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deRien

(313 posts)
24. Medicare Part A (hospital, etc.)
Wed Oct 29, 2025, 10:28 AM
Wednesday

is what you pay for during your working years. When you hit 65 Part B (doctors, labs, tests, etc.) kicks in and you will have to pay whatever the Medicare portion is. Usually, this is taken out of your Social Security check unless you opt to pay monthly or quarterly. I think 2026 the cost is around $206 per month. You can suspend Part B coverage if you are still working and getting medical coverage from your job. You HAVE to let Medicare know that you want to do this as Part B starts automatically when you turn 65. If you have original Medicare, you will need a supplement ~ those are Plan A-Z and offer different coverage. Different companies offer these plans and the costs can vary but the coverage is the same. They don't cover hearing, eyes, dental or prescription. You will have to get separate coverage for those. Prescription coverage is Part D.
The Medicare Advantage (Medigap) is Part C. Those are the ones that have ads on TV 24/7. Hope this helps.
If you are still working, check with your HR person. They can or should be able to help you.

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I switched from an advantage to regular Medicare about 10 years ago Walleye Wednesday #1
Thom Hartmann predicted a year ago gab13by13 Wednesday #7
But still, 53% of beneficaries choose Medicare Advantage because they believe it is more affordable for them. Silent Type Wednesday #10
"... they believe it is more affordable." Grins Wednesday #32
Like I said, you get a choice. If Medicare is better for you, take it. If MA is better, take it. But don't try to take Silent Type Wednesday #34
I would be doing tradtional Medicare + a plan to cover my meds, but I chose Medicare Advantage for dental and vision iluvtennis Wednesday #33
Exactly, it's a choice. MA is definitely better for some people, others not. Silent Type Wednesday #35
My daughter is an RN case manager for home care Freddie Wednesday #27
Not exactly true. Traditional Medicare has very detailed coverage rules that prevent some questionable claims. Silent Type Wednesday #39
Will do. Joinfortmill Wednesday #11
Good for you. Luckily, I learned about Medicare Supplement and ignored the "advantage" propaganda. we can do it Wednesday #2
Are there restrictions on switching from Adv. to Medicare? nt Ilsa Wednesday #3
Yes IbogaProject Wednesday #5
Thank you very much. nt Ilsa Wednesday #20
The issue is getting a Medigap supplement Abnredleg Wednesday #6
Thank you very much. nt Ilsa Wednesday #18
Yes, some, unless there is a s qualifying event. Joinfortmill Wednesday #13
Thank you very much. nt Ilsa Wednesday #16
Original Medicare? Sanity Claws Wednesday #4
Advantage Plans include Parts A and B Abnredleg Wednesday #8
Plain Medicare certainly covers doctors visits. gab13by13 Wednesday #9
Medicare covers part A & B. Joinfortmill Wednesday #14
Medicare Part A (hospital, etc.) deRien Wednesday #24
Original Medicare is both Part A and Part B Bob_in_VA Wednesday #31
OP--there's a lot of misinformation in this thread. marybourg Wednesday #12
Everyrhing I posted is absolutely true to my experience Joinfortmill Wednesday #15
I wasn't referring to your information. marybourg Wednesday #21
SHIP? Sanity Claws Wednesday #17
This: marybourg Wednesday #22
Thanks Sanity Claws Wednesday #26
Be aware, Supplemental Plans will only cover you once without a full medical history. lark Wednesday #19
It's complicated, for sure. Joinfortmill Wednesday #23
My plan was not being offered in 2026 so I was able to switch EverHopeful Wednesday #25
Last year a friend who had Medicare Advantage was informed that her insurer was no longer doing business in her area. Lonestarblue Wednesday #28
Summation: the Advantage Plan that sounds so good today can bite you in the ass tomorrow Auggie Wednesday #29
Good advice. Joinfortmill Wednesday #30
If you can afford it, always get real Medicare. If you MUST get Advantage due to financial reasons, make sure you Fil1957 Wednesday #36
Your health history might prevent you getting a Medigap plan** NGeorgian Wednesday #37
Medicare Supplemental plans can be very expensive. Sogo Wednesday #38
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