Turning 65 in New York — Medicare Choices and Finding a Medicare Agent in Buffalo or Rochester

I’ll be turning 65 this summer and I’m starting to look at Medicare, but I’m finding all the choices a little overwhelming.

Right now, I’m covered under my husband’s employer health insurance. He is 64 and expects to retire sometime within the next year, so I’m trying to understand what I should do when I become eligible for Medicare and what happens once he retires.

I’m generally healthy and active and expect to continue taking HRT long-term. My mother recently passed away after living with Alzheimer’s, so having good access to doctors and specialists as I get older is also important to me.

What Medicare Choices Have Worked for You?

For those of you who have already gone through this, what did you choose?

Did you go with Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and Part D prescription drug coverage, or did you choose a Medicare Advantage plan?

Are you happy with your decision? Is there anything you wish you had done differently when you first enrolled in Medicare?

I’m especially interested in things like:

• Being able to choose my doctors and specialists
• Prescription drug coverage
• Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Traveling and receiving care outside my local area
• Whether premiums can increase over time
• Whether referrals are required to see specialists
• How difficult it may be to change coverage later

Original Medicare + Medigap or Medicare Advantage?

This seems to be one of the biggest decisions when someone first becomes eligible for Medicare.

With Original Medicare, some people add a Medicare Supplement plan to help with certain costs that Original Medicare does not pay. They may also purchase a separate Part D prescription drug plan.

Other people choose a Medicare Advantage plan, which is offered by a private insurance company and provides Medicare Part A and Part B benefits through the plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include prescription drug coverage and may offer additional benefits.

There isn’t necessarily one choice that is right for everyone. Your doctors, prescriptions, travel habits, budget and preferences can all make a difference.

Finding a Medicare Agent in Buffalo or Rochester, NY

I’m also trying to find an independent Medicare agent in Buffalo or Rochester, NY who can explain the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage and Part D.

I would prefer to work with someone who can help me compare different choices and explain the advantages and disadvantages rather than simply telling me which plan to select.

Before enrolling, I would want an agent to look at my doctors, prescriptions and expected healthcare needs and help me understand what the different options could mean for me.

Questions I Would Ask a Medicare Agent

• Do my current doctors accept the plan?
• Are my prescriptions covered?
• What could I pay out of pocket during a bad health year?
• Will I have access to specialists?
• What happens if I travel outside Buffalo or Rochester?
• How do Medicare Supplement premiums work?
• What are the differences between Plan G and Plan N?
• What should I know before choosing Medicare Advantage?
• Could changing coverage later require medical underwriting?

Your First Medicare Decision Can Be Important

When you first become eligible for Medicare, it can be tempting to choose a plan based primarily on the premium or extra benefits.

But it is important to look beyond the monthly cost. Your access to doctors, prescription coverage, potential out-of-pocket expenses and flexibility can matter just as much.

It can also be helpful to understand the rules for changing coverage later. Depending on the type of coverage and your circumstances, switching to a Medicare Supplement policy later may involve different eligibility or underwriting requirements.

Medicare Help for Buffalo, Rochester and Western New York

If you are approaching age 65 in Buffalo, Rochester or elsewhere in Western New York, you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

A Medicare agent can help you understand how Original Medicare works, compare Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage options, review prescription drug coverage and explain the differences before you enroll.

I’d also really appreciate hearing from people in Western New York who have already made this decision. Are you happy with the Medicare coverage you chose? Is there anything you would do differently if you were turning 65 today?