My wife and I will be new to Medicare, in 2021. Both of us are active and healthy, and neither of us take medication. She’s of the mind to NOT sign up for Part D, where I believe we should sign up for the cheapest plan available, as a placeholder for the future. Thoughts? Thanks, dave

those lawmakers should have to wade thru this obstacle course and deal with it every year as we have to. they should also have same coverage deductibles etc as we do.

Good informative video, thank you! Having been on Medicare for a few years now, the most important message you’ve given is that WE HAVE TO REVIEW OUR PLAN(S) EVERY YEAR. In the beginning, I did a thorough research of Part D plans and picked one. Good split what I paid and what insurance did. And so I kept the plan year in and year out. What I didn’t notice was that the next year, they raised the copayment limit. Now the market price of my copayment was all within that copayment. So, in 2021 I will have spent $1,600 of my money on my medications, while the insurance will have paid $0. And the premium will still have cost me over $400 for the year. So clearly, yearly review is a must. I am doing it now - and what I am finding is that ALL PLANS ACTUALLY SUCK. So much information (for insurers, it’s a game) and so many variations of the same: YOU (patient) pay as much as spossible and WE (insurer) pay as little as possible, preferably nothing. Like all health insurance in America, it’s a scam!

The big thing to me is other people have gone through and just shrug their shoulders and accept it- No one ever told me. And I listen to everyone that wants to talk. I am very grateful of your videos and the easy to understand materials you present. It is really alot to take it but you have a real skill to teach people. May the force be with you.

Why is this whole insurance thing so complicated. Is it done on purpose? To confuse. I think so.

I take 2 inhalers, Symbicort and Spiriva. After a $400 deductible, I am in the do-nut hole by June. I get my name brand inhalers from a Canadian pharmacy and pay less than my cost from my insurance before the do-nut hole. They come from foreign countries but are made by the same companies as the original but will have a foreign language on them.

You are a Godsend Stephanie! Deeply appreciate all the "gaps" 🤗of knowledge that I have been missing in the process of signing up for Medicare B, D, G....etc. Our situation was and still is complicated, but your many teaching-based videos that I have been watching for a few hours now have alleviated a lot of stress I have every day as to when to apply for the Medicare Part B, D, G...etc.. An Insurance agent is someone I would love to have working with us. At least now I can approach this process head on now.

I’m only 43 years old and all of this is so overwhelming. It breaks my for the senior citizens . So I called Medicare and I’ve spent a weeks trying to figure all of this out. Remember I’m clueless about all of this . So they entered all my meds in the system & they said the system would chose which tri advantage plan . You need to be President of Medicare . I’m so thankful you have explained everything to us .

As a new agent, this is very clear to me. Thank you so much Stephanie. Bless your heart for sharing your knowledge.

I can't say enough for your clear and decisive presentation: Because most people take the same medicines, the finances also continue, predictably year to year!! Yes? You are really good at this.

Yup, I retired after 40+ years in HR & Benefits/ Mgt., I was confused by Part D reg's when I retired w/Medicare years ago. There were very few resources like on the internet or KZfaq to help at the time.

I fell into the donut hole abyss after three 90 day prescriptions for Eliquis. I switched that prescription from my Medicare Advantage Plan to my VA benefits before ordering the 4th 90 day refill. Now my copay is ZERO for Eliquis. My remaining prescriptions are still with my Medicare Advantage insurance provider. If you're a military veteran, and have VA benefits, you should be able to get a much lower co-pay at the VA. If you're receiving 70% or higher disability benefits, your copay should be zero. Even for the "designer" medicine that's heavily advertised on TV.

We’ve been on medicare and plan d for 10 months now. I’m appalled at how expensive my costs are.

THANK u for detailed explanation about tier 1 ,2 3 and 4 ,when deductible starts in easy ,simple words which we understand properly..

I would add an explanation of the penalty aspect of Part D if one does not take Part D when they are eligible. In searching for a plan it’s hard if you are initially not taking any medications. I asked my pharmacist for 13 common drugs often prescribed and used this as at least something to help compare plans.

Wow, what a complicated deal. Thanks Stephanie!!😊

This helped a lot of my understanding about part d phases in general, just started working as a benefit adviser so really appreciate your efforts enlightening us....,

Due to having diabetes Type II, high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and other stuff, I usually hit my "donut hole" around March or April. But, I usually come out around August. But still those months in the "donut hole" are financially painful. It is why I am still working at 71.

Exceptionally and clearly presented. Thanks very much for posting.

A BIG hint if you use one primary pharmacy for all your Part D, AND you occasionally use a discount club like GoodRX because of a substantial cash saving on a particular drug- use the GoodRX at a different pharmacy. Do not commingle. Reason- the customer database profile often, if not probably, at your main Part D pharmacy gets confused (corrupted) by your different plan and BIN IDs resulting in nightmares at checkout. These days pharmacies are running at sprint speeds and are slaves to their computer spit-outs, thus sorting out conflicts are not a priority. Don’t mix insurance coverage at the same pharmacy.

Hi , My name is William and I am 79 years old. I have had Medicare since 2008 and part D also. I take eight generic drugs and one higher tier drug, Eliquis. That is where my problem lies. I have hit the donut about June every year since 2008 and it has almost killed what little savings that my wife and I were able to save over the years. I have tried over and over to get help, but the instant that I admit that I am a responsible person and have insurance, I am always denied any help of any kind. I am at the end of the road and would love some advice from you, if you could please help. You seem to be one of the most sensible, down to earth person on the internet. Thank you in advance. William

Hello, Please continue to post such an informative and creative videos. Therefore, people like us will be motivated and learn in real life.

Thank you for making such helpful videos, but it's quite sad that we have to go through so much rubbish just to get our basic human right of healthcare.

I love listening to you and This year I need to speak to you because with Medicare and my Humana Insurance I’m paying over 500 a month and I only use for mostly My annual Wellness test. I take a little BP med other than that they say I’m ok.

Ha ha. How about 1470 my 25%for trulicity, now past gap about 170 now stage 4. Thanks good info.My 1st year on D.

Great presentation: You convinced me that Part D is something I will need. My wife will as well. I turn 65 in March. Retired Military which provides free medical and prescription coverage for $50.00 per month no matter how many family members I have. I don't plan on taking Social Security until FR (66.4). When does Part A have to be paid? I understand Part B will start @65? I get medication at Military Treatment Facilities and the Veterans Hospital. Will that all stop? Please send a quote for D that provides service in Hawaii.

-If you are an inpatient do the drugs you receive in the hospital come out of your part D or out of your hospitalization

Someone please explain this to me: I am retired Military (served 24 years). I had Tricare coverage supposedly for Life. I also have VA coverage because I'm rated 90% disabled. At 58 or so I had to quit working and go on SSA disability. I did NOT take the Part D at the time because I had (I thought) Tricare and the VA who provided what Med's I needed. Even the Social Security rep told me I didn't need it. But then about a year ago I discovered that my Tricare coverage had been DROPPED!!! After MANY hours on phone calls to every Guberment agency I could reach I was told that I HAD to have Part D to keep my Tricare!!! By LAW supposedly. SO I had to wait until this past January to get the Part D reinstated. And they are penalizing me at like $178 a month. Even though SSA told me I didn't need it. And I'm also paying a fee to Tricare to keep the Family coverage I served 24 years for! I was blown up twice, shot once, ribs broken multiple times, crushed hands, shrapnel wounds, collapsed lung, lots and lots of stitches, some other broken bones, thermal burns in both eyes, and Guano Virus! Whew! I've also been told that when I turn 65 I will get Tricare For Life and I can drop the Part D. Just doesn't make any sense to me. Maybe the Guberment just wants me to die...............

great job wish I could find her to talk too. Really good information

I’m 70 and my wife is 67. My plan is going up to almost $400.00 per month. I need a new plan.

Best explanation I've seen.

Generally, I find that the included Part D plans with most Part C plans are superior to that of any any stand alone plan offerings, in particular, that only included Part D plans will not have the initial deductible stage!

Thank you a lot for this video. This is very interesting and informative. Keep posting like those amazing videos, this is awesome.

Wonderfully detailed information and great visuals. Thank you🦋

Thanks for your presentation. Even healthy and no medication, I always approach insurance to protect against financial ruin by expensive drugs. Are

Wow...THAT was a mouthful but, lucid and comprehensive. Thank you! I'm turning 65 in January so, I'll be a rookie. I wanted to know if a chart exists about the various Plan D's in comparison to each other? Is there a go between agency that I would sign up with or do I deal directly with Medicare? See? i don't even know the basic steps to brace for Medicare. If there is a link to a website you could recommend to find answers to my concern, that would be great! I noticed with info I've been getting in the physical mail and email about Medicare, they only ask, which plan do I want, Plan A or Plan B? No option for a Plan C or Plan D. I'd appreciate any help you could give me. Thank you

Great out-of-pocket tip.

so confusing. as a person on MS drugs which cost 7K/month i have no idea what i'm supposed to do. all MS treatment is Tier 5 and the manufactures aren't allowed to step in for financial assistance.

I'm sure I have no idea what I've been doing lol Thanks Stephanie !! I will seriously need to speak with you soon. You Rock 🤗🎸🎶🎶😘 now I want some jelly Donut Holes lol

It’s sad that Medicare does not allow coupons for seniors. We work so hard all of our lives, and what do we get in return!

Your explanation is very good “except” you don’t fully explain the “Almost” full retail cost while in the Donut Hole in getting to the Catastrophic phase. That is a grey area. Who determines the “Almost” portion? And how is it derived? Most insulin dependent diabetic seniors end up in the Catastrophic phase simply because of the high prices set by the pharmaceutical companies.

Stephanie, Thanks so much for explaining Medicare. I’m turning 65 in Jan 2021 and received my Medicare card in the mail today. Currently I’m not taking any prescriptions so I’m wondering would I need plan D coverage?

informative, clear, and good recommendations. Thank you.

WHAT perverted, damaged brain conceived the intricacies of Part D?? Doughnut hole? This is THE most convoluted policy I've ever seen.... was any rational for this type of logic ever explained? Again, though, thank you for making it as clear as possible under the circumstances. Your videos are awesome!

Thanks Stephanie I am from NJ and have gained substantial value from your videos. I have been with AARP UHC Plan F since retirement in 2007 but I am shopping this year. Thanks again you are very informative.

Another excellent presentation/explanation and Stephanie is pretty easy on the eyes!

Dear Stephanie, thank you very much for your videos. Your explanation is very informative and easy to absorb. I wish that I could find a video which explains in what situation, one person may be declined by either a Medicare Supplement Insurance Carrier or a Part D plan, when they apply for switching.

Your videos are so helpful. Thank you!

Thank you!

Wonderful easy to understand expl

Awesome video.... Grt work

I think us new and soon to be Medicare recipients should consider moving to Sweden 🤔

Best in business.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications are so cheap you don't need a D policy. The copay can actually be more than the discount price for the drug without using your insurance.

The best explanation ever

Thank you Stephanie take care stay safe and stay healthy

Please mention that when the company is calculating the initial coverage the drug company calculates what you pay and what they pay. So if you have a prescription that's total cost is 1200 you will reach the donut hole quickly.

I spend about $15 monthly on my generic medicines. I am unable to spend $480. Which plan you recommend. I am in GA Thanks

Thank you🙏

Can you do an updated video of the new 2021 information ?! Love your explanations!!

Thanks Stephanie, Now I have to add adderal for my upcoming depression.

Very informative, thank you.

I would love to speak to you. You are very knowledgeable.

Excellent explanation!

Hi Stephanie, I’m newly Medicare eligible turning 65. I’m choosing traditional Medicare and a supplement plan. Since I’m healthy and not on any meds at all I was wondering if i should just skip Part D insurance. My question is - are there any disadvantages like penalties that are timing related that I would confront later if I chose a Part D plan only after I needed meds?

Many thanks for your video

Good RX gold is better than my med coverage

Thank you for the info but this sounds so much like the issue with our pharma companies and that everyone is angry about. This is WAY TOO MUCH for just getting your subscriptions. We must be the only industrial country that has this high cost problems. It is so reflected in all the exceptions that come out of pocket in the Part D plans! Our taxes is already being used to support the research and other countries pay way less for the same drugs. But I guess Wall Street needs to make their money$$$$.

Thank You

I was told if I get a different plan, such as add on dental, vision etc (I have regular Medicare and Medicaid.) I would lose my part d help

Can you pick up a part D plan when you switch from MA to Medigap , when it is not open enrollment?

Stephanie, I plan on retiring in September at the age of 65, I plan on taking Social Security and signing up for Medicare. My wife is currently 63 and is on Social Security disability, she is currently on my health care plan at my work. When I sign up in September, will my wife be able to sign up as well?? I was told she would be eligible to sign up for Medicare under a "special enrollment" period. I want to make sure this is correct, since my wife will not be 65 until February of 2024. Thank you.

Great video thank you. I wonder is there any benefit to starting when new to medicare, a prescription benefit part D plan when you have no need of medications at the moment , but expect you will in the future. that is to say, is there any penalty to not enrolling out of the gate? thanks again.

Qestion: I am a employee, soon to retire, just turned 65 in July.. I have medical thru government. Now that I am looking at other medical insurance plans I have found I am paying a lot more than other seniors. I keep hearing how wonderful our medicare advantage plan is but I'm not so sure. It seems to me that a should suspend or drop my government plan and look for other more affordable medical insurance.

Why does medicare make it so complicated for seniors when it should be simple and straight forward?

Just get blink if your tier one or two

the polis (politicians) have allowed this fiasco.......why can't we get the same med coverage as the polis....

Thank you so! My Mom need this! Thanks

For people with VA drug benefits , would you advice them to enroll in a Part D plan perhaps for expediency?

We are on SS and have part D.my husband has many co-morbities requiring so many medications .dr wanted my hubby to start a new medication Vesceba for his cholesterol and stop the script omega 3 .vesceba is 471.00 a month .kindly the Dr handed us a pharmaceutical prescription for 90 day supply for 9 dollars.went to fill it and the pharmacist said we could not use this coupon when we have government insurance .shouldn’t the dr be educated on these things?charlene

what about " Wing Plan Attack R "....

EXCELLENT

how does Wellcare do with insulin plans and other drugs, thanks

Turning 65 in September 9 The G plan seems to today OK the D plan how to Ian Road

WHEN CVS CHARGES $1,700 + FOR ONE RX....90 TABLETS OF FARXIGA 5 MG...YOU GET DONUT HOLED REALLY FAST.

When I went on Medicare I had A, B, D. Then sometime in the Obama administration I got a letter telling me I no longer have a D plan. What gives?

I just received a paad card and need a supplement for the 20% that medicare doesn't pay can you advise me thanks

Why don't all the government employees have the same medical we have? Maybe they would make medical more user friendly. Why do we have to pay for their medical when they don't have to pay for ours?

As a medicare beneficiary ,not taking any Medication pay monthly Penalty $1:30 /month for life - any advise who to contact for a waiver .

I don’t take any medications at this time. How does Plan D work for me?

Hi, I do not take any medication, what plan should I select? I will be eligible for Medicare in August. Do I need Plan D? Is it possible to select the plan when I might need medication? thank you.

My husband and I get "extra help" with our Part D Medicare. We have no co-pays, premiums, or deductibles.

They need to lower this maximum cost and include more of Seniors total out of pocket expenses. This may help prevent the Donut hole, and or lower the overall expense of part D. Fill in the gaps faster. Otherwise most seniors will be paying for more of their medications every year if they’re not on some high price medications. Most people, especially those who are on a fixed income want lower priced drugs. But these don’t help people reach their out of pocket costs. What a Devious Treadmill 😣!!

Very good info...thank you!

The RX plan sucks. I have to pay $68 a month with a $500 deductible. And large co pays for my meds. I have a very low ss check. I have $35 left after I pay for my health insurance and vehicle insurance.

The included Part D plans with most Medicare Advantage plan products are substantially superior to any of the stand alone Part offerings! Most do not have any initial annual deductibles, and provide more substantial coverage in the gap!

Why I'm I going to pay $34 a month if I'm required to pay 100% until $435.00. I noticed these companies raise the total drug cost. We are getting robbed.

I need to find someone who does what you do in NJ. I've been disabled for over 20 years, I'm approaching retirement age and I still have no clue how to navigate medicare. Is there a company or agency that can help me get the most out of my really limited insurance?

My wife is taking a tier 5 drug for Metastatic Breast Cancer-our current plan D initial monthly cost $3,000 followed by monthly co-pay of $750-once I reach the catastrophic limit will the cost automatically be calculated

Stephanie, are you licensed in Missouri? If not, how do we find a knowledgeable & reliable independent broker for Medicare?