Question of the Week: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Which did you choose, and would you choose it again? Share your experience.
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Original Medicare with a supplement, or Medicare Advantage: which did you choose, and would you choose it again?
Open enrollment starts October 15, so this is the season for it. People land on both sides for good reasons.
- The dates. From October 15 to December 7, you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change your drug plan. Changes start January 1. (Medicare.gov)
- Supplements have their own timing. Federal law gives you a one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Outside it, a supplement policy may cost more or be harder to get, so it’s worth checking before you switch. (Medicare.gov)
- Free, unbiased help. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors give one-on-one Medicare help at no cost, and they don’t sell insurance. (shiphelp.org)
My answer: I made my choice after a long sit-down at the kitchen table with a pot of coffee and a free SHIP counselor. I’d do the sit-down exactly the same way again, coffee included.
Your turn. Which did you pick? What made up your mind, and what do you wish you’d known before you chose?
Answer in the comments on our Facebook post, or email support@truecourseliving.com with "Question of the Week" in the subject line. The best answers will appear in a "Your Peers Answered" roundup on November 1, first names only and only with your permission.
Share your experience, not advice. We will never message you first or ask for money. For your own situation, talk with a free SHIP counselor or call 1-800-MEDICARE.