Remember, it goes into effect in January,

not immediately.

One of the worst scenarios I can imagine is having a disabling stroke,

unable to care for one self, including toileting, feeding, loss of use of a limb or limbs, perhaps not able to be understood in speech, and the constant pain that can accompany some of the muscle paralysis.

I know that keeping blood pressure under control and keeping arteries clear is important to avoid that eventuality. Also weight control and exercise, though I am not so great at that part of it.

But regular doctor exams help to prevent those problems, and well worth it for peace of mind.
I also feel I would have much self-loathing if I realized after the fact that I could have prevented the problems by taking small measures before hand.

There are also many bodily changes between 65 and 75, and each year thereafter. I have many dear friends in late 70s, and adverse things are beginning to happen, and these people, for the most part, tried to take pretty good care of themselves.

This is why I'm so glad I read DU - to hear a beautiful

story such as this.
Thanks for informing us!

I have the impression Medicare Advantage plans differ by the Insurance company

involved, and, as always, the size of the group for whom its intended, as well as the price acceptable to the group being covered., i.e., some want a plan as cheap as possible while others want a plan that will pay a larger amount and for more procedures, etc.

I also understood that Medicare Advantage is more for healthier individuals, in that they may offer exercise programs and health screenings and lectures. I have not taken advantage of those offered with my plan, but one possibility was Silver Sneakers, which is some kind of exercise membership at certain facilities nationwide.

My Humana Advantage plan was just for myself, as my spouse had one from employer before retirement.

I have Humana Advantage through my state retirement plan.

I was simply switched to it a few yrs ago by the retirement system.
As others have noted, the medical office or hospital I have visited sends the plan directly to Humana Advantage, which apparently has an agreement with Medicare.
I don't have co-pays when I first go to the medical office, but will sometimes have what I consider to be a small payment after Humana Advantage has paid its part. I'm saying something like $8, or $20 if it's a larger bill.
I've been very pleased with the Humana Advantage.
It seems I can choose my own physician, for I've never had a problem with that.
Prescriptions, in my state retirement's case, are handled by another company, Express Scripts, which charges ca $4 for generics. I have only one branded prescription, which costs about $74/month.
I've been very happy with Humana Advantage, though I have read that it may not be available next year (2015), under the ACA.
I can't verify that.

Headline Should Read: Eight White Male Republicans Wait....... nt

Congratulations to you and your Governor Beshear

Thank goodness has a Democratic governor at this critical time in history.
He stepped right up and said he is working for his people - Kentuckians.

And woe to those states with Republican governors who have dragged their feet and only reluctantly put out the necessary plan - usually through the federal government.

We all have regrets over how we might have done better.

At any given time, we're doing the best we can.
You're good people hurting at this time.
Be kind to yourselves, in Bradley's memory.