Are you Medicare eligible? Did you think I am now on Medicare life is going to so simple from now on? Were you prepared for the red tape and double talk you had to wade through to find the right plan for you? If you have answered yes or no to any of these questions, read on.

I am an intelligent person. I actually know more about Medical Insurance than most people. I have worked in Medical Billing for over (15) years. I now have now entered into a zone of the unknown.

I have to choose a secondary insurance to my Medicare Part A. Part A is for hospital inpatient. The part I must pick is for my Medicare Part B. This is for all outpatient needs. Example: Doctors visits, outpatient surgery, ambulance, laboratory, x-ray, etc.

The Social Security office person who signed me up for Medicare handed me a booklet with all you ever wanted to know about Medicare.

Medicare Part B was pages long and even with my understanding of medical billing and insurance plans I was overwhelmed.

I now have started asking my family and friends who are on Medicare what plan they have chosen for their Part B or Part C which is a HMO or PPO.

MEDICARE PART C: This is a combination of Medicare Part A and B = C

PPO - PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION: You can use doctors out of network but the cost will be higher.

I will tell you I have received answers. I think I have heard all the versions. My brother-in-law chose an Advantage PPO Plan because he received a YWCA free membership. He is networked through a Clinic close to his home and all his doctors are represented in this one building. He is very happy with his decision. Example: He had an outpatient surgery and his out of pocket expense was $200.00. This expense was for his plan. It will be different for you. He also pays a $20.00 copay which each medical visit.

HMO - HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION: You are in a network and use the doctor’s and medical facilities in the contracted organization. You can not choose you own doctor.

I spoke to a friend and English is her second language. She went to her Social Security appointment on her own. She decided on a HMO Plan. She chose Kaiser since she had been with Kaiser for (20) years. She could keep her own doctors and her life will still be the same.

MEDICARE PART B:

I have been leaning towards AARP they have (6) plans to choose from. I decided on the best plan they had which is more expensive than the HMO or PPO Plans. This plan according to AARP will cover all my medical expenses. I will never have to pay out of pocket. We will wait and see.

Thank you for reading my article. Please feel free to read my other articles on numerous subjects.

Copyright Linda E. Meckler 2007

Linda is the author of her first published book, “Ghost Kids Trilogy. "Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids.

Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped. He wants out of the Blue Vase and exchange he will tell Christy and Brad where Pirates’ Treasure is Hidden.

Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates” Treasure. You will think were you there right there with them.

Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. http://www.lmeckler.com

Check out my new 4 E books Titled:

How To Appeal Medical Bills

Appeal and Collections Letters for Medical Providers