[Victor]

I’ll be eligible for Medicare next year. What if I don’t sign up and keep my private insurance plan...?

[hinckley buzzard]

You will start getting mailings in the near future from all sorts of insurance companies explaining the rules. Basically, though you are not required to sign up, you need to sign up within three months of your 65th birthday or it becomes harder and more restrictive later on. Right now anyone who can afford the premiums should probably sign up and keep a secondary insurance. Medicare does not pay as lavishly as some people think, so Medigap plans are widespread and useful.

[ladyjane]

I really don’t know about that. What I do know is physicians face prison if they take cash or any form of payment. No wonder many of them are planning on retiring. I know some who are saving every penny they can right now because they will be quitting when the rationing gets worse.

[Hattie]

I’ll be eligible for Medicare next year. What if I don’t sign up and keep my private insurance plan...?

Your private plan may have something to say about it? Why would they continue that expense if you are elegible for Medicare?

[Yet_Again]

I’ll be eligible for Medicare next year. What if I don’t sign up and keep my private insurance plan...?

As of now, I don't think you can do that. Clinton forced all seniors onto Medicare.

[TomGuy]

I’ll be eligible for Medicare next year. What if I don’t sign up and keep my private insurance plan...?

Many private insurance companies automatically drop those eligible for Medicare.

If you do not sign up -- at least for the prescription drug plan, you will be assessed a percentage fine for each year you fail to sign up. That fine is cumulative and is imposed on all future years, even if you later join Medicare.

[GOPJ]

If you keep working after you qualify, you might be able to keep it. Sometimes your current insurance can be used as your supplemental later... If you postpone your choice (without having an approved qualified plan) you could get stuck with a choice you don't want... Your HR department is a good place to start... they understand this stuff. Most of us who have dealt with this in any way don't understand it... it's tricky.

Many state's have a group that explains insurance choices. In Florida the group is called SHINE... You probably have the equivalent... Be careful with groups that also sell - as they'll push you into something that works for them - rather than for you. I recently heard a horror story about a medical advantage plan... lots of pit falls out there. I'll say a prayer for you.

[Cheerio]

What if I don’t sign up and keep my private insurance plan...?

If you get your health ins through an employer it is doubtful they will allow you to keep the same plan when you reach medicare age. If you purchase your health insurance on the open market - -? Depends, but I would think most health insurance plans cease after one reaches age 65 and you are offered a secondary to medicare.

[FormerACLUmember]

“I’ll be eligible for Medicare next year.”

You are in for a rude awakening as to just how royally screwed you will soon be.

There is no more real “private insurance” for you, at least as you are aware of up to this point in your life. The only insurance you are allowed is Supplemental Insurance up to the low Medicare approved rates.