Congratulate Me! Got my best insurance plan ever, starting January.

[freshwest]

53. I'm on Medicare A & B. It was all I could afford. I could not the Part D.

That was the prescription plan, and I have not had an RX for years. Or any medical supervision. Doctors expect you to 'get with the program' but if all your income goes to a place to live, etc., and you don't qualify for RX plans, some refuse to be bothered.

I will get RX just at the same rates I had when I was working, the same plans. There are tiers for non-generic and more costly drugs, but they will waive the higher cost if the doctor says one must have that brand. Costs at a pharmacy range from $2 to $10 for month's supply; only a dollar or two more for a three month supply by mail. That comes from bulk purchasing, but it's nothing new.

Since I don't qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, or any other kind of assistance, I have to pay everything out of my pension. And although I am considered by at least one utility to be in poverty, it's the only break I get. There seems to be no 'senior discount' for true living expenses, just optional things, which I couldn't afford, anyway. Unless one is in an income level that matches Medicaid, which helps with living expenses.

I have needed management or home health services for a long time, but they are not available through MC, only through Medicaid. This company will give me that free of charge to make sure I am doing all right, even come to my home and call to see if I need any help. No charge, like Medicaid. So it makes me think they are getting something from the ACA or something?

That's my way of putting it but as far as working with Medicare, it is only working with Medicare in that they are paying the premium for me. But I get much more.

As far as the ACA help, I found the names of providers via the state healthcare exchange set up to enroll people in the ACA. I was discouraged at first, as all queries went to the Medicaid eligibility page. Once again, I was not going to be able to participate, at least that's what I thought.

But the same companies that were handling the Medicaid expansion, handled others. Just not on that website. It was the most helpful site I could access, whereas I've been unable to get into the ACA or other sites, or get anyone on the phone.

I called SSA and they had a three hour waiting time, no doubt they are getting more calls than ever and we are still in the first phase of the GOP sequester.

Friends were helpful too, who had just signed up onto plans. They were in the same position I am, no extra money. They have their Medicare A & B payments diverted to these firms. So I went and checked them out.

I am getting the benefit of the ACA directly or indirectly; but I can't explain details for others, since I have a private plan now - except it's funded publicly through my Medicare premium.

I suspect they are being subsidized, but we didn't talk about it. The people offering the plans, offered to retired and non-retired and disabled as well, and used all the buzz words we've heard from SSA, such as entitlements, benefits earned over the years paying FICA, etc. They said it was our right to have these benefits. Too bad the GOP hasn't heard that one yet.

I'm not sure if that will answer you question, but this is going through the Medicare administration, because they are being paid by them. With the money Medicare takes from my SS for Medicare premiums.

Hope that helps. I'd advise NOT calling SSA or Medicare, because they are only paying the insurers. Call the insurers or visit a community meeting.

Since September, they are all over the place, to educate people on their choices under the ACA and Medicare. Or for choices under Medicaid, too, but I didn't go that route, even though they were willing to help me through that, too.

If you are eligible for Medicaid, your state exchange will have the eligiblity page for you to sign up much faster.