Hi Kris, we found a local medicare representative that we meet with every October to look at our Medicare programs. I was told I would be better off staying with original medicare and a supplement since I had so many specialists. Also it is easier to get out of state help if I was still traveling. I was told the Advantage plans can be too restricting, acts more like an old HMO, too many pre-authorizations needed and they can change things on you more often. She also helps us pick our drug supplement and we sometimes have to change it every Oct. to get best prices as their formularies change. She has been a huge help to us. Many hospitals also provide Medicare/Medicaid advisors there is no charge to meet with them.

Hi Kris2 so upset u r being put this this nightmare. been there done that and we are still very challenged with costs for part D must be among medicare approved drug insurance plans too. First (Original) Medicare is Medicare.
Part B is the 179
that comes out of the SS check.
They pay 80 percent of all part B claims for 65 and over. That 80 percent is government insurance but agsin only 80 percent. but yes we pay toward it Part B by paying a monthly premium Remember original straight forward to be sure that 20 percent.

That 20 percent coverage (plans) are for example Empire BC BS or united healthcare or Humana or other. However; that the coverage we have a choice to take to pay the 20 percent not covered and I believe it is tbe premium you are asking about today.
( coverage called medicare supplement, medigap, secondary insurance,3 names for same product),

Many do not purchase that 20 percent plan. Understood why.

U r being put through such a burden on your head. There are straight forward answers on all this. A licensed no charge health insurance agent. She knows every change too before it cones down the pike.

You must talk to the right people to get this scenario cleared up.
At age 65 we each had to take a supplemental(medigap) etc. medicare approved plan of course, to cover the 20 percent. Original medicare does not pay it.

For Yrs and currently the 170 or 179 for original medicare, comes out of each SS check. its as a total costing us way too much monthly. We are not a socialist healthcare country and all these added costs prove it.

Because the aarp medicare supplemental (medigap/secondary) costs my husband 436 per month and me 300 a month. than part D druh plan 35 each month each if us.

Medicare has such limited info at costumer service you are so right.

Many yrs ago a tv commercial for E-health led us to get answers about age 65 medicare!!! So we called and Nicole is still our agent.
She has now progressed to newer company. She us on LinkedIn.
But I am giving you her direct direct phone like. See below.

Be at ease some for she is the best most knowledgeable licensed-insurance agent, for yrs. She will know what these mailings are , what these changes could be and give you
incredible counsel and u will not be on this roller coaster ride.

My heart breaks because this illness is no joke and you do not need this surprise!! PAH is under serviced by healthcare specialties. It was 2 yrs before we knew how to push back.
Many foundations with gand in gand with Merck and other PAH medication manufacturers. Never give up on free assistance. Merck is callex Merck patient assistance program.

Nicole Toovey she is very patient. (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators). Because she is an authority on all this medicare over control
of all things healthcare for millions of us, give her time to get back to you.
🤗

Good AI answer. You can also contact your senator’s Social Security/Medicare liaison via their website.

I haven't heard anyone say anything about any providers not accepting Advantage Plans, in this area. Everybody I know goes for the Advantage Plan. There are down sides to it though, I have read. It seems like which way you choose is dependent on what kind of health issues you face.