I'd also be interested in learning more about Medicare and FEHB. I will turn 65 in a few weeks, and after lots of research, I declined Part B this year and am continuing FEHB through BCBS. I had unusual conditions in 2021 that put me in the highest IRMAA bracket. Given that IRMAA is determined on taxable income from 2 years prior, I'm interested in learning about appealing to Social Security based on current (lower) income. I'd also like to hear about the experience of federal annuitants that have chosen not to participate in Part B Medicare for the longterm.
Sorry to hear that! There are ways to contact them to reduce the charges again. And sure, we'll be sure to include some case studies from our clients who have done only FEHB for the long haul when we release it.
Yes I would like to see a video on FEHB vs Medicare with a cost analysis. And also any potential problems just having FEHB with Medicare part B beside deductibles not be covered.
I just watched a video on the FERS - Medicare issue. A key takeaway was that fee for service plans will treat you if retired and 65 as if you have part b whether you do or not. This could mean greater out of pocket expenses. This is generally not the case if enrolled in an HMO. Read section 9 of your plan brochure!
As a Fed who is also a military retiree, I'd be interested in learning more about FEHB in conjunction with Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare and Tricare for Life. Thanks!
My big question is, do you lose something from the FEHB plan when you sign up for its Advantage plan. For GEHA, for example, the hearing aid benefit still exists in its Advantage plan, but you have to get them from a United Healthcare provider, so I couldn’t use my current audiologist. What other little, or not so little, changes are there? Is Medicare still the first payer? Would I now need prior approval for a new hip? How can you get a side-by-side comparison to see what the differences would be?@@TheFedCorner
I will be retiring soon from the Air Guard, which will allow me to decide if I want to sign in to TriCare. Since I am planning on getting TriCare, I am now looking at my High Deductible plan, at lowering to a standard plan, during open season. I will see how both TriCare and the Standard plan play off against each other over the next year, and will decide if I want to Suspend my FEHB prior to 2025.
I am retired, have FEHB; did not take medicare. I would like more info on the statement " fee for service plans will treat you if retired and 65 as if you have part b whether you do or not. " That concerns me a lot.
To add another twist...I'm retired, I was not married to my wife when I retired so she will not be able to continue my FEHB if I die before her. Another question, I've heard going to lower priced BCBS basic after starting Medicare is cheaper and actually provides better benefits combined with medicare. Lot's to think about.
Wife and I - both Fed workers- will keep FEHB and pass on Medicare just so we can not be a part of Medicare and have more choices and not have to deal with docs who don't take Medicare patients.
I think that's a great plan for stabilizing your premiums. Since Medicare premiums are determined by your income, it potentially becomes another unknown cost during your retirement. FEHB premiums don't change as your income changes.
I'd also be interested in learning more about Medicare and FEHB. I will turn 65 in a few weeks, and after lots of research, I declined Part B this year and am continuing FEHB through BCBS. I had unusual conditions in 2021 that put me in the highest IRMAA bracket. Given that IRMAA is determined on taxable income from 2 years prior, I'm interested in learning about appealing to Social Security based on current (lower) income. I'd also like to hear about the experience of federal annuitants that have chosen not to participate in Part B Medicare for the longterm.
Sorry to hear that! There are ways to contact them to reduce the charges again. And sure, we'll be sure to include some case studies from our clients who have done only FEHB for the long haul when we release it.
Yes I would like to see a video on FEHB vs Medicare with a cost analysis. And also any potential problems just having FEHB with Medicare part B beside deductibles not be covered.
Thanks! We'll add this to Thiago's notes for when we do the FEHB/Medicare update video!
I am interested in hearing more about FEHB versus Medicare and FEHB in conjunction with Medicare.
Thanks for letting us know, we'll work it into the schedule!
I would like to have more info on FEHB vs Medicare.
Will do! Thanks for letting us know!
Yes i’m interested in more info on medicare/fehb options
Yes to more info on Fehb and Medicare.
Check out our new FEHB v Medicare video recently released! Thanks for tuning in!
Yes, please do more on deciding on Medicare and/or FEHB.
Will do! Stay tuned for this open season.
I just watched a video on the FERS - Medicare issue. A key takeaway was that fee for service plans will treat you if retired and 65 as if you have part b whether you do or not. This could mean greater out of pocket expenses. This is generally not the case if enrolled in an HMO. Read section 9 of your plan brochure!
Great point, thanks for mentioning this!
Yes I would like more information on FEHP
I would like more information about FEHB versus Medicare and plans that cover part B. Thanks!
Will do! We'll have this ready to go for open season this year.
I am very confused and interested in the topic of medicare vs FEHB. I would love to see a video on this topic.
As a Fed who is also a military retiree, I'd be interested in learning more about FEHB in conjunction with Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare and Tricare for Life. Thanks!
Sure, I'm certain it'll be especially helpful for you since you're on Tricare.
I would like to know more about the comparison of getting Medicare vs keeping my federal insurance. I know I have to sign up before I turn 65.
Please give us more info on Medicare Part B vs. FEHB!
great info would like more info about retirement and benefit analysis of what is best value how do I get your PDF.
Hi Beverly, you can find it here: thefedcorner.com/fehb-guide
Def interested in FEHB vs medicare
Will do!
More FEHB vs Medicare is important
I also am interested in the FEHB plus Medicare issue, especially the new FEHB Medicare Advantage plans. Are these a good deal?
Advantage plans are combo plans, so it depends on what you're looking for.
My big question is, do you lose something from the FEHB plan when you sign up for its Advantage plan. For GEHA, for example, the hearing aid benefit still exists in its Advantage plan, but you have to get them from a United Healthcare provider, so I couldn’t use my current audiologist. What other little, or not so little, changes are there? Is Medicare still the first payer? Would I now need prior approval for a new hip? How can you get a side-by-side comparison to see what the differences would be?@@TheFedCorner
A cost benefit analysis of FEHB vs PART B please.
I will be retiring soon from the Air Guard, which will allow me to decide if I want to sign in to TriCare. Since I am planning on getting TriCare, I am now looking at my High Deductible plan, at lowering to a standard plan, during open season. I will see how both TriCare and the Standard plan play off against each other over the next year, and will decide if I want to Suspend my FEHB prior to 2025.
Yeah most feds we know stick with TriCare over FHEB. That does mean taking Part B though.
I am retired, have FEHB; did not take medicare. I would like more info on the statement " fee for service plans will treat you if retired and 65 as if you have part b whether you do or not. " That concerns me a lot.
I read the verbiage on when health benefits begin but I’m still confused. If I start my first day on the 28th, when does my coverage begin?
To add another twist...I'm retired, I was not married to my wife when I retired so she will not be able to continue my FEHB if I die before her. Another question, I've heard going to lower priced BCBS basic after starting Medicare is cheaper and actually provides better benefits combined with medicare. Lot's to think about.
Indeed, many retired feds go to BCBS basic in retirement.
More than once from the doctors I head “everybody takes Medicare - how can they afford not to?”
Interesting perspective! Most people do but it's certainly not everyone. Thanks for tuning in!
I am interested on FEHB vs Medicare
Thanks! We have a new video coming out this open season so stay tuned!
Wife and I - both Fed workers- will keep FEHB and pass on Medicare just so we can not be a part of Medicare and have more choices and not have to deal with docs who don't take Medicare patients.
Sounds reasonable. While having both is a bit more comprehensive, many doctors just don't want to have to deal with Medicare.
I think that's a great plan for stabilizing your premiums. Since Medicare premiums are determined by your income, it potentially becomes another unknown cost during your retirement.
FEHB premiums don't change as your income changes.
Wrong on a few things