My husband and I are both USGov retirees, with Blue Cross BlShield (FedBlue), and pd into Medicare Part B because we were not sure, but we also got the $800 reimbursement each. We found out, however we did not need it because Part B is 'doctors' and The BCBShield Basic covers doctors, so we dropped the Part B the next year. A guide given us by the state of Va, clearly showed this was correct. Now, the BCBShield is primary, and we just have Medicare Part A.
One important consideration before you switch from Standard to Basic is your access to service benefit providers. If it's easy for you to use in service providers, then it's a no-brainer and switching to Basic is the way to go. But, if you can't get access to preferred providers (like me who lives in a remote Alaska town), then sticking with the standard enrollment might still be worth the extra premium.
If you’re on BCBS standard don’t forget to check the formulary to make sure your prescriptions are on it and are the same or cheaper before you switch.
Excellent info. Thank you. I'm 72, retired GS-9 from US Forest Service in 2015. I chose BC basic when I started working because the benefits sounded good and it was cheaper. Now, my wife and I are on Medicare A and B, and each receive the $800 reimbursement. Good deal. Yes, BC/BS takes a big bite from my pension, but we calculated how much BC pays annually for our medications (not counting Dr. office visits), and it ALMOST COVERS THE COST OF THE PLAN! 😲 I had a heart attack and hospitalization 3 years ago and paid $0 copay. My wife has had both knees replaced (about $30,000). $100 copay.😎
I am a contractor for bcbs AZ for FEP, most of the claims submitted electronically are denied due to medically records requirement, even for an injection. Please be advised that once a claim is denied for what ever abc reason it takes a very long time to be reprocessed, bcbs have tat which is 30 to 45 calendar days, 180 days etc but it doesn't work, they will also send the providers an extension letter when u submit an appeal asking for more time from 30 to 60, but that claim will still be not worked.
Thank you for putting out the info. I retired at 65 seven years ago. Only found out about reimbursement 2 years ago; so I missed 5 yrs of reimbursement. My hubby was still working at the time and I was his BCBS dependent.
I’ve been on standard since I started in 1983. Retired at age 57 (single) and switching to basic when I turn 65 this year . BCBS Basic + Medicare + Medicare part B .
Great info. I currently have BCBS and never knew that. Definitely something to consider. Thanks for sharing. You spread so much important info for FEDs. I have learned so much about my benefits and retirement watching your channel. THANK YOU!
Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic along with Medicare A and B, is the Gold Standard for Federal Employee Retirees. Trust me, it's been awesome for me since I retired in September 2020. Haven't paid a single Co- pay.
@@WilliamWhite-pg7qo Yes, both Medicare paid and Blue Cross paid for my Hospital stay. No deductibles. Medicare Primary, BCBS Basic is secondary payer.
@@teeduck You're forgetting that the Federal Government pays either 73% or 83% of your Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic for the rest of your life. The remainder is taken out of your FERS monthly Annuity. Where are you going to find a better situation than this as a Fed?
@@petermusto3704 calPERS retiree’s have the same type of coverage. Health Insurance for life then combined with Medicare at 65 CalPERS are California State, City, County employee retiree’s.
I just switched from GEHA standard to GEHA high. Why, because GEHA high reimburses you $1,000/yr. for your Medicare B premium. This amount happens to be almost the exact difference ($1,001/yr.) between the two plans. So if you are on Medicare, it makes no sense to go with GEHA standard because with the $1,000 reimbursement the GEHA high is no more expensive. Go with the high option!
I got the $800 reimbursement from bc/bs. I have basic + medicare. No more co-pays. Had an issue with a hosp bill. Made 1 call to bc/bs and it was handled in less than an hour. 👍🏻
Thank you for the alert to yet another factor in retirement planning! You asked for examples. Also look at what you spend on your health care. For example, BCBS standard pays for weekly PT visits, which I need. So I would take how much I would self-pay for each visit ($100, let's say) and then see how much it would cost me out of pocket for these visits if I had basic, which only pays for biweekly PT visits (26 a year instead of 52). So, I would have to plug in $2,600 a year into the calculations for the benefits of basic w/medicare reimbursement vs standard without medicare reimbursement.
There is a bill that passed the House of Representatives to move retired postal employees off of their FEHB and over to Medicare. Do you have any information on this
Thank you great advice. Many of my providers don't accept Medicare. I am still working with Blue Cross Blue Shield but I have not signed up for Medicare part B after age 65.
I switched from basic to standard after getting a surprise statement saying I'll owe 14,000 bucks due to confusion about the practice being in network or not. You don't have to worry about that with the standard option. 6 months later of sweating this surprise bill and some phone calls I was told by the practice that they had to do some sort of tax filing status fix because a code was miss entered which approves them to be in network and I wound up not having to pay it. After you retire is going to be when you'll need medical coverage the most. I'm not messing around with surprise costs if I have a stroke or something and I have to make some very fast decisions while not in a good head space or being barred out of needed places for care due to location and convenience because I'm not in network and the best heart surgeons are working at Penn Medicine Hospital.
Problem is with this is medicare become primary and then BCBS most of the Drs does not take Medicare as a primary coverage .is there any other ins company stays primary and Medicare secondary? Thank u u give out very good info.
Aetna Fed Medicare advantage is a much better deal. The Premium is lower (2024 Self Plus One is $275) and the Part B rebate is higher ($1200 per person).
Not sure why they are trying to corral retirees into Basic. The coverage under Standard is more comprehensive and co-pays are lower. I see they are letting Basic customers who are also enrolled in Medicare Part B use the mail order pharmacy. Those under Basic are not otherwise eligible to use that benefit. I guess it depends on how much you utilize your insurance. If you have multiple ailments, it still might be worth paying extra for Standard. Plus, I think retirees don't particularly like financial "surprises" and prefer to pay a little more up front to avoid that. I guess the good news is, with FEHB, that if you make a mistake and don't like the plan you chose, that can be remedied during open season, so you only have to put up with whatever you don't like for a year.
Wow! Still a lot. I'm so glad that we kept Tri-Care when I retired from the Army. In 2022, our premiums for Tricare For Life and Medicare Part B are $4,082.40 .
Does FEHB as a secondary cover less than as a Primary? For example, do I get less physical therapy visits because Medicare covers less than FEHB as a primary? Where can I find a document showing the differences in quality of coverage using FEHB as a secondary or primary? In my case I have BCBS Standard or PPO. An extreme example would be experiment treatment BCBS covers as a primary but does not as a secondary costing tens of thousands of dollars. This happened to a friend of ours. Thank you for the video. ❤️❤️❤️
I see no reason to purchase Medicare part B when I am already paying my BCBS Standard option in retirement. It is like paying double for the same coverage.
Hi. Thanks for your comment. But wasn't the point of the video that moving to BCBS Basic entitles you to medicare reimbursement? And I would not get that with Standard, correct? I'm getting ready to retirement and am totally confused.
Have you done a video comparing available providers on this part B issue? Comparing health insurance coverage is by far my hardest budgeting task. Do you have a video of that? Thank you for all you do!
One thing to keep in mind is the coverages. Basic and B makes a lot of sense until a prep call I had with a BC rep pointed out that the plans have different formularies, and my chemo and potential future drugs were not on Basic’s. Another consideration is IRMAA, if you expect a higher income in retirement, $82K single.
@@teeduck this is the pharmacy drugs which would talk part D, and those plans are additional and varied. The main thing I’d to look at everything. Haws is right when he says it’s more than $. But keep in mind that as fed retirees we have more good options that most folks.
Why get on it at all? If you have been happy with your Blue Cross your entire working life just keep it and forget about Medicare! I called Blue Cross and they said your benefits will stay the same as if you were working. They have a catastrophic limit of $5,000. Who wants Medicare that won't let you select your doctors or hospital? Who wants to pay all the extra cost and be limited to Medicare doctors.
Absolutely no provider in Deschutes county in central oregon will take straight Medicare patients. They can’t be the only ones. Medicare blows since advantage plans came along😭
the current monthly cost for medicare is 165 ( rounded up) and blue shield basic is 187.78 total is = 352.78, basic has a rebate of 800, divide that be 12 = 66, 352.78 - 66 = 286.78 ( in 2023 premiums)
I would argue just having Blue Cross Standard and forgoing Medicare B is even better. You save an additional $1,200 year. Medicare B and Standard overlap so much you gain nothing but copays and deductibles. And remember that all FERS plans have a catastrophic maximum Out of pocket around $5/k year. In reality, major Medical costs are going to be hospitalized costs. Maybe in the end it’s a push for most. Either way it’s a great retirement benefit.
@@richardlindsay8256 From your Union regarding the ACT: Medicare Integration will be applied only on a prospective basis . However, if a current postal retiree over age 65 with FEHBP who has not already joined Medicare B and now wishes to join will have a one-time opportunity to do so and have the “late enrollment” penalty waived.
I have a friend who has cancer and she is saying the Part B has kicked in alot to help pay for expenses, she has BCBS Standard, Part A and B, - I have heard alot of folks supporting your thoughts also.. Still not sure what to do
Hi just came across your channel by chance. Well, I must have been living under a rock because I never knew about the Medicare reimbursement with BCBS- Basic 😳. In 2014, at age 62, I took voluntary retirement to care of my sick husband. He passed away in 2016. I had always had BCBS-standard so I just kept it when Medicare became my primary medical coverage. How long has this reimbursement been going on? Shucks 😖. I’m 71 years old now and to think I’ve lost out on thousands of dollars I could have received from the reimbursement- - and not to mention the money I would have saved from a less expensive BCBS premium ☹️. Ignorance is NOT bliss in my case.
I see that the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 has pass both the House and Senate, so it is now one signature away from becoming law. How does it affect medical benefits for current and future Postal Service retirees? I tried to read the bill but it is way over my head and I am hoping you can explain it in your usual easy to understand way.
USPS prospective retiree here. I'm wondering 1) Is BCBS Basic the only plan that reimburses and 2) If so, will said reimbursements continue now that H.R. 3076 is going into effect for retirees under 65 on 1/1/2025. If other plans are offering/plan to offer the kind of reimbursements BCBS Basic offers now then competition for enrollees will come into play. If not, things for "younger" USPS retirees will quickly get alarmingly pricey. Any news on this today?
Could you please do a video on Roth tsp contributions and taxable value for the 5% matching that the fed provides and how this rate is calculated between what is taxable and non taxable at the withdrawal of a Roth tsp
Why don’t I know about this? I’m receiving a government retirement check, have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Basic Option and have had Medicare Part A since Dec 2019, and Part B since July 2021.
Switching from Standard to Basic BCBS is a good idea IF all your doctors are in-network. You won't see any difference in service. However, you'll need to switch to in-network doctors if they aren't. If you don't, you'll pay much more than just your BCBS premiums. Second, who pays first between Medicare and BCBS depends on whether you're still working for the Federal government. If you're still working, BCBS pays first; if you're retired, medicare pays first...
I have voiced your concerns about Standard many times, and intended to really research it, but found I became too stressed. The reimbursement thing drives me nuts! Why doesn't Standard reimburse? Okay, what are the hidden catches of Basic in exchange for the reimbursement? My husband takes a lot of medications and an opiate for pain. I had 2 very expensive surgeries for Parkinson's in the last 2 years. Please do a video on comparing payments or other coverage for prescriptions, etc--thank you!
First, thanks for doing the work to put this together. May I suggest another alternative? To put my suggestion in context, I am retired and paying for my part of BlueCross/BlueShield Standard. I've contacted BlueCross and asked what benefit that I am already paying for that is NOT covered by Medicare Part B. The response I got - and I'd like you or others to validate, is that they are - FOR THE MOST PART, duplicate. (I say FOR THE MOST PART because there are some differences). So my calculations find that since my out-of-pocket expense is far less than what for my wife and I would pay for part B ($3456) it does not make sense to change policy and add Part B. I am writing this to request that you consider this third alternative. I welcome any response.
I wish Dallen would look into this for those people hitting 65. My spouse hitting Medicare, I have 4 years before I go on Medicare. I took early retirement & continued my FEHB (family plan). I have been conflicting information on Medicare for my spouse. She would like to stay on mine plan & decline Part B Medicare, $164.70 a month. Medicare says it credit coverage I have, OPM has no clue, BCBS says everything will be covered as same. The key is because I am RETIRED, that she will be forced to take Part B or get 10% penalty if she decides to take it later on. Social Security says she will be penalized, but nothing in OPM says any such thing. According to SS, since I’m retired it is NOT credible coverage. Who would know the correct answer????
I am considering going with Part B under the special enrollment for PSHB in 2024. I'm 67 and my wife is disabled and was eligible for Medicare in 2014 and she is 62 now. We decided to not get Medicare B because of her special issues and were afraid Med B would not cover them. Our health issues have cost us out of pocket around $7000 a year and higher some years with BCBS basic plan. I'm not worried about a fight with our doctor, he is great but am concerned Medicare may not approve the current treatment but the cost has been huge over these 9 years. Should we be concerned about Medicare not covering it? Hope this helps someone.
I am a retired Federal employee living abroad.Can you explain how signing up for Medicare part A affects my Blue Cross coverage since Medicare would become the primary insurance and as you know, Medicare does not cover outside the U.S. also I believe you should do a video about those living abroad. Thanks
Thanks for providing the video. It confirms some the stuff that I have read. I have a related scenario/question. I have Part A&B and BCBS Basic. My wife is not old enough for Medicare so I am maintaing my BCBS primarily for her. I am wondering if I can enroll in a Medicare Part C (MA) program and maintain my BCBS benefits. There are several MA plans that have no out of pocket expenses and provide additional benefits not provided by Part A or B or BCBS, TIA
One other thing Haws did not mentioned is that if the Basic NCBS will not cover you overseas maybe just when on vacation and the standard BCBS does cover you all over the world if you ever plan to live overseas.
I think the BCBS federal does cover you overseas. I never heard anything about just when the covered person is on vacation. I think it covers you overseas even if you are living overseas.
I am a retired Federal Employee with a small VA Disability. rating VA provides most my health care but there are some small Co Pays and Deductibles that may be charged. VA can not bill Medicare for services. BCBS is billed and that covers any amount I would pay otherwise. I carry BCBS but not Medicare Part B. The result is two million dollar bill for medical services a few months ago provided by the VA Community Care Network did not cost me one cent. By Federal law BCBS only pay Medicare rate to providers for over age 65. Part B medicare is worthless to us Vets..
I chose to keep my Fed Employee BC-BS insurance coverage after retiring at 65 because I wanted to live overseas and Medicare told me they wouldn't cover me outside the USA . My question, now that I plan to return to the US, could I switch from BC-BS to Medicare without penalty? BC-BS is so expensive and hardly covers any of my medical expenses!
The problem I have is my wife is 5 years younger than me. So when I turn 65, I will have to keep BCBS Standard until she is 65. While I'm paying for both BCBS Standard and Part B for me. I don't see any way around this situation...
My friend works for the postal office. I've verified, worked with, followed up all types of ins. I think it's great that you do offer advantage plans but he's not quite there yet. He switched from n a l c to the Blue Cross Blue shield. He hardly goes to the doctor. He doesn't take any meds. I told him the difference would probably be the in network or other network provider. Now he's asking if n a l c would be the same or better. I have his NALC booklet he's already switched to Blue Cross Blue shield. I'm going to put them side by side to see. I put them with the cheaper plan because he doesn't go to the doctor, and take no meds. And he can also switch plans if this doesn't work next year. Is there anything that I should know or be aware of that I don't see. It almost looks like the plans are almost. And the silver and gold I didn't check but is that for the silver sneakers are through the advantage program? He just gave me an idea I think it's great somebody's on here re: Insurance can be a bear.
I think the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan sounds good. You stay in FEHB so you can change plans later if you want. They have $1200.00 Part B reimbursement for Self. $2 generic drugs and $-0 deductible/copays.
I guess there's a lot out pocket stuff from the FOCUS one if something goes wrong. I think that I'll just stick with the Basic one even though it's going to go up $30 from 2023 to 2024. As always, good stuff! I still got another 15 years minimum to retire.
I am 32 years old and learning this retirement information continues to inspire me. I am a current federal employee. I have BCBS and I am debating if I should stay on standard or if I should downgrade to basic. I live in a major city. My biggest concern is with basic they might not cover as much. But I do pick up all my current medication at my local pharmacy. I like that standard seems a little better with coverage but it costs like $1,300 more than basic. But what I don't like is when standard has that $350 dollar deductible. I have a point of contact. I think I will contact them. I am just worried if I change plans, my coverage will be less or more limited. But I could then save $1300 plus the $350 deductible.
In the begining of 2024 I will be on Medicare. I'm a federal employee with BC/BS Basic. I am single. In January what do you think my cost will be for BC/BS and Medicare? Thanks
right now we're planning on using our FEP BCBS Basic as our Supplemental. How do we figure out if this is the best path. I turn 65 next April but we're both already retired.
Since blue cross acceptance is universal in our area, I can't see a reason for Medicare B. Especially as doctors are starting to drop out of accepting Medicare, mirroring the larger trend of doctors refusing Medicaid patients.
Would you do a video on the retirement for Postal Employees after the Postal Reform bill. It appears that if you have Social Security and are 65 it's mandatory you take Medicare. The Postal Reform bill will require postal employees to pay for medicare when they retire. Aren't we paying twice for Medicare?
This was a life-changing tip for me! You just made me $1600 annual extra income in retirement! Can I suppose this income will be tax-free since it is a premium reimbursement? BTW, you are awesome at what you do!
I’d love to hear how things worked out for retirees who did not opt for Medicare part b and just stayed with blue cross basic. My 65 yo husband just enrolled in part b and it’s been a pain to deal with doctors and blue cross after BC became secondary insurance. The part b premium with the IRMAA adjustment is a lot when we did just fine without it for decades. Any thoughts?
I am interested responses to this comment also. As my IRMAA adjustment will be mid-tier making part B less attractive. So I am considering forgoing part B and keeping my BCBS basic. My plan also includes creating a separate savings account, funded with the saved part B premiums, to cover future out of pocket expenses. Would love to hear from others that have gone this route.
I am considering going with Part B under the special enrollment for PSHB in 2024. I'm 67 and my wife is disabled and was eligible for Medicare in 2014 and she is 62 now. We decided to not get Medicare B because of her special issues and were afraid Med B would not cover them. Our health issues have cost us out of pocket around $7000 a year and higher some years with BCBS basic plan. I'm not worried about a fight with our doctor, he is great but am concerned Medicare may not approve the current treatment but the cost has been huge over these 9 years. Should we be concerned about Medicare not covering it? Hope this helps someone.
@@mikeh6981 I am considering going with Part B under the special enrollment for PSHB in 2024. I'm 67 and my wife is disabled and was eligible for Medicare in 2014 and she is 62 now. We decided to not get Medicare B because of her special issues and were afraid Med B would not cover them. Our health issues have cost us out of pocket around $7000 a year and higher some years with BCBS basic plan. I'm not worried about a fight with our doctor, he is great but am concerned Medicare may not approve the current treatment but the cost has been huge over these 9 years. Should we be concerned about Medicare not covering it? Hope this helps someone.
I am on Blue Cross basic ( that mean to get coverage I can only see providers in the Blue Cross network ) If I get medicare part B , I have to see providers that accept medicare and in Blue Cross network . My primary care provider does not accept medicare ( Not all the providers in Blue Cross network that accept medicare ) so I decide not to get medicare part B
....i don't see why you would need to get medicare part B, when the benefits for BCBS Standard covers all i need..... it's not mandatory to enroll to part B..
Can you do a video comparing BCBS coverage if I decline Medicare part B. Does my standard plan decrease benefits when or after I become 65? I have a family plan and my wife is much younger and I want to continue her coverage with the standard plan. Thank you.
@@tywilliamson5020 Please consult the OPM website for additional information. When you retire, your spouse must be a survivor on your FERS pension in order to continue FEHB coverage after your death.
You failed to mention the "initial enrollment period" for the retiree, happens if you don't enroll at that time, and the potential penalty for not enrolling if retired at 65 and wait to enroll.
I am now getting SSDI and I have Blue Cross Blue Shield federal, but I’m 45 so I’m wondering if I opted not to take the part B will I have to pay the penalty? Does age come in to play?
I'm retiring from DOJ @ 58 . I intend on carrying BCBS till I'm 60 which is when my military pension kicks in and I will have access to tri care for me and my wife. At that point should I get rid of BCBS since the savings will be substantial?
My health insurance is projected to be $165 a month but I they passed a bill to kick us off and into Medicare. Hopefully that move doesn't screw up that $165 a month billing.
Question??? I retired last year at the age of 54, under the special provisions category. Since I'm only 55, I will not be receiving the 7.7% COLA, due to the fact that I am not 62 yet ????
I need help I've been a government employee since 2020 and I've always had FEP blue basic. I have 2 kids and a wife what's the best plan for me? Thanks
I have the basic plan and my husband is going to be 65 next year. I am much younger and plan to keep working. He will still be covered under my plan. He can sign up for Medicare but doesn't have to take it, correct? He can just use the bcbs plan
Yeah, that is my understanding. As long as one of you is still working and FEHB -- both of you can be covered by FEHB and you can put off paying the Pt. B premiums for a while. My husband and I are both feds -- we put the FEHB under me when he retired so we could continue paying for FEHB pre-tax from my salary. I now finally retired a few months ago -- at 67 -- so we are just signing up for Pt B now during the 8 month special enrollment period feds have where they can sign up for Pt B without penalty. The thing is -- like Dallen said in the video -- there are other FEHB plans that work even better with Pt B than BCBS Basic. I'm looking at Aetna Direct which will save us about $200 a month on the premium and I think cover us better. Plus they reimburse more for the PT B premium. Good luck!
Hi Dallen! I have a question that is off of the subject here. My daughter enlisted in the Air Force this past November and has received some literature from TSP. Since the military side of the TSP does not match contributions made by the investor is it still a good deal to open a TSP account or would she be better off shopping around for other long term investments. Thanks for all you do Dallen!!
Daniel Just Daniel - we will soon be going on TriCare. Can u tell me if there is a monthly or annual fee for Tricare? I cant find that info.. and looks like you had BCBS before TriCare--is the coverage about the same?
@@christysittig1200 You can't find this information? Where did you look? If you want to know about TriCare, go to TriCare, not a random commenter on a platform.
@@christysittig1200 We have Tricare prime family we pay $53.91 a month, BCBS dental $74.53, son had braces so it help, and vision $36.05.We all wear glasses. Have Tricare from my Military retirement and BCBS from my federal retirement. I also go to the VA for vision , and they will give you a better looking pair of glass than the retirees will get on base at the hospital. I will do 6 months blood work VA and 6 months on base. I live 1/2 mile from the base now but moving to Florida by May. Will be using the VA more since it is closer than Mcdill.
@@danieljustdaniel9550 Thank you so much. Do they deduct this from your check or do you pay for it separately? My hubby will get Tricare from Army 20+ yrs.
Good info! Question... I wonder about becoming part time in the last 4 years before MRA. Do I get the same benefits in retirement? If I qualify for disability retirement before MRA (FERS), what is different in terms of benefits?
Google it. Seriously, that's what I did. You just have to show that you paid bc/bs premiums.. upload the info and get reimbursed. Worked great. Had my reimbursement in just a few days.
My husband and I are both USGov retirees, with Blue Cross BlShield (FedBlue), and pd into Medicare Part B because we were not sure, but we also got the $800 reimbursement each. We found out, however we did not need it because Part B is 'doctors' and The BCBShield Basic covers doctors, so we dropped the Part B the next year. A guide given us by the state of Va, clearly showed this was correct. Now, the BCBShield is primary, and we just have Medicare Part A.
Please be advised that anytime u go for outpatient services bcbs will be secondary.
Good info!
One important consideration before you switch from Standard to Basic is your access to service benefit providers. If it's easy for you to use in service providers, then it's a no-brainer and switching to Basic is the way to go. But, if you can't get access to preferred providers (like me who lives in a remote Alaska town), then sticking with the standard enrollment might still be worth the extra premium.
Great point!
Everybody takes BCBS Basic. I have an autoimmune condition and a see tons of doctors, including specialists. I am ALWAYS well-covered.
@@allaboutmyart5706no they don’t. I definitely need standard to get my prescriptions and doctors covered. It depends where you are.
If you’re on BCBS standard don’t forget to check the formulary to make sure your prescriptions are on it and are the same or cheaper before you switch.
Excellent info. Thank you. I'm 72, retired GS-9 from US Forest Service in 2015. I chose BC basic when I started working because the benefits sounded good and it was cheaper. Now, my wife and I are on Medicare A and B, and each receive the $800 reimbursement. Good deal.
Yes, BC/BS takes a big bite from my pension, but we calculated how much BC pays annually for our medications (not counting Dr. office visits), and it ALMOST COVERS THE COST OF THE PLAN! 😲
I had a heart attack and hospitalization 3 years ago and paid $0 copay. My wife has had both knees replaced (about $30,000). $100 copay.😎
Great point!
I am a contractor for bcbs AZ for FEP, most of the claims submitted electronically are denied due to medically records requirement, even for an injection. Please be advised that once a claim is denied for what ever abc reason it takes a very long time to be reprocessed, bcbs have tat which is 30 to 45 calendar days, 180 days etc but it doesn't work, they will also send the providers an extension letter when u submit an appeal asking for more time from 30 to 60, but that claim will still be not worked.
Thank you for putting out the info. I retired at 65 seven years ago. Only found out about reimbursement 2 years ago; so I missed 5 yrs of reimbursement. My hubby was still working at the time and I was his BCBS dependent.
I’ve been on standard since I started in 1983. Retired at age 57 (single) and switching to basic when I turn 65 this year . BCBS Basic + Medicare + Medicare part B .
Great info. I currently have BCBS and never knew that. Definitely something to consider. Thanks for sharing. You spread so much important info for FEDs. I have learned so much about my benefits and retirement watching your channel. THANK YOU!
My pleasure, Have a great day!
Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic along with Medicare A and B, is the Gold Standard for Federal Employee Retirees. Trust me, it's been awesome for me since I retired in September 2020. Haven't paid a single Co- pay.
Have you been hospitalized? The Medicare part A deductible is $1556. Did BCBS pay this deductible?
But you’re paying thousands in premiums. There really is no Gold Standard. But Federal Retirees have it better than most
@@WilliamWhite-pg7qo Yes, both Medicare paid and Blue Cross paid for my Hospital stay. No deductibles. Medicare Primary, BCBS Basic is secondary payer.
@@teeduck You're forgetting that the Federal Government pays either 73% or 83% of your Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic for the rest of your life. The remainder is taken out of your FERS monthly Annuity. Where are you going to find a better situation than this as a Fed?
@@petermusto3704 calPERS retiree’s have the same type of coverage. Health Insurance for life then combined with Medicare at 65 CalPERS are California State, City, County employee retiree’s.
I just switched from GEHA standard to GEHA high. Why, because GEHA high reimburses you $1,000/yr. for your Medicare B premium. This amount happens to be almost the exact difference ($1,001/yr.) between the two plans. So if you are on Medicare, it makes no sense to go with GEHA standard because with the $1,000 reimbursement the GEHA high is no more expensive. Go with the high option!
a good video you should do, would be a comparison of the various major nationwide FEHB health plans that integrate with Medicare Part B
I got the $800 reimbursement from bc/bs. I have basic + medicare. No more co-pays. Had an issue with a hosp bill. Made 1 call to bc/bs and it was handled in less than an hour. 👍🏻
Thank you for the alert to yet another factor in retirement planning! You asked for examples. Also look at what you spend on your health care. For example, BCBS standard pays for weekly PT visits, which I need. So I would take how much I would self-pay for each visit ($100, let's say) and then see how much it would cost me out of pocket for these visits if I had basic, which only pays for biweekly PT visits (26 a year instead of 52). So, I would have to plug in $2,600 a year into the calculations for the benefits of basic w/medicare reimbursement vs standard without medicare reimbursement.
Thanks for sharing!
There is a bill that passed the House of Representatives to move retired postal employees off of their FEHB and over to Medicare. Do you have any information on this
I'm going to do a video on this
@@PlanYourFederalBenefits
Thank you 🙏🏼. You are a wealth of creditable information for federal employees.
Thank you great advice. Many of my providers don't accept Medicare. I am still working with Blue Cross Blue Shield but I have not signed up for Medicare part B after age 65.
I switched from basic to standard after getting a surprise statement saying I'll owe 14,000 bucks due to confusion about the practice being in network or not.
You don't have to worry about that with the standard option. 6 months later of sweating this surprise bill and some phone calls I was told by the practice that they had to do some sort of tax filing status fix because a code was miss entered which approves them to be in network and I wound up not having to pay it.
After you retire is going to be when you'll need medical coverage the most. I'm not messing around with surprise costs if I have a stroke or something and I have to make some very fast decisions while not in a good head space or being barred out of needed places for care due to location and convenience because I'm not in network and the best heart surgeons are working at Penn Medicine Hospital.
great content! You are helping retirees immensely with this type of information
Great to know! I already have basic so definitely going to keep it when I retire. Very happy with it!
Problem is with this is medicare become primary and then BCBS most of the Drs does not take Medicare as a primary coverage .is there any other ins company stays primary and Medicare secondary? Thank u u give out very good info.
Aetna Fed Medicare advantage is a much better deal. The Premium is lower (2024 Self Plus One is $275) and the Part B rebate is higher ($1200 per person).
Not sure why they are trying to corral retirees into Basic. The coverage under Standard is more comprehensive and co-pays are lower. I see they are letting Basic customers who are also enrolled in Medicare Part B use the mail order pharmacy. Those under Basic are not otherwise eligible to use that benefit. I guess it depends on how much you utilize your insurance. If you have multiple ailments, it still might be worth paying extra for Standard. Plus, I think retirees don't particularly like financial "surprises" and prefer to pay a little more up front to avoid that. I guess the good news is, with FEHB, that if you make a mistake and don't like the plan you chose, that can be remedied during open season, so you only have to put up with whatever you don't like for a year.
Wow! Still a lot. I'm so glad that we kept Tri-Care when I retired from the Army. In 2022, our premiums for Tricare For Life and Medicare Part B are $4,082.40 .
Thanks for sharing Alan
Does FEHB as a secondary cover less than as a Primary? For example, do I get less physical therapy visits because Medicare covers less than FEHB as a primary? Where can I find a document showing the differences in quality of coverage using FEHB as a secondary or primary? In my case I have BCBS Standard or PPO. An extreme example would be experiment treatment BCBS covers as a primary but does not as a secondary costing tens of thousands of dollars. This happened to a friend of ours. Thank you for the video. ❤️❤️❤️
I see no reason to purchase Medicare part B when I am already paying my BCBS Standard option in retirement. It is like paying double for the same coverage.
Thats my point also. I will stand pat with my BCBS coverage.
Hi. Thanks for your comment. But wasn't the point of the video that moving to BCBS Basic entitles you to medicare reimbursement? And I would not get that with Standard, correct? I'm getting ready to retirement and am totally confused.
Have you done a video comparing available providers on this part B issue? Comparing health insurance coverage is by far my hardest budgeting task. Do you have a video of that? Thank you for all you do!
One thing to keep in mind is the coverages. Basic and B makes a lot of sense until a prep call I had with a BC rep pointed out that the plans have different formularies, and my chemo and potential future drugs were not on Basic’s. Another consideration is IRMAA, if you expect a higher income in retirement, $82K single.
Are you saying neither Basic or Medicare covered your chemo? As long as one does you’re covered
@@teeduck this is the pharmacy drugs which would talk part D, and those plans are additional and varied. The main thing I’d to look at everything. Haws is right when he says it’s more than $. But keep in mind that as fed retirees we have more good options that most folks.
I didn't know BC/BS didn't cover chemo and future drugs. It'd be nice to see some chart of the things in common and differences of Basic and B.
I used BCBS due to issues with son's medical issues, and his mother (my ex) is familiar with them from previous work in the US Medical industry.
Thanks for sharing!
Why get on it at all? If you have been happy with your Blue Cross your entire working life just keep it and forget about Medicare! I called Blue Cross and they said your benefits will stay the same as if you were working. They have a catastrophic limit of $5,000. Who wants Medicare that won't let you select your doctors or hospital? Who wants to pay all the extra cost and be limited to Medicare doctors.
Almost all doctors in the US take Medicare. Around 98%.
Absolutely no provider in Deschutes county in central oregon will take straight Medicare patients. They can’t be the only ones. Medicare blows since advantage plans came along😭
Thinking of dropping part B after my husband’s been on it for 3 months. I don’t see the benefit and it’s a lot of $$$ for nothing (so far).
Can you do a video on how to apply and what you will need. It isn’t made clear in the directions.
Focus is to be considered with Medicare Part B The monthly savings is alot. Please do a segment on Blue Cross Focus and Medicare Part B
the current monthly cost for medicare is 165 ( rounded up) and blue shield basic is 187.78
total is = 352.78, basic has a rebate of 800, divide that be 12 = 66, 352.78 - 66 = 286.78 ( in 2023 premiums)
I would argue just having Blue Cross Standard and forgoing Medicare B is even better. You save an additional $1,200 year. Medicare B and Standard overlap so much you gain nothing but copays and deductibles. And remember that all FERS plans have a catastrophic maximum Out of pocket around $5/k year. In reality, major Medical costs are going to be hospitalized costs. Maybe in the end it’s a push for most. Either way it’s a great retirement benefit.
I don't think forgoing Medicare part B will be an option after the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 becomes law.
My comment would only apply to postal employees
So far
@@richardlindsay8256
From your Union regarding the ACT:
Medicare Integration will be applied only on a prospective basis .
However, if a current postal retiree over age 65 with FEHBP who has not already joined Medicare B and now wishes to join will have a one-time opportunity to do so and have the “late enrollment” penalty waived.
I have a friend who has cancer and she is saying the Part B has kicked in alot to help pay for expenses, she has BCBS Standard, Part A and B, - I have heard alot of folks supporting your thoughts also.. Still not sure what to do
Hi just came across your channel by chance. Well, I must have been living under a rock because I never knew about the Medicare reimbursement with BCBS- Basic 😳. In 2014, at age 62, I took voluntary retirement to care of my sick husband. He passed away in 2016. I had always had BCBS-standard so I just kept it when Medicare became my primary medical coverage. How long has this reimbursement been going on? Shucks 😖. I’m 71 years old now and to think I’ve lost out on thousands of dollars I could have received from the reimbursement- - and not to mention the money I would have saved from a less expensive BCBS premium ☹️. Ignorance is NOT bliss in my case.
Basic and standard are different levels of coverage 70/30 vs 80/20.
Great point!
I see that the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 has pass both the House and Senate, so it is now one signature away from becoming law. How does it affect medical benefits for current and future Postal Service retirees? I tried to read the bill but it is way over my head and I am hoping you can explain it in your usual easy to understand way.
I'll be doing a video on it, Have a great day!
USPS prospective retiree here. I'm wondering 1) Is BCBS Basic the only plan that reimburses and 2) If so, will said reimbursements continue now that H.R. 3076 is going into effect for retirees under 65 on 1/1/2025. If other plans are offering/plan to offer the kind of reimbursements BCBS Basic offers now then competition for enrollees will come into play. If not, things for "younger" USPS retirees will quickly get alarmingly pricey.
Any news on this today?
These costs make me wonder whether the fed insurance is even worth it versus paying for part B and D and getting a medicate supplement plan instead.
Also, remember you can suspend your FEHB (instead of dropping it) if you want to change plans. If you drop FEHB you can't get it back!
We pay a premium for Medicare? I thought we already paid for it...
Could you please do a video on Roth tsp contributions and taxable value for the 5% matching that the fed provides and how this rate is calculated between what is taxable and non taxable at the withdrawal of a Roth tsp
We'll put it on our list
Why don’t I know about this? I’m receiving a government retirement check, have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Basic Option and have had Medicare Part A since Dec 2019, and Part B since July 2021.
Switching from Standard to Basic BCBS is a good idea IF all your doctors are in-network. You won't see any difference in service. However, you'll need to switch to in-network doctors if they aren't. If you don't, you'll pay much more than just your BCBS premiums. Second, who pays first between Medicare and BCBS depends on whether you're still working for the Federal government. If you're still working, BCBS pays first; if you're retired, medicare pays first...
Great point!
I have voiced your concerns about Standard many times, and intended to really research it, but found I became too stressed. The reimbursement thing drives me nuts! Why doesn't Standard reimburse? Okay, what are the hidden catches of Basic in exchange for the reimbursement? My husband takes a lot of medications and an opiate for pain. I had 2 very expensive surgeries for Parkinson's in the last 2 years. Please do a video on comparing payments or other coverage for prescriptions, etc--thank you!
No mention of the much better drug coverage standard has. A single noncovered medication can eat up that savings very, very quickly.
First, thanks for doing the work to put this together. May I suggest another alternative? To put my suggestion in context, I am retired and paying for my part of BlueCross/BlueShield Standard. I've contacted BlueCross and asked what benefit that I am already paying for that is NOT covered by Medicare Part B. The response I got - and I'd like you or others to validate, is that they are - FOR THE MOST PART, duplicate. (I say FOR THE MOST PART because there are some differences). So my calculations find that since my out-of-pocket expense is far less than what for my wife and I would pay for part B ($3456) it does not make sense to change policy and add Part B. I am writing this to request that you consider this third alternative. I welcome any response.
Thanks for sharing!
I wish Dallen would look into this for those people hitting 65. My spouse hitting Medicare, I have 4 years before I go on Medicare. I took early retirement & continued my FEHB (family plan). I have been conflicting information on Medicare for my spouse. She would like to stay on mine plan & decline Part B Medicare, $164.70 a month. Medicare says it credit coverage I have, OPM has no clue, BCBS says everything will be covered as same. The key is because I am RETIRED, that she will be forced to take Part B or get 10% penalty if she decides to take it later on. Social Security says she will be penalized, but nothing in OPM says any such thing. According to SS, since I’m retired it is NOT credible coverage. Who would know the correct answer????
I am considering going with Part B under the special enrollment for PSHB in 2024. I'm 67 and my wife is disabled and was eligible for Medicare in 2014 and she is 62 now. We decided to not get Medicare B because of her special issues and were afraid Med B would not cover them. Our health issues have cost us out of pocket around $7000 a year and higher some years with BCBS basic plan. I'm not worried about a fight with our doctor, he is great but am concerned Medicare may not approve the current treatment but the cost has been huge over these 9 years. Should we be concerned about Medicare not covering it? Hope this helps someone.
@@studimeglio7110 did you consider the special enrollment for April 1 2024
I am a retired Federal employee living abroad.Can you explain how signing up for Medicare part A affects my Blue Cross coverage since Medicare would become the primary insurance and as you know, Medicare does not cover outside the U.S. also I believe you should do a video about those living abroad. Thanks
I'll have to do a video on this. Have a great day!
Don't forget about the penalty for not signing up for medicare when you are 1st eligible. Also, how will PSHB affect medicare + Bc/Bs
I went with the Federal Service Benedits Plan (Aetna)
Thanks for providing the video. It confirms some the stuff that I have read. I have a related scenario/question. I have Part A&B and BCBS Basic. My wife is not old enough for Medicare so I am maintaing my BCBS primarily for her. I am wondering if I can enroll in a Medicare Part C (MA) program and maintain my BCBS benefits. There are several MA plans that have no out of pocket expenses and provide additional benefits not provided by Part A or B or BCBS, TIA
One other thing Haws did not mentioned is that if the Basic NCBS will not cover you overseas maybe just when on vacation and the standard BCBS does cover you all over the world if you ever plan to live overseas.
Thanks for sharing!
I think the BCBS federal does cover you overseas. I never heard anything about just when the covered person is on vacation. I think it covers you overseas even if you are living overseas.
Basic do cover you and your spouse overseas.
@@witoldszafaryn4836, that’s good to know since I plan to switch to Basic and I’m contemplating moving overseas in the near future.
I am a retired Federal Employee with a small VA Disability. rating VA provides most my health care but there are some small Co Pays and Deductibles that may be charged. VA can not bill Medicare for services. BCBS is billed and that covers any amount I would pay otherwise. I carry BCBS but not Medicare Part B. The result is two million dollar bill for medical services a few months ago provided by the VA Community Care Network did not cost me one cent. By Federal law BCBS only pay Medicare rate to providers for over age 65. Part B medicare is worthless to us Vets..
I chose to keep my Fed Employee BC-BS insurance coverage after retiring at 65 because I wanted to live overseas and Medicare told me they wouldn't cover me outside the USA .
My question, now that I plan to return to the US, could I switch from BC-BS to Medicare without penalty?
BC-BS is so expensive and hardly covers any of my medical expenses!
Thank you Dallen.
Looks like an easy choice now that you explained it.
The problem I have is my wife is 5 years younger than me. So when I turn 65, I will have to keep BCBS Standard until she is 65. While I'm paying for both BCBS Standard and Part B for me. I don't see any way around this situation...
Thanks for sharing!
My friend works for the postal office. I've verified, worked with, followed up all types of ins. I think it's great that you do offer advantage plans but he's not quite there yet. He switched from n a l c to the Blue Cross Blue shield. He hardly goes to the doctor. He doesn't take any meds. I told him the difference would probably be the in network or other network provider. Now he's asking if n a l c would be the same or better. I have his NALC booklet he's already switched to Blue Cross Blue shield. I'm going to put them side by side to see. I put them with the cheaper plan because he doesn't go to the doctor, and take no meds. And he can also switch plans if this doesn't work next year. Is there anything that I should know or be aware of that I don't see. It almost looks like the plans are almost. And the silver and gold I didn't check but is that for the silver sneakers are through the advantage program? He just gave me an idea I think it's great somebody's on here re: Insurance can be a bear.
I think the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan sounds good. You stay in FEHB so you can change plans later if you want. They have $1200.00 Part B reimbursement for Self. $2 generic drugs and $-0 deductible/copays.
I guess there's a lot out pocket stuff from the FOCUS one if something goes wrong. I think that I'll just stick with the Basic one even though it's going to go up $30 from 2023 to 2024. As always, good stuff! I still got another 15 years minimum to retire.
I am 32 years old and learning this retirement information continues to inspire me. I am a current federal employee. I have BCBS and I am debating if I should stay on standard or if I should downgrade to basic. I live in a major city. My biggest concern is with basic they might not cover as much. But I do pick up all my current medication at my local pharmacy. I like that standard seems a little better with coverage but it costs like $1,300 more than basic. But what I don't like is when standard has that $350 dollar deductible. I have a point of contact. I think I will contact them. I am just worried if I change plans, my coverage will be less or more limited. But I could then save $1300 plus the $350 deductible.
This is one step up from medical
Are there any updates to the Medicare and Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield especially with respect to signing up for Medicare Part B?
What is the best plan if my doctor does not accept medicare?
Would BcBs Basic be good choice if family also qualifies for Tricare as secondary.
In the begining of 2024 I will be on Medicare. I'm a federal employee with BC/BS Basic. I am single. In January what do you think my cost will be for BC/BS and Medicare? Thanks
Are you sure? I thought Medicare was secondary payer with large employers?
right now we're planning on using our FEP BCBS Basic as our Supplemental. How do we figure out if this is the best path. I turn 65 next April but we're both already retired.
Since blue cross acceptance is universal in our area, I can't see a reason for Medicare B. Especially as doctors are starting to drop out of accepting Medicare, mirroring the larger trend of doctors refusing Medicaid patients.
Medicare and Medicaid are two different programs.
Would you do a video on the retirement for Postal Employees after the Postal Reform bill. It appears that if you have Social Security and are 65 it's mandatory you take Medicare. The Postal Reform bill will require postal employees to pay for medicare when they retire. Aren't we paying twice for Medicare?
It is on my list to cover this
While you are working, you are paying for Medicare Part A. When you retire, if you choose, you pay for Part B and other parts, if they make sense.
I had a BCBS plan its good, but why is it so expensive!!! I don't feel BCBS is the best value for money, and on top of that their coverage is too low
This was a life-changing tip for me! You just made me $1600 annual extra income in retirement! Can I suppose this income will be tax-free since it is a premium reimbursement? BTW, you are awesome at what you do!
Great to hear that is was helpful!
I also didn't know about the reimbursement for being in Basic, that's really good.
I’d love to hear how things worked out for retirees who did not opt for Medicare part b and just stayed with blue cross basic. My 65 yo husband just enrolled in part b and it’s been a pain to deal with doctors and blue cross after BC became secondary insurance. The part b premium with the IRMAA adjustment is a lot when we did just fine without it for decades. Any thoughts?
I am interested responses to this comment also.
As my IRMAA adjustment will be mid-tier making part B less attractive. So I am considering forgoing part B and keeping my BCBS basic. My plan also includes creating a separate savings account, funded with the saved part B premiums, to cover future out of pocket expenses. Would love to hear from others that have gone this route.
I am considering going with Part B under the special enrollment for PSHB in 2024. I'm 67 and my wife is disabled and was eligible for Medicare in 2014 and she is 62 now. We decided to not get Medicare B because of her special issues and were afraid Med B would not cover them. Our health issues have cost us out of pocket around $7000 a year and higher some years with BCBS basic plan. I'm not worried about a fight with our doctor, he is great but am concerned Medicare may not approve the current treatment but the cost has been huge over these 9 years. Should we be concerned about Medicare not covering it? Hope this helps someone.
@@mikeh6981 I am considering going with Part B under the special enrollment for PSHB in 2024. I'm 67 and my wife is disabled and was eligible for Medicare in 2014 and she is 62 now. We decided to not get Medicare B because of her special issues and were afraid Med B would not cover them. Our health issues have cost us out of pocket around $7000 a year and higher some years with BCBS basic plan. I'm not worried about a fight with our doctor, he is great but am concerned Medicare may not approve the current treatment but the cost has been huge over these 9 years. Should we be concerned about Medicare not covering it? Hope this helps someone.
I am on Blue Cross basic ( that mean to get coverage I can only see providers in the Blue Cross network ) If I get medicare part B , I have to see providers that accept medicare and in Blue Cross network . My primary care provider does not accept medicare ( Not all the providers in Blue Cross network that accept medicare ) so I decide not to get medicare part B
I have basic Blue Cross and I don’t like it. I’m going to standard Blue Cross have bigger networks
....i don't see why you would need to get medicare part B, when the benefits for BCBS Standard covers all i need..... it's not mandatory to enroll to part B..
Exactly what I’ve done since 2010.
Thanks for sharing!
Can you do a video comparing BCBS coverage if I decline Medicare part B. Does my standard plan decrease benefits when or after I become 65? I have a family plan and my wife is much younger and I want to continue her coverage with the standard plan. Thank you.
I'll put it on our list. Have a great day!
@@PlanYourFederalBenefits Thank you
Benefits remain the same.
Thank you Rick! That is a huge weight off my shoulders
@@tywilliamson5020 Please consult the OPM website for additional information. When you retire, your spouse must be a survivor on your FERS pension in order to continue FEHB coverage after your death.
How about getting the Medicare advantage with zero premium and the basic BCBS? Will these offer more coverage and advantage?
Thank you for the information.
You failed to mention the "initial enrollment period" for the retiree, happens if you don't enroll at that time, and the potential penalty for not enrolling if retired at 65 and wait to enroll.
Great point!
I am now getting SSDI and I have Blue Cross Blue Shield federal, but I’m 45 so I’m wondering if I opted not to take the part B will I have to pay the penalty? Does age come in to play?
I'm retiring from DOJ @ 58 . I intend on carrying BCBS till I'm 60 which is when my military pension kicks in and I will have access to tri care for me and my wife. At that point should I get rid of BCBS since the savings will be substantial?
My health insurance is projected to be $165 a month but I they passed a bill to kick us off and into Medicare. Hopefully that move doesn't screw up that $165 a month billing.
Good point
Question??? I retired last year at the age of 54, under the special provisions category. Since I'm only 55, I will not be receiving the 7.7% COLA, due to the fact that I am not 62 yet ????
Feel free to submit your question here: app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/question-submission
This is where we get topics for future videos.
what is difference between standard & basic blue cross blue shield?
Is this only for retirees not current civilians?
What can I do in May so that I can afford my opioids that is no longer covered ?
When can one change from standard to basic? Does it have to happen before retirement or is there also an open season every year where you can change?
You have the same options during open season in retirement as you had during employment.
Medicare part B takes 170 bucks from your social security each month. Re imbursment? You said partial not full.
Widow benefits???
This is awesome information very well explained thank you Sir.
Glad it was helpful!
I need help I've been a government employee since 2020 and I've always had FEP blue basic. I have 2 kids and a wife what's the best plan for me? Thanks
should I keep my blue cross if I am 70% VA disabled
I have the basic plan and my husband is going to be 65 next year. I am much younger and plan to keep working. He will still be covered under my plan. He can sign up for Medicare but doesn't have to take it, correct? He can just use the bcbs plan
Yeah, that is my understanding. As long as one of you is still working and FEHB -- both of you can be covered by FEHB and you can put off paying the Pt. B premiums for a while. My husband and I are both feds -- we put the FEHB under me when he retired so we could continue paying for FEHB pre-tax from my salary. I now finally retired a few months ago -- at 67 -- so we are just signing up for Pt B now during the 8 month special enrollment period feds have where they can sign up for Pt B without penalty. The thing is -- like Dallen said in the video -- there are other FEHB plans that work even better with Pt B than BCBS Basic. I'm looking at Aetna Direct which will save us about $200 a month on the premium and I think cover us better. Plus they reimburse more for the PT B premium. Good luck!
So blue cross would be your first and Medicare second
Hi Dallen! I have a question that is off of the subject here. My daughter enlisted in the Air Force this past November and has received some literature from TSP. Since the military side of the TSP does not match contributions made by the investor is it still a good deal to open a TSP account or would she be better off shopping around for other long term investments. Thanks for all you do Dallen!!
The TSP is still probably a great place to be
low maintainance fee
@@PlanYourFederalBenefits
Thanks for insight, how will this apply if you share your health insurance with a disabled adult(son)? Thank you 😇
Have Tricare Prime for health and BCBS for vision and dental. I think my monthly dental is more than my health care a month.
Do you really need dental? You can pay for 2 cleanings a year out of pocket.
Daniel Just Daniel - we will soon be going on TriCare. Can u tell me if there is a monthly or annual fee for Tricare? I cant find that info.. and looks like you had BCBS before TriCare--is the coverage about the same?
@@christysittig1200 You can't find this information? Where did you look? If you want to know about TriCare, go to TriCare, not a random commenter on a platform.
@@christysittig1200 We have Tricare prime family we pay $53.91 a month, BCBS dental $74.53, son had braces so it help, and vision $36.05.We all wear glasses. Have Tricare from my Military retirement and BCBS from my federal retirement. I also go to the VA for vision , and they will give you a better looking pair of glass than the retirees will get on base at the hospital. I will do 6 months blood work VA and 6 months on base. I live 1/2 mile from the base now but moving to Florida by May. Will be using the VA more since it is closer than Mcdill.
@@danieljustdaniel9550 Thank you so much. Do they deduct this from your check or do you pay for it separately? My hubby will get Tricare from Army 20+ yrs.
Good info! Question... I wonder about becoming part time in the last 4 years before MRA. Do I get the same benefits in retirement? If I qualify for disability retirement before MRA (FERS), what is different in terms of benefits?
How do u request the reimbursent back from bcbs?
Google it. Seriously, that's what I did. You just have to show that you paid bc/bs premiums.. upload the info and get reimbursed. Worked great. Had my reimbursement in just a few days.
Hi is the reimbursement every year or just one time, thanks
Great to know. Thank you!
My pleasure
Thanks for te
he info.
You bet
Can we switch from BCBS Standard to bcbs basic at retirement?
The short answer to that is yes. Here is another great video about this topic:
th-cam.com/video/GLP8RQJ4o3k/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=HawsFederalAdvisors
Thanks!
Awesome, Thanks so much for being part of the community!
Mr Haws, your info is so important. Could you please stop rocking forward and back while you are speaking? I'm getting seasick!