I had a hip replacement in Jan 2023. I paid my $226 deductible against my pre-op tests. I went to the surgeon of my choice, was in PT rehab for 12 days, the dr prescribed follow-up meds, and I had in-home PT for four weeks after rehab. I have Part A&B and Supplement G. Aside from my Part B premium and Supp G premium, I had no additional out-of-pocket costs. That’s including all my follow-ups with the surgeon and his PAs. A&B and supp G are more than worth it for me.

71 y/o, I fractured my right hip and wrist. I had surgery 12/23 and was sent to Skilled Nursing Facility. I was released after 60 days. I'm currently doing physical therapy once a week. I know every persons scenario is different. In my case , I have several medical issues. Therefore, I chose a Medicare Supplemental plan G. I'm happy with my plan.

I remember walking into my doctor’s office, with my Altra comfortable wide toe box shoes, and seeing a sign with a list of all the Advantage plans they were not accepting. That made my Medicare choice much easier! Enjoy these cost breakdowns. Thanks.

Your comparison of shoes and everything else is always so fair

I have traditional Medicare and an F supplement. My total knee replacement with all the pre-op costs, surgery costs, 12 physical therapy visits and two surgeon follow ups after the initial 90 day period. My total cost was $0. I also had a fair amount of pre-surgical lab work that was billed separately from the surgery. In my case I stayed overnight in the hospital. My total surgery bill was about $56K and everything else came to about $12K. I don't attribute all of my Part B and Plan F premiums to this surgery since I had about $80K in other medical services that year. I don't carry dental or vision since I only pay about $60 per year for vision and dental coverage around here stinks. I do have a drug plan but it is $0.50/mo.

I'm a retired RN Case Manager for a large hospital chain and I can not tell you the frustration, time and energy it was to try to get benefits for MAP plan patients for treatment, disposition and follow up treatment. Another important factor is that MAP may only contract with specific SNF, often not the best. Traditional Medicare can go to any SNF on discharge. This can be a major consideration for proper PT/OT/ wound care and location to family and support. SHOES

I needed hightop shoes to deal with ankles with advanced DJD - Orthofeet delivered the support and zero "break-in" time. Are they beautiful? That is in the eyes of the wearer! I can walk a lot farther in the hightop shoes with less pain and no sprained ankles. Win-win! * I am very grateful that most of the problems I expected and some I didn't expect are happening before there is a big change in the Medicare Advantage Plan that I get through my Employees Retirement System. It has been a real blessing to essentially walk away owning little or nothing. That won't last, but I have two new knees and a big surgery (unexpected) that were totally covered during these more advantageous (pun intended) times. Feeling blessed. Really blessed. * I love how informative your work is, and I promote you to anyone who will listen. Thank you so much.

My HOKA sneakers will keep my legs working strong hopefully avoiding any knee surgery. Thanks as always to your concise and informative Medicare videos. Approaching my 65th birthday and impending Medicare signup late summer.

After my mom’s bypass surgery and rehab stay I will never get an advantage plan. If you have to go to a skilled nursing place it’s a hassle renewing every few days and they will do anything to get you out of there. Supplemental plan all the way for me.

Thanks for the great video, Erik. It is another outstanding addition to your virtual library of added value for those interested in healthcare and financial topics; you are unique in this space, and over 100,000 subscribers tell the tale.🔥🔥🔥

Great video! I enjoy all of yours. Very informative and not long and boring. I wear Merrill’s a lot.😊

Truly appreciate your very balanced and objective approach. Even though I'm a traditional Medicare fan it's really nice to have an objective presentation of Medicare advantage to make sure that I maintain a critical thinking perspective on retiree insurance. I'm a big fan of slip-on shoes 🙂

Your comparison of shoes is always very logical and very well explained. Thank you!

Dr. Weir suggests Supplemental plan N overall. No referrals, out of network for travelers, etc. You never know what the future has in store for you. Your example was great, but I will stick to my supplement plan.

I've been wearing "barefoot" or "minimalist" shoes for 18 months. They are flat, no cushioning and a wide toe box. Lets your feet interact naturally with the ground...Great video, as usual! A big thing that sticks in my mind is that the Supp plans are much more stable year to year, basically the stuff that is covered is covered the same all the time Adv Plans they can change up who what, when, and how changes very often...

Thank you for the timely video! I'll be on Medicare early next year and knee replacement is the only foreseeable procedure that I'll need. I've been able to keep the knees semi-happy by maintaining strong quadriceps, plenty of no-impact cardio and of course, good shoes.

Love the video detail explanation and honest comparison side by side, plus the shoes..😊

I wear mostly boots. Thanks for this example. Quick and clear numbers giving an idea of the different plans for 1 major operation and physical therapy.

Great Shoes, all your detail really helped me make my decision. Thank you

Thank you for these videos... I appreciate your disclaimers, including that comfortable shoes matter.

Awesome video and awesome explanation. Sketchers are my go to shoes. Thanks for all that you do to inform us about the rabbit hole that is Medicare coverage.

I’m a physical therapist and spend a significant amount of time educating people on the importance of shoes that provide proper support. Unfortunately,there are more times than not, that I am telling people they need to give their shoes a Viking funeral.

Birkenstocks! 30+ pairs in every color collected over a lifetime and all still wearable. Great video! It is worth noting that all the supplement expenses are already budgeted for, so important on a fixed income, whereas the Advantage plan costs could be a nasty, budget-wrecking surprise.

First time viewer, liked your analysis, I’m a subscriber now, and I’m wearing On Cloud slip on tennis shoes for walking and they are supportive and well cushioned. Age 63.5 so studying the Medicare scenario in front of me.

Thank you so much for these incredibly informative videos. So helpful. I’m into shoes that are comfy and easy to get in and out of.

My husband has large feet and has to order his shoes online. He recommended your videos since I'm just now navigating this process. Thank you!

Thank you for your videos, they are very helpful. I switched to Barefoot shoes last year and love them!

I am only 60 but starting my research early. Learning a lot about the different plans thru taking care of my mom after she broke a hip last year and from my friends that are starting to sign up for Medicare. The new shoes that my mom bought seem to help her walk better now. ☺

Thank you for another excellent and informative video. By the time I become Medicare eligible, I will definitely be prepared! Love my Hoka's!

Hey Dude!! Good information once again!! 😉

I'm very happy to have your advice. You have made my life so much easier and helped take the worry out of my retirement. I love my sneakers. 😅

"These boots are made for walking" sang Nancy (before your time). Thanks for the very interesting cost comparison. My brother had his second knee replacement 5 weeks ago so I am sending him this link. I don't know what plan he has so I will ask him. It helps all of us to see real cost comparisons before we choose what route is best for each of us and I appreciate that you stay very balanced and point out that each plan has some advantages and some disadvantages. As well as how crazy the US medical system is. But we are fortunate to have any medical system at all.

Good and balanced analysis. Surprised to see an advantage plan come out on top. new Balance have been my old reliables for decades….thanks.

Thanks for another informative video.

Hey dude, thanks for another great video.

My wife needs to have both knees replaced as well as her hip. Total cost - - her prescription for pain medication. All I pay is a dispensing fee. I.Live. In. CANADA.

Thank you for the example and your time to research the the figures. Not all shoes fit the same.

Ok, after watching several of your comparison videos in past couple of years since having to compare G, N, & MA in general I decided to subscribe. The slip-on shoe comparison was the clincher because I don’t like the brand I’ve been wearing this year. Much like this knee surgery comparison to sort out choices for Medicare coverage I used a medical emergency surgery plus 2 relapses back into hospital I had about 2 years before with retirement pre-Medicare private insurance. So I’m using these comparisons to help me keep updated on plan info.

I really like your hey dudes. It's a good scenario to run. However, as soon as I turned 65 it was like every other day I had to go to have something done. There hasn't been one year that I haven't had three major things happen to me. So part G always wins!

Great video! I really like your blue suede shoes also.

Love your videos, but I can no longer wear high heeled shoes😂 I have to be careful not to fall off my flip-flops😂

Love me Chaco Sandals, they are buildable too. Love the videos great info.

After you video about your Mom I decided on Plan G a few years from now. Here Advantage won! Lol. I love my ON shoes!

I like slip on shoes like sketchers. I love this site - love watching the costs broken down one versus the other. I took original Med and plan G - it just gives me more piece of mind regardless if thats true when the billing starts for whatever injury or sickness. I live in NC and G is a little less expensive then the avg number u used ( just to mention it) and I didn't purchase a dental vision plan. The dentists I pickeed don't take insurance and the plans themselves are pretty skimpy on what they give you. My total cost using your example came to $3878 still ,more than Advantage. But its still a small price to pay either way for such a surgery. Thanks again for your videos - great info.

Great video, I would rather pay the higher cost of the supplemental insurance and be able to go to who I want to wearing my Sperry dock shoes, than have to go to in network only... ;)

My wife had to have open heart surgery to replace her aortic valve, she was born with a defective valve. The total medical bill, from diagnostic through rehab was just over $250,00, (I forgot what Medicare paid), our cost for her Plan N was $320, which included the Part B deductible. Her Plan N costs $72 a month. During her rehab I walked with her with my Sketcher walkers, very comfortable.

As always a great video, with clear information. My favorite type of she are western boots. Thanks again for this type of overview.

Cute shoes! I just wanted to point out that no live links appear on your video whilst you are pointing them out. 🤔 Always great content!

Great comparison, thank you! Love your shoes 😂

I wear Hoka shoes. They are great. Thanks for breaking down a confusing topic.

You have great shoes. Glad to hear how well they are made.

Thanks! I've got a bum knee but I'm putting off replacement as long as possible. I've wondered what out of pocket costs might cost if I ever have to get it or them replaced. SHOE yep, I watched it all.

Your videos are as comforting as my favorite pair of shoes.

You and your shoes are just awesome!

My podiatrist says my feet are a nightmare and I have to agree. I’ve had issues, over the years and now at 67, I have heel spurs, hammer toes, bunions and arthritis in both ankles. Birkenstocks were awesome for heel spur pain, UNTIL my bunions grew to the point my feet were too wide for Birkenstocks and most other normal shoes! I live in Florida and have found very wide sandals to wear and orthopedic shoes in 9W widths!

I had a TKR last month, May 8, 2024. I wore my Hey Dude shoes so I could get them on and off easy. My surgeon requires a one night stay in the hospital for all of his TKR and hip patients. I had four in home PT visits then in office PT. My PT office told me Medicare only covers 20 PT in office visits.

I too live in the inter mountain west and wear sandals all year (except in snow - I'm not that daft). I'm still working and will retire next year. My current health plan is marketing their Advantage, and that would be a lovely transition, but I'm probably going to move to a lower cost-of-living state, so I have no idea what will be available because it sounds like the challenge with Advantage is "network." Your videos are the most helpful of them all.

Shoes are crucial for knees. I have spent 3 years adapting to Vibram 5 fingers to regain toe strength and balance.

Thanks for the informative video. I sat watching it wearing my Brooks Ghost 16’s. My podiatrist insists I wear a supportive shoe most of my waking hours!!!

Heydude, I really appreciate all the good info. I'm not mad at you and I don't hate you.

Thanks for the video. It's an eye opener. I like wearing shoes on both feet.

Good job!

Shoes and underwriting. One MUST consider underwriting if choosing an Advantage plan. It's like a banker and a loan. You can't get a loan when you most likely need it most. My dr. and I decide what treatment is in my best interest NOT some white coat in an office high in some billion dollar building looking at the bottom line of an insurance company.

Plan G all the way for me

Hmmm. I don't have a favorite shoe, but may need to check out the ones mentioned in the comments. I chose my plan based on your informative videos.

I love my sketcher's . In New York the monthly Plant G premium is $312 and Plan N monthly is $242. Very expensive.

Toscana Shoes. you do scholarly work on daily challenges of understanding Medicare. when the Medicare professionals explanation is clear as mud.

Great comparison. I turn 65 in January so thanks for doing what you do! Did you know a size 13 in the USA is only a 12 in Mexico? Hmmmm.

Louboutin heels rock 🙄😷 (somethin' 'bout shoes 😆)

Everyone has different needs and different means to meet their needs. I like Schechers!

Thanks for the detailed information. Now I know who "foots" the bill.

Good Evening. As a 70 year old retired member of the Armed Forces I have TFL (TriCare for Life.) Tricare for Life is "Medicare-wraparound " coverage. Some may find it helpful if you also include and compare TriCare for Life with an Advantage Plan and with Traditional Medicare with a supplemental plan add on. Thank you

Excelente

EE shoe size here. Always hard to find good fitting shoes. Trying to decide if Supplement plan or advantage plan is best choice for us. We are healthy now and Advantage seems good bet to save money. But the concern over unexpected health issue down the road pushes towards a Supplement plan which protects us from catastrophic medical bills On the fence🤔

This is really important work you are doing here. Fav shoes? Bare feet 😀

I prefer Merrill slip on shoes for rugged shopping errands. I had knee replacement surgery 2 years ago with Medicare Advantage plan and my costs were exactly as you described/outlined. The following year I was diagnosed with TED, which caused severe double vision. Diagnoses and treatment took 8+ months, which spanned 2 plan years. So I was subject to 2 deductibles/copays. I nearly passed out when the first EOB arrived. Only in America can the pharmaceutical industry charge $500k and the insurance company reduces the charge by half!!!

I am so glad I had a long-planned (but Covid-postponed) left THR in 2022, and then a totally unplanned but urgently needed right THR in 2023. My employer insurance was great, with only a $3,500 max OOP. So I REALLY hope that now I am 65, retired as of May 31, and on Medicare, I am done with the bionics. I am so grateful to be walking around better than in years in my Merrell Cozy Glove shoe-slippers. With a tough Vibram sole, they are literally my fave shoes. And Merrell stopped making them!!!

I love my Birkenstock sandals. Great arch support. My wife and I are both in our mid 70s and have been on Advantage plans since 65. To date, our health has been pretty good, except for auto accidents, hospitalization for Lyme disease, cancer surgery, etc. Okay, so we do have problems. But so far the Advantage plans have been great compared to the high deductible, pays-for-not-much, employer insurance we had for most of our lives. From your discussions we should probably re-evaluate if our needs change (e.g., need high cost drugs). But so far, good. We like the convenience of one-card-does-it-all. But, we still pay more than our German friends do for equivalent medical care, even considering the premiums taken out of taxes (e.g., $250/month for a family of four) that pay for anything and everything a doctor says is medically necessary. Oh well.

I always thought ballet flat shoes looked comfortable but was not. They tend to not have support or cushioning on the bottom. Just brought two pairs that were comfortable. They were also wide at the toes. So, do not give up. They do exist. Lol.

Like your videos and “Shoes”

If I were in your shoes I would talk more about the issues with cost of care out of state. That is one thing I worry about because I do travel to visit family.

Love New Balance, but only with my Super Feet inserts installed.

Speaking of shoes, do any plans cover an orthopedic lift of greater than an inch (not prescribed by a doctor)? Thank you for all your videos. They are all excellent.

Got a little confused on the advantage plan math. Thought I was smart until I watched this! And I prefer Hey Dudes. 😊

Very good video. I have a supplement, my wife has an advantage plan. My wife is blessed with very goo health. I am not blessed with good health. For us having different plans makes sense. Yes I like comfy shoes too!

I just retired and I’m trying to decide which way to go. I’ll be 70 when I begin my Medicare full time. I have several medical issues that can worsen as time goes on. A big factor for me is the underwriting. It’s my understanding that you can be dropped anytime from advantage plans due to underwriting and if you decide to go to Medigap, you must undergo underwriting, all of which equates to much higher premiums and or denials. There is no such problem with Plan G. I also understand that Plan N goes through underwriting yearly as well which can affect your premiums. BTW, I’m more of a Sketcher guy.

To avoid the need for knee replacements, do regular core strength workouts, maintain normal weight, use proper shoes (cushioning doesn't last forever and the new cushioning technology is incredible).

Brooks are my shoes of choice!!!

I love Altra Sneaker as my daily shoes

Hey Erik! On another note, are you savvy on the Medicare Advantage Plans in Mexico through Lakeside Medical Group? I will be moving there with visits back to California. I need to decide soon. I'll be 65 in August this year. Maybe you can do a video if you have this information! Much appreciated. Thanks Dude!

My new all black canvas sketchers are perfect for when I start cruising....😊. Question...I lean towards alternatives medicine and I'm intrigued with participating in medical tourism. If I plan on doing semi expat living wouldn't I be better off to go with Advantage Care programs that I can also add a international travel package?

I sport HOKA shoes with custom inserts. Medicare doesn't cover my condition regarding custom inserts. Therefore my podiatrist writes a script for custom inserts and the co-pay is $400. The plan is when I recover from my hip and wrist surgery. I will be scheduling surgery for my feet.

I thought I was "retiring" this month but am expecting a job offer with benefits so, no Medicare this year. My husband is a couple of years younger but, I suspect the incredibly cost is why his doc told him he's too young for a knee replacement. I work remotely so, I wear my ballet-type bedroom slippers most of the day. I enjoy walking in my New Balance Fresh Foams but would prefer a slip on/off shoe.

I am hoping that my Merrill Hiking shoes keep my knees in alignment so that NONE of these knee replacement scenarios are in my future. Thanks for the explanations!

Sketchers and Rothys for me - Comment - in the comment section it says you are going to cover cancer...looks like a copy and paste fail...which I do all the time. Great content!

FYI One cost that's missing but would be with any plan is the 8 days or so in a hotel near the hospital. So yes, essentially outpatient but with one night in a ward, if all goes well. My wife had her knee replaced 2 years ago at University Hospital in Cleveland. We were fortunate in that her insurance, through Walmart, covered 100% of the costs. There were some copays associated with the PT though. Since we live 2 hours from Cleveland we stayed in a hotel adjacent to the hospital, which had several knee patients staying there. On day 8, she was released home. Fortunately, we also got a Visa card for meals and the hotel bill was covered. I stayed with her as her caregiver, which was an essential need. Good job I'm retired! So, there may be additional accommodation costs on top of this excellent analysis. Do the Advantage plans dictate where to get the knee surgery, to minimize their costs? I hear they delay and argue treatment, offsetting the advantage of lower overall annual costs. We would likely stay with Medicare when my wife retires for that reason. I love my Sketchers Slip-ins. I wear them as slippers with an orthotic insert. My knees are both shot but I'm holding off knee replacement as long as possible. SynVisc is awesome! 👍

Nike Pegasus for daily drivers and crocs in summer that DO slip off your feet.

How much are they paying for the monthly premium for the supplement plan

I love my Teva sandals and my Sketcher slip-on mesh shoes

If I had a choice for no joint replacement, that would be my option. Lucky I have found that option in the carnivore diet. Arthritis gone and not because of doctor recommendation after having an arthritis induced fracture of the knee, but through research into what causes and reverses the damage of inflammation through diet.