Florida Seniors: Which Medicare Supplement Plan do you find to enjoy the best coverage for the money?

My mom lives in SW Florida & is trying to resolve between the AARP plans, Humana, Blue Cross/Shield & others but it's so confusing she's having a rock-hard time deciding. She wishes prescription covereage as well.
Answer:

Fractured Thumb?

It is vastly confusing and intimidating trying to find the right plan. I would suggest visiting an independent agent that works in senior market for help. If you can find one that have a certified senior advisor (CSA) designation you may get better answers. You can find one for her nouns here http://www.society-csa.com/

There are two types of "supplements". I'll give you the details here but know I'm just skimming the surface.

The first type is a traditional supplement, also specified as a Medigap policy. The premium for someone 65 starts out at around $120 - $150 per month. These plans are generally better for associates who see a doctor several times per month and go to the hospital several times per year. One tip: achieve three quotes for each company. One for her age very soon, one for 5 years older and one for 10 years elder. Many companies will have a lower "teaser" rate to go and get you on the plan and increase the premiums substantially over the years. If she has any primary medical problems while on one of these plans it can be very difficult to variation to another company.

None of the supplements have prescription coverage, so she'll requirement a stand-alone Part D plan. The average cost for these plans across the nation is around $27 per month. It is easy to switch companies and plans (within federal guidelines) if you involve to.

The second type is Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage plan. You can go and get these plans as an HMO, PPO, and PFFS (the agent can explain the differences). Many of these plans have a premium as low as $0 per month, the average is around $26 per month. The premium is one and the same no matter what your age. Many also include Part D. There are small co-pays when you aim medical care. It is unproblematic to switch companies (again within federal guidelines) if you involve to.

With any plan covering prescriptions do an analysis of the co-pays. There can be several thousand dollars difference in what she pays between plans over a years time. Make sure any medications she is taking is covered on the formulary rather. It is easy to switch companies (again inwardly federal guidelines) if you need to.

Which company is best can't be determined here. The plan i.e. best for one person may not be the best for their spouse or neighbor because respectively person is different and have different needs. This is why you inevitability an independent agent to help. The agent can compare the plans to find the best one for her situation.