Medicare--is there a way to

[shimmergal]

get back onto it at a time outside the Nov.-Dec. window?

I'm presently in a Medicare Advantage system, but getting very frustrated with all the hoops and restrictions about who you can go to under it.

[elleng]

1. Don't know; eligible not yet participating, but interested.

Maybe you can explain: Being in Advantage, which you thought would provide you with some actual benefits, has disappointed you in some ways (explain?) and may be difficult to get out of, except on a prescribed schdule? Thanks for any info.

[Gin]

2. I am pretty sure you can only change during the enrollment

period....I am in an advantage plan..(Optima in VA)it works for me because there is no monthly charge and when, or if, I use it, it will be less out of pocket than having nothing but Medicare...I cannot afford a supplement so I chose that option.

[elleng]

3. Thanks. What 'extra' benefits do you get?

[Gin]

4. the only thing I know for sure is my out of pockets expenses are lower...

and I have a drug benefit... but not sure what it offers...I
haven't used it yet...but initially when I checked it out and saw there was no fee..I went with it..

I know the advantage programs are not thought to be good for medicare... but this helps me to have more coverage with no monthly fee...

I did review what it had to offer...fee wasnt the only deciding factor...but it was one for sure.

[elleng]

5. Thanks.

Will look into it as I study whether to cease using FEHB (means divorcing, which otherwise is ok w me.)