Mary

Mary is a retired nurse in her late 70s who called becuase she was interseted in saving premium dollars.She was on traditional Medicare with Parts A&B ($175), a Medciare Supplement ($220), an overpriced Drug Plan ($110) and an overpriced Dental Plan ($100) totalling over $600/mo!

As her health was good we suggested she try an Advantage Plan.  Doing so would reduce her monthly fixed cost to $175/mo for a savings of $430/mo while including dental and drug coverage in exchange for co-pays for needed services.

Things were going well for several months and she was thrilled with the increase in her disposable income.

Until the day she called me crying.  She had needed an MRI and had a copay of $150 and the thought of unknown co-pays upset her to the point that she said that she "couldn't sleep at night".  

I pointed out that over the last 5 months she had saved over $2,000.  Having a single co-pay of $150 was a steal. 

Solution: Despite the dramatic cost savings she asked to be put back on the plan she originally had which we gladly did for her.  

We tell our clients that choosing a plan goes beyond math (which we can do for you) it is a very personal decision that you need to live with and be comfortable with.  

The most cost effective plan may not be the best one for you.