As I stated before, I can not see where any supplemental insurance would do me any good. So far, Medicare alone has taken pretty good care of me. The extra premium would be wasted in my case since I can pay what is not covered by Medicare for a whole lot less $$$.
I have heard from others in different areas that some doctors and other health care facilities will not take new patients that lack supplemental insurance. I have not encountered this problem. Have any of you come up against this phenomenon? Is it just a practice in certain areas?
Charlie
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Grizlump - Name: Charlie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: June 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 67
Re: Medicare supplemental insurance - does it really help?
Supplemental insurance: Specific to your case, it depends upon how much Medicare Part B does not cover what you need. If someone has just doctor visits throughout the year, perhaps one does not need it. ( I do not qualify for any co-payment assistance from any agency, yet)
However, more expensive treatments will justify such insurance.
For example, I take Velcade maintenance shots twice a month, including a doctor visit. Each visit (and medicines and tests) are billed at full retail price at approximately $4400. Medicare allows $1700 and pays 80% of it. The remaining 20%, approx. $340 is paid by my supplemental insurance. So, the insurance pays about $640 per month. In my case the insurance premium of $172 (Plan F) a month is the less expensive option.
Again, it depends on your specific medical needs. Hope, this helps you in your decision.
However, more expensive treatments will justify such insurance.
For example, I take Velcade maintenance shots twice a month, including a doctor visit. Each visit (and medicines and tests) are billed at full retail price at approximately $4400. Medicare allows $1700 and pays 80% of it. The remaining 20%, approx. $340 is paid by my supplemental insurance. So, the insurance pays about $640 per month. In my case the insurance premium of $172 (Plan F) a month is the less expensive option.
Again, it depends on your specific medical needs. Hope, this helps you in your decision.
Last edited by DexMed on Tue Sep 29, 2015 4:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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DexMed - Name: GV
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: May 2010 Smoldering. Symptomatic 9/2014
- Age at diagnosis: 62
Re: Medicare supplemental insurance - does it really help?
Revlimid, doctors visits and tests come up way more than a supplemental insurance policy for me. I have bloodwork before Zometa treatment to check levels; that is once a month. And cost of labs, and IV, run a lot also.
With Medicare and supplemental that is one less burden, but as stated previously, this is a decision each must make based on their experiences.
Best of luck to you.
With Medicare and supplemental that is one less burden, but as stated previously, this is a decision each must make based on their experiences.
Best of luck to you.
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Music box lady - Name: Margie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 60
Re: Medicare supplemental insurance - does it really help?
Hi Charlie,
I can't speak to the situation of care denied due to lack of supplemental (Medigap) insurance.
However, I would like to comment about the value of Medigap insurance coverage. My husband enrolled in Medicare and signed up for a Medigap policy when he turned 65 in January 2014. Two months later, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He had radiation, chemotherapy, a failed stem cell transplant, and then the disease progressed to plasma cell leukemia. He passed away in July 2015.
Without the coverage afforded by the Medigap policy, I would be buried in medical bills. We all know that multiple myeloma is an unpredictable disease, and although many have years of stability, others, like my husband, progress unexpectedly, and quickly. The monthly premium for Plan N in Vermont is about $120. Affordable, and worth every penny.
Please also consider the fact that your cancer may be deemed a pre-existing condition in the future. I just happened to meet with my insurance agent today to sign up for my own Medigap policy, as I turn 65 in October. Because I am enrolling during the period surrounding my 65th birthday, I did not have to answer any questions about my health. However, the agent did explain that there would come a time, if I hadn't signed up when I did, when I would have had to answer questions, such as "Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, diabetes?", and coverage could be denied. Dollars spent on insurance coverage is a waste until you need it.
I wish you the very best.
Naym
I can't speak to the situation of care denied due to lack of supplemental (Medigap) insurance.
However, I would like to comment about the value of Medigap insurance coverage. My husband enrolled in Medicare and signed up for a Medigap policy when he turned 65 in January 2014. Two months later, he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He had radiation, chemotherapy, a failed stem cell transplant, and then the disease progressed to plasma cell leukemia. He passed away in July 2015.
Without the coverage afforded by the Medigap policy, I would be buried in medical bills. We all know that multiple myeloma is an unpredictable disease, and although many have years of stability, others, like my husband, progress unexpectedly, and quickly. The monthly premium for Plan N in Vermont is about $120. Affordable, and worth every penny.
Please also consider the fact that your cancer may be deemed a pre-existing condition in the future. I just happened to meet with my insurance agent today to sign up for my own Medigap policy, as I turn 65 in October. Because I am enrolling during the period surrounding my 65th birthday, I did not have to answer any questions about my health. However, the agent did explain that there would come a time, if I hadn't signed up when I did, when I would have had to answer questions, such as "Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, diabetes?", and coverage could be denied. Dollars spent on insurance coverage is a waste until you need it.
I wish you the very best.
Naym
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Naym - Name: Naym
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 65
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