Question: Medicare Part B & Private Insurance - Disabilities Message Board

michigani · 08-05-2007, 01:55 PM

I went on Social Security 2 years ago due to muscular dystrophy. I'm 46. Now I am eligible for Medicare. I have private insurance (Blue Care Network HMO) through my wife's employment.

Questions:

Why would I pay the premium for Medicare Part B if I have private health insurance? I'd rather opt out.

Am I REQUIRED to purchase Medicare Part B? Can Blue Care Network FORCE me to purchase Medicare Part B as my primary insurance (to get themselves off the hook).

Anyone else in this situation?

Mark

kaybee · 08-05-2007, 03:43 PM

My husband was in the same boat. He receives full coverage from my employment. My benefits coordinator says that they recommend that he only opt for Part A (the free part) until he reaches retirement age.

Part A is currently covering his inpatient costs for a total knee replacement and I guess the benefits are coordinated. I'm very curious to see how much he'll have to pay of the total bill. We're still paying for his back surgery from two years ago but that was before he qualified for Medicare.

You are not required to buy additional coverage through SSDI. Your wife's insurance will be primary, Med A will be secondary. I've never heard of an insurance company requiring you to purchase SSDI's additional coverage. You will have to let the SSA know your intentions, though, if you haven't already mailed in your choice.

michigani · 08-05-2007, 04:18 PM

Thanks kaybee,

I was hoping to opt out of part B. I couldn't see paying $90/month when my wife's employer is already paying a Blue Cross premium.

I've not yet returned my choice to SSI/Medicare but I have to soon. Also, Medicare just sent me a questionnaire about any additional insurance I might have. I assume that by revealing my HMO to them that it will not affect anything. They just want to know if they'll be dealing with another insurance company should I be hospitalized. Does this sound right?

Thanks again!

kaybee · 08-05-2007, 04:28 PM

That's right. As long as you have inpatient coverage (Med A) you should be fine. Your wife's insurance will always be primary so the SSA needs to know that. I'll let you know how much Med A picks up when the bills start coming in - if you're interested.

michigani · 08-05-2007, 05:53 PM

Thanks so much for your help kaybee. I'll check back from time to time.

Mark