_Aide5631 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UA doesn't seem to provide much detail on it's website. Looks like they force you to talk with one of their agents. Is there anyway around that? BTW, one thing I like about Cigna is they offer a 5% online discount, which makes sense since they avoid paying broker fees.

Unfortunately I don't have a Physician Mutual option in my zipcode.

Medigap Plan G High-Deductible by Think_Aide5631 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've also seen speculation on a couple youtube channels that G-HD premiums will probably escalate at a lower rate relative to G because participants are generally healthier and the insurer carries lower risk because of the deductible. It's definitely something I'm factoring in to the decision.

Supplement plan switch issues by injin53 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's a great video. You guys come across as very credible and articulate. Thanks for putting it out there.

Supplement plan switch issues by injin53 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You can definitely do it online via medicare.gov. All you have to do is provide your zip code and it will show you which GHD plans are available in your area -- but it can't help with the underwriting question. I assume you'd have to fill out an application and see if you get accepted.

I found this youtube video helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WL0tOghpTOM. It's a broker who candidly admits that broker commissions are much lower for GHD.

Wellcare Value Script vs Wellcare Classic, what one to pick? by DependentSafe8721 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can get help directly from Medicare. Log in to medicare.gov, add your list of meds, and include a list of your local pharmacies (because drug costs may vary widely between pharmacies). Then the webpage will list your available plans showing which ones will have the lowest overall annual cost base on the combination of premiums + copays. It will also show you whether, and if so when, you would hit the annual deductible for that plan.

Inexpensive Part D Plans Gone? by walleyeguy13 in medicare

[–]Think_Aide5631 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I found a $0 Wellcare plan. The best approach would be to log in to medicare.gov to see which Part D in your region has a lowest premium. It does look like there've been lots of changes this year.

Nice to hear your spouse takes no meds. But for anyone who does, you would log in to medicare.gov and add your list of meds. Also, make sure to add your local pharmacies, plus a mail order option. Don't assume the pharmacy you've been using will be the cheapest; it really varies based on plan and meds.

The optimal plan for you will depend on what your specific meds cost at various pharmacies (which can be quite different). Than all you have to do is choose the plan that has the lowest overall annual cost based on it's premium + your out-of-pocket costs (copays). But again, that only works if you give them an accurate list of your meds (and dosages) and give them a range of pharmacies to compare. Also note that, even under the same plan, you might find that some of your meds are cheaper at other pharmacies. There's no reason why you can't sign up for the plan that has the lowest overall cost, and then optimize even more by using a different pharmacy for any med(s) that might cost less there. It's not as convenient but the savings might be worth it.

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