The dreaded 65 is fast approaching and I have

[in2herbs]

23. The type of Medicare insurance you can receive is dependent on your state. I, too, have read a lot

of Medicare Advantage trashing on DU and I don't understand it. There are some who say if you have MA and want to change to a PPO you may not be able to if you have pre-existing conditions. I find no truth to this in the government-provided MA information. You must wait till the Medicare sign up period to change any insurance w/o penalty, but pre-existing is not a penalty. I have been on a MA since I went on Medicare almost 4 years ago and am very pleased, but like you I am not on a lot of RX meds, only thyroid. As a note, two months ago I fell and split my face open. The hospital bill was over $15,000 and my UHMA plan paid all but $90. I don't have a bill from the surgeon but he is a member of an accepted group under my UHMA plan so I don't anticipate being shocked at the bill. I have another surgery scheduled for January. These MA plans usually provide some kind of dental but had I required dental work as part of repair that cost would be all out of pocket -- no insurance plan pays for implants, etc., even in emergencies. They only pay a set amount, usually $1,000 - $1,500 and most Medicare plans pay in full for dental cleaning, etc., As for glasses, my MA plan paid for exam and glasses. Upgrades are always out of pocket. Hearing aids I can't address but it's a covered expense under my MA, how much is covered I don't know.

I pay nothing in monthly premiums. I have AARP United Healthcare Medical Advantage.