Or can I just figure I am pretty healthy and deal only with Medicare? I can't figure any of this stuff out!

With original Medicare you have a $1024 per occurrence deductible for Part A and a $135 annual deductible plus 20% co-insurance for Part B. Because of the deductibles and co-insurance Medicare only pays 57% of the average seniors medical costs. So yes, you need something else.

You have the option of a Medicare Supplement plans A through L, a Medicare Select, or a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. The Medicare Advantage plans could be, depending on your location, an HMO, PPO, POS, PFFS, or MSA plan. It can get very confusing!

If you don't sign up when first eligible there are time restrictions on when you can sign up, and in the case of a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Select you may not qualify based on your health condition.

You will also need to sign up for Part D, prescription drug coverage. If you don't sign up when first eligible there are time restrictions and penalties. If you delay you can only get on a Part D plan effective January 1 and you will have a penalty added to your premium forever.

There are Medicare Advantage plans available with a $0 premium which also include drug coverage. My suggestion without knowing your particular situation would be to at least sign up with one of these plans.

Visit a local agent that works with all the major plans in your area and works with both the Supplement and Advantage plans. The agent can sit down with you and explain the plans, the penalties you might face, and the restrictions. There is no extra charge using an agent.

What questons to ask when looking for medicare supplemental insurance? What questons to ask when looking for medicare supplemental insurance?

Here is a link to The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare:

http://www.medicare.gov/Library/PDFNavi ... ubID=02110

It is a document titled "2008 Choosing A Medigap Policy: A Guide To Health Insurance For People With Medicare"

Should answer your questions

If I am a member of AARP, what would its premium be for supplemental insurance to Medicare B? If I am a member of AARP, what would its premium be for supplemental insurance to Medicare B?

If you're talking about the medicare D plans i think AARP's plans start at about $25. none of AARP's plans have the $500 deductible but you have to pay more if you don't want to fall in the 'doughnut hole'. if you really need help with this email me and i can walk you through finding a good plan. they vary by state but AARP and Humana both have good plans. don't sign up for medicare advantage whatever you do!!!

Hi, I need to know what the best supplemental insurance is when you are on Medicare and do any cover drugs?

I am looking for a supplemental health care plan to go along with Medicare where I will not have to pay anything when I am hospitalized if it ever happens. I am also looking for a good perscription plan. I started Medicare and still have found a supplemental so if you can help I would be very thankful.

I chose Humana for Prescriptions. My cost is 2.50 for generic and 5.00 for name brand meds.

Talk to your Pharmacist. He can go over some great plans for you.