Medicare Supplement Plans

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Janet231

Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:01 PM

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Last Login: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 3:12 PM
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I have recently gotten my disability approved and received my Medicare card. I have been to the Medicare.gov website and looked through plans available in NC/Nash County. Unfortunately I am scared to death of making a bad choice and choosing the wrong plan. I want a plan that will cover my medicare co-pays and prescriptions as well as gap coverage.

I take infusions of Remicade and want to make sure that specific drug is covered (under part B) and my plan will cover the 20% that medicare does not pay.

I would love information from anyone who has RA and takes Remicade. I also take 8 other meds but they are much cheaper than the remicade and most are generic.

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Joy125

Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:10 PM

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Last Login: Today @ 2:08 AM
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Selecting the best insurance plan can seem like an overwhelming task, as there are so many different insurance products, with different coverage and different costs.

When I was helping my mom select a medigap plan, I met with a counselor with the "Senior Health Insurance Information Program" (SHIP)which helps seniors understand their insurance options -- they cannot recommend one plan over another though, just help with understanding coverage.

You live in North Carolina, I found this website that you might want to look at. Just be sure this is a nonprofit site, not affiliated with any private insurance company.

Good luck.

http://www.ncdoi.com/Consumer/Shiip/Shiip.asp

p.s. because remicade, is an infusion drug, classified as a treatment drug not a prescription drug (somethin like that) it should be covered under Medicare Part B and not the drug benefit plan.

__________________________________________________

Lift up your hand, oh God. Do not forget the helpless. Psalm 10:12

http://www.physiciansforpeace.org/

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Grandpavan

Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:22 PM

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I've been on Medicare for many years but my former employer has an insurance plan that covers both medical and drugs. I just got information about the changes for next year and they list drugs covered by the plan and Remicade is included. I haven't checked into it yet but I think it might be possible for me to order the Remicade and take it to the doctor's office to get the infusion. At least something like that might be possible so you need to check it with both the medication supplier and the infusion place. Both have to agree to it. I hope you make the best choice for you. God bless.

Age 82, diagnosed RA 12/2001, married since 1952, 4 sons no daughters, 4 grandsons 1 granddaughter. Doing well on Methotrexate and Remicade.

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Gramma Ellie

Posted Wednesday, November 18, 2009 4:57 PM

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Last Login: Today @ 8:45 AM
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Welcome Janet! Smile

I am on Medicare and also take Remicade. My infusions are covered under Medicare part B. The agency and doctor agree to a set price, and Medicare pays 80% of that. I am responsible for the remaining 20%, which in my case is a little over $400. My private insurance picks up the 20% copay only after I pay out $2500.00 in all my medical bills for the year. OUCH! But it is part of my husband's retirement package, so it's not too expensive. Then in January, I have to pay the Medicare deductible before getting any benefits.

If you are looking for Medigap coverage, make sure that your deductible isn't too high. Then compare the coverage with your medical costs from last year. Sometimes a high deductible makes more sense, sometimes it doesn't.

Best of Luck!

Hugs,
Gramma Ellie

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