Still don't know what my premium will be, with 20 days left in Open Enrollment in Medicare

[progree]

6. Thanks, Yes, this is my first year on Medicare, been on it since Dec 2016

Last edited Sun Nov 19, 2017, 12:50 PM - Edit history (3)

and I got my Medigap in May 2016 (just within the 6 month window for enrolling in Medigap with federal protections -- no medical questions or higher premium discrimination for pre-existing conditions in that 6 month initial enrollment window).

I chose Medigap over Medicare Advantage because Medigap doesn't have networks. I've read too many horror stories about people meticulously checking that everyone that is going to be in the operating room and the hospital, and the lab and the radiologist etc. etc. are in network, and then one or some aren't, too bad, did we tell you that, do you have a recording, we can't keep our website always perfectly up to date, too many changes too often, so sorry, do you have a time-stamped screen shot of our website? Ha ha, wouldn't matter if you did anyway, you signed an agreement full of disclaimers and an arbitration clause and you know what that means - you lose. I also hate all the rules and badgering that comes with HMO's and PPO's.

On shopping for plans -- I did a ton of that when I was looking for the Medigap plan. I've read the Medicare for Dummies book practically cover to cover (there are some sections that obviously didn't / don't apply to me that I skimmed or skipped), and the local Medicare book put out by the local SHIP office (that Caligula's budget calls for cutting 95%). Plus a seminar and a one-on one session. And tons of time on the Medicare.gov and insurance co. websites. So yes, I'm willing and able to look at other plans and options and don't expect anyone to do the work for me.

I'm just wondering why an extremely very important piece of information is unavailable to me with just 18 days left in open enrollment -- WHAT THE HELL IS MY FUCKING PREMIUM GOING TO BE NEXT YEAR ON MY CURRENT PLAN AND WHY THE FUCK CAN'T THEY EMAIL IT TO ME WHEN THEY HAVE THAT INFO? (as well as snail mail it to me). I know some people are rich and it doesn't really matter what the premiums are or will be, but that's not my situation. And I realize that I've had 5 decades to amass a mountain of wealth, and I didn't, and I know that's my fault and my fault alone.

I thought there would be Medicare rules requiring all Medigap / MA insurance providers to have this information at the time of open enrollment, but I guess I'm delusional to think that would be the case. I know Caligula wants to do everything possible to make it impossible to shop and compare, and turn it all into junk insurance, but I figured he and his ilk haven't screwed up Medicare YET.

Thanks again for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.