This is my second year with Medicare. When I sought out an advisor I was sold the Advantage Plan. I talked to two other advisors and they told me the Advantage plan was the best plan for me with my Tricare4Life. I have a new advisor now and she shared this video with me. Sadly, we missed the deadline this year to switch to original Medicare but next year we will take care of this. I treasure your honesty. Thank you SO much!!
You did not miss your window. You can switch to Original Medicare from January 01 through March 31 of each year. Call Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE they will do it for you.
I hope they do not subject you to medical underwriting when you switch back to Original Medicare with TFL.. I know for those without TFL, when they try to switch back to Original Medicare, the private supplement plans (MediGap plans) ask you questions about your health, look thru your health history, and if you are unhealthy, may deny you Medigap coverage. So these poor people ended up having no Medigap, and subject to pay the 20% copays themselves. Good be financial ruin with cancer treatments or long hospital stays.
Sorry you got screwed by a greedy insurance agent. A case can sometimes be made for buying a Medicare Advantage Plan over a Medi-Gap plan (rarely.) But there is absolutely no way you should have been sold an Advantage Plan if you already had Tricare For Life. Your advisor kicked you in the ass.... hope you got out of it and warn your military buddies.
Thanks Mathew, I am getting ready to sign up for Medicare and currently have Tricare. I have had all of my questions answered by your video. I was truly impressed with your honesty about how valuable my Tricare really is. I was also impressed with the way you encourage our veterans to not be fooled by unscrupulous insurance agents. Thanks for your valuable video.
Thank you very much for this service to us "old soldiers." I am turning 65 in a few months and am receiving a ton of information about the changeover in coverage. This really clears things up!
I came to the same conclusion after researching the options. However, I still had doubt and was hoping I had made the right decision. It turns out the simplest was the best choice. I was automatically enrolled in part A & B because I started collecting Social Security at 62. And that kicked off the auto enrollment for Tricare for Life. So I had to do nothing. Sweet! 😅 But having seen your video gave me the fuzzy feeling of closure. Thanks a million for the black and white clarity you've provided to many of us. God Bless!
I am 81, have TCL and Medicare, I have had a quad bypass, a tumor on my pitituary gland, bladder cancer and have paid almost nothing (under 100$). Even the hospital I used said i had great medical coverage. I will keep original medicare part a and b and TCL.
My father lived into his 90s, in part because of all the great healthcare he could get at little to no cost because of TFL. If it were a plan available to everyone, it would be the #1 selling Medicare supplement in the country. Glad you chose TFL and glad your still kicking!
@@shawnroyse5770 Medicare Part A AND b. tricare cover almost all other charges. Drugs are through Express Scrips. Generic are free and some charges for thoes not on the list. Walk in to a dr. Office, walkout most times not paying anything.
Outstanding video. This gentleman has summarized in less than 20 minutes just about everything you need to know regarding TFL and Medicare. Heed his advice!
I am 64 and will be under Medicare very soon. I went to the VA and there was a large insurance company (don't know that I can say their name) that was selling their "Heroes" Advantage Plan. I was confused because the agent insisted that his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing. In addition I would get dental care and $75 in my pocket every month. This same company was in the Keesler AFB Commissary selling the same Advantage Plan. Initially the agent said they worked with TriCare, so I thought they were Tricare. When I pressed them for answers, they admitted that they actually worked for a large insurance agency. Again, the same promises of increased benefits, and the claim that they actually handle TriCare claims. I think that I will be keeping my TriCare For Life. I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you.
I am glad you made the right decision. His comment "...his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing.' is 100% false. That company is marketing this stuff hard because of what they get out of it. Not what you get. Keep in mind, whenever you see an agent at a store, the VA or wherever, these are rookie agents with limited knowledge and no real experience. An established agent would never spend their time in such places hoping for business. This is why I made this video.
Run away from any Advantage Plan.... as time goes by and these Insurance Companies fail or get worse and worse you will be immune to the upheaval. There business models are failing and healthcare organizations are deciding to not participate with many Advantage plans for a wide variety of reasons. They love original medicare.
Make sure you sign up for Orig Medicare parts A&B ..you will get a letter from the Social Security Administration a few months prior to your 65th B-day...make the selections and return the letter per instructions and you are all set.
You answered ALL my questions by simply letting me know that it doesn't get any better than Tricare for life. If it ain't broke don't fix it (or listen to the lies). Thank you so much, greatly appreciated.
As an agent, the thank you's I receive when I turn people on to listen to your vlogs is unbelievable. You demonstrate that doing and saying the right thing may not be easy for some, but it's the only thing to demonstrate. You practice great ethical business behaviors, and at 65 years old I am proud to say you are my teacher and hope to meet you some day. God bless you and please be safe.
I am a retired Doctor and retired Army Colonel. Thank you! This is an excellent summation of the greatest benefit that retired military service members can receive. Original Medicare plus Tricare for Life IS THE GOLD STANDARD in retired health care. There is not a lot of honest information on this because, as you said, no Agent or Broker gets paid to sell Original Medicare or Tricare for Life.... but they do get paid (the most) for selling a Medicare (dis)-Advantage Plan. Even more than they make selling a Medi-Gap plan to go with Original Medicare. Thanks for your honest discussion with absolutely no financial benefit to you, but knowing you did the right thing by telling the truth.
Tricare is the gold standard. We pay less than half of what we'll be paying for medicare. How is this a good thing? We should be able to retain Tricare at the reasonable rates that we currently pay.
@@anthonys7336 When I retired from the military at age 46, I had Tricare Prime which I had to pay for. When I turned 65, I went on Medicare, and Tricare Prime converted to Tricare for Life which costs me nothing. Tricare for Life pays all copays and deductibles. It also includes a drug plan. it is hard to imagine any medical service that Tricare for Life won't completely pay for. Of course you have to pay for Medicare Part B at age 65 (currently $175/mo.) Besides being free, Tricare For Life is much more generous in what it covers and compared to Medicare Supplements "Medigap Plans" that people have to pay for. For example I can stay in the hospital 150 days and would owe nothing, or I could be in a skilled nursing facility for 100 days and owe nothing. After that I would have to start paying a lot.... but there is a $3,000 annual catastrophic cap.. The most I would have to pay out of pocket in any one year is $3,000. That includes my wife.
Thank you so much for this. My wife and I have Tricare for Life with Medicare and we both have received all the come-ons from Medicare Advantage plan companies. I'd heard from fellow veterans that it doesn't get much better than TCL and Medicare but it's great to get this reinforcement. I really appreciate it.
Cannot thank you enough for making this video! It’s truly a service to the retired military community. I myself would be on an advantage plan had I not seen this video. Thanks again!
Im a retired Army with 22 year of service. On January 1, 2024 I will start with Medicare and Tricare for life.This videos answered many questions that I have about Tricare for life and Medicare and also have 100% VA disability. Thank you great video.
You explained in a nutshell what I needed to do, calming my doubts about the need for Medicare C & D. As a military veteran, I have gained more knowledge and a greater understanding watching your 19:51 min/sec video than the many hours I've spent reviewing literature and reading official gov't websites. My head was spinning causing me to second guess myself. Never knew that paying for an advantage plan would lessen my already stellar Medicare Original and TriCare for Life healthcare insurance. I enjoyed hearing about your Veteran Dad and Mother as you spoke from the heart! Many thanks for your excellent presentation.
Thank you for the presentation. I am retired military, and was considering doing exactly what you advise against. I have been told by many of my retired friends that they are not paying (from their Social Security) the Medicare premium, and are getting additional monies in their Social Security Checks. After listening to your presentation, I am convinced that the additional monies in my Social Security Checks is not worth the limitations of Health Care options such as selecting a doctor of your choice. I hope that I understood correctly what you were saying, and at a minimum, I understood you to say "Keep my Tricare for Life and Medicare"; that this is the best of all plans. Thanks again.
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been specializing in helping people navigate Medicare for over 16 years. When I go into someone’s home, and they tell me they have TRICARE, I thank them for their service, and then I spend the next hour explaining to them why they don’t need anything else. With the exception of Medicare Part A & B.
I'm going to add onto everyone else's comments. I too have been overwhelmed by the myriad of confusing information and direct contact I've gotten as I near my 65th birthday. I too am retired military and have Tricare standard that will convert to TFL when I turn 65. I too have seen all the wonderful benefits of the advantage plans and have been very skeptical. Its probably that I feel like I've been pushed to one direction that I wasn't sure I wanted or needed. When that happens, I usually back off entirely because I don't feel comfortable. Your video was exactly what I needed and provided the information I wanted in a no-pressure format. Thank You Very Much!
Dude! I'm so grateful to you for explaining this. I'm turning 65 next year and was considering Kaiser for my medicare coverage, but now I'll just stick to medicare with tricare for life. Thanks, I'm passing this information to my buddies retired from the military.
I am a retired military member and will be filing for Medicare in the coming months. Thank you so much for this video. You've helped me decide to stick with original Medicare and my TFL benefits. I will be recommending your video to my fellow military retirees.
I suspected your premise to be true, but didn't have enough information to reason out the why. Your video was very informative and valuable. Thanks so much for your frank discussion and advice that benefits us, and not your profits. Your ethic is outstanding and your service to those who have served is awesome. Thanks so much.
Wow! Thank you. My spouse is retired, so we have Tricare. I've had BCBS for 30 years. Because of an injury, I will be medically laid off from my job and am eligible for Medicare on 11/1. I was scared to death because I'm still dealing with medical issues from the injury 2 years later. You cleared my mind and saved me money. I was literally on the HUMANA website about to make an account when I decided to RUclips my concerns first. Thank you, Sir. The next search is for this combo combined with me being a 100% rated VA-disabled Vet. I should have no worries at all. The video has been shared. Thanks again
Thank you Sir for helping me understand this area of medical insurance coverage! I turned 65 July 2022. I’ve been totally confused on switching from Tricare to Medicare and Tricare for life. I’m a 22 year Army vet, and again I thank you for this excellent information! GOD bless you!
Thank you Matthew. Great info. I'm USAF retired and just turned 65. I've been bombarded with insurance offers this year. This time procrastination paid off. I'm staying with Medicare orignal and Tricare for life. I have dental thru insurance at work.
Wow! By far you have been the most informative of all the other videos. This video answered the questions I had as being retired military. I wanted to know if I really needed part G and now I know I don't. I was already wary of Advantage plans and this video verified my suspicions. Thanks for this video!! I have other retired military buddies I will pass this on. Thank-You!!!
It's frustrating how many sales people present advantage plans by promoting the bells and whistles, without discussing what you give up in return. I am glad she didn't take the bait.
I am expected to enroll in Medicare this month and confused about all the options, especially re. Part D since I need a specialty drug. This video is the best one online that explains how Tricare plays into all this, especially making the mistake of adding Part D. I also appreciate your honesty. Thank you and thanks to your USN father.
Outstanding information coupled with a strong ethical stance. I served 30 years in the military and I truly appreciate this outstanding video. Thanks for protecting the men and women in uniform. I thank you!
Thank you, sir, this video has been so informative. Not only that, I truly appreciate you for unselfishly having our "Six" and making veterans aware of the sales tactics that can cost us valuable benefits coverage. Semper Fidelis!
So glad I found your video. I was almost blinded by the shiny add ons. You brought the goal back in focus. BCBS agent was ready to sign me up yesterday. Said Tricare for life works great with medicare advantage because Tricare picks up the copays. I'd have 0 monthly premiums for Advantage, $50 a month reimbursement of my medicare payments making it ~$120 instead of ~170. Dental cleaning 2x a year, Eye exam and $100 on glasses, and Silver &Fit(gym membership). You really make me feel better about mankind!
Thank you very much, very informative. This video helped me immensely and ensured I made the right decision in going with original Medicare and Tricare for Life. Retired Navy, retired DoD civilian with FEHB options, currently suspended FEHB.
Thank you! Thank you! this video is the most important video I have ever watched! I am so thankful your father was in the military and had Tricare for Life. I feel like that could have been your motivation for the video. Thank you for being so honest and concise about the difficult decisions about Medicare and Tricare!
You are welcome. And yes, my father and my respect for those who earned their TFL is my motivation for this. More and more insurance companies are targeting veterans to sell Advantage plans without discussing the negative impact it has on their choices. It's like a feeding frenzy. They even have specific training programs teaching military verbiage and how to counter common questions so that people think you have military experience and first hand knowledge. Please share this video to help protect others from the feeding frenzy.
Great video. I am turning 65 in 5 months and have been looking around to what would be best. This was the best video and you have helped me make my final decision! Thanks from a Retired Marine!
Thanks for this video. One of the most important considerations would be the loss of control of my medical decisions. With a recent artery blockage I would not have wanted a delay in my heart cath waiting upon the insurance cover's approval. Thanks for emphasizing this most important factor in considering original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage.
Thank you so much for this video! I recently had an agent try to sign me up for "free things," which actually was one of two advantage plans without explaining anything to me about Medicare, Tricare for Life, Advantage Plans, nothing about supplement plans. He just quickly threw out some costs of dental, vision, so fast that I couldn't even write it down. So I went on a search to find out what is best for me and to understand because this was like a foreign language to me. Your video cleared up a lot of things for me! You saved me from making a big mistake. Thank you so very much!!
Thank you for sharing. Your experience is exactly why I did this video. Any insurance agent that tries to sell a policy against TFL is, in my opinion, either greedy an immoral or totally ignorant. either way, they shouldn't be in my industry.
Thank you so much. I was medicare eligible last year after having Tricare with MOAA supplement since 1995 when my late husband retired. I viewed your You Tube videos and the information you presented was invaluable!! SHINE didn't want to deal with me (I think they didn't know enough about TFL and probably did me a favor NOT talking to me). I now have Medicare A&B along with my TFL. Everthing is paid 100% except for med that I get through ExpressScripts $12 for a 90 day supply. My MOAA supplement use to pick up this $12 co-pay. I pay more for meds now without the MOAA & I have to pay the Medicare premium every month. Odd Tricare has us paying more after retirement than before retirement but can't complain it is still better than any of my friends have. Thanks again!!
I am a military retiree and have Tricare for Life. I've not traded my original Medicare and Tricare for Life and will not trade, I'll share this video with others. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this information. This is my first year on Medicare and TRICARE for life. I thought I was missing out on something because I received a booklet saying it was open season. I thought I had to pick another insurance. I wasn’t really understanding why some people had Aetna and some people had Humana with their TRICARE for life Now that I got this information from you. I will not make any changes. Very informative I will share it because some of my veteran friends told me that I have to pick a supplemental because they are better than regular Medicare. They all both about having gym memberships and they get the $174 back every month in a debit card. I thought I was missing out on something I see that I’m not again thank you.
gym memebrships and a credit card, yep sounds like a typical Advantage Plan sales pitch. Note they never promote themeselves on their healthcare benefits. They leave the consumer to assume they are the same. in fact, the person with cash back credit card gave up the ablity to see any doctor in the US and have his healthcare between him / her and the doctor. Now the insurance company controls their healthcare.
Thank you for the information. My Tricare for life starts in August and I've been getting tons of solicitations about advantage plans. You're doing a great service for folks that don't understand all of this.
You just gained a new fan. Thanks for making this video. I think Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Tricare For Life is a perfect combination for my wife and me. I see no down side at all.
I'm just 2 months into Medicare. When medicare covers something they pay their part, then medicare sends the rest straight to tricare for life to have them pay the remainder. Very seemless, your doc only has to file with medicare to be paid. Very nice.
Thank you for confirming that I made the right choice. What a relief! The amount of junk mail and phone calls to seniors pushing MA plans while we're trying to navigate the Medicare/supplement choices is overwhelming, confusing and should be illegal.
Thank you so much! I am a military retiree and turn 65 next month. I have enrolled in Parts A & B and will have Tricare for Life as my secondary coverage. I’ve been concerned about the switch from Tricare Prime as this month ends. This video is extremely helpful and has reduced my stress over the switch. I too have been inundated with mail and email from insurance companies. It is comforting to know I have the best set up and don’t need anything else other than dental, which I have through my employer.
Thank you Sir! These video help me understand all about Medicare and my options as a retired veteran. I'm recommending this to all my veteran friends that are approaching 65.
Wow! Thank you so much. My husband is turning 65 in May and has been approved for A & B. He will have Tricare for life when he turns 65 and we were confused (not anymore) if we should get part D and we have been receiving tons of advertisements. This is an awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Husband served 22 years and turned 65 3 years ago. We were lost but did as you stated. I will be 65 soon and was concerned since i don't go to the VA for medical care, i didn't know what to do. Thank you!!
This is the best explanation I can find on Tricare for life! I had been on Medicare advantage for the last three years and no one has been able to explain to me where Tricare fits in! Thank you so much! I need to call Tricare office to get more info! Thank you so much!
I'm a retired vet and soon to turn 65. Off and on for the last TWO YEARS I've been looking for info about TriCare/MediCare for Military retirees and always ran into somebody trying to sell me something. Making matter worse, the three players (Humana/TriCare, MediCare, and Social Security) are reluctant to discuss interoperability. The issues become almost impossible to navigate if you plan to use a Military medical facility after you turn 65. THIS VIDEO answered 90% of my questions in language even a dumba** grunt can understand. Thank you very much.
What a relief! I believe what Matthew Claussen says. I know grassroots-level truth when I hear it and this video says it. Keeping it simple and straightforward without the sale pitch. Thank God for giving me a great career in the armed service as the benefits just keep on coming!
I'm retired Navy rapidly approaching age 65, so I've been digging in to understand what I need to do between TriCare and MediCare. I understand parts A and B and that I don't need part D. My question centered on Advantage plans -- which I'm receiving offers for daily at this point. Your video was great for helping me to understand staying away from what agencies WANT to sell me vs. the coverage I might need -- dental, vision, hearing, etc. Thanks!
@@brucebourgoin6834 those HMO’s with a giveback feature, have very limited benefits and more restrictions than other advantage plans. Just curious, has it ever occurred to you to ask where that money comes from that you can get an insurance plan and they give you money?
Great info. Have passed on numerous attempts to get me to switch to Medicare Advantage. But someone like you informed me of the commissions and suspect coverage. Thanks. I will share this valuable info.👍🏼🇺🇸
Great info for military retirees! This is EXACTLY what I was wondering about as I approach age 65 and you have cleared up the murky waters. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much for your video!! I almost fell for it with all the perks but then heard that I would have to pay upfront and file the claims to be reimbursed by TFL. What a nightmare that would be!!! God Bless You for your honesty and integrity!
I'm just preparing for shift from my employer's coverage to TriCare for Life as I retire. This video is probably the best "First" piece of information you need as you prepare to move to TriCare for Life.
Retired USAF approaching retirement age. My circuit breakers went off when I saw you vid. Wow! Before I retire I feel you have saved me from a costly and uninformed mistake. Thank you.
Excellent video, very informative. My mother was duped into a Vantage Plan last year and ran into the issues you mentioned. She is now staying with us and I am working to get her back on track. Thank you very much for educating us on the facts.
My agency sells advantage plans to beneficiaries. I tried telling the manager that it's better to leave it alone but they force us to pitch the sale so I came to learn more on this. From now on I will tell the insured that they will have to pay first and I'm sure they will say no. That will help me stay compliant with the rules of the firm while showing the beneficiary the weaknesses of joining an advantage plan
Sad, but that is the industry. I am glad you are more focused on helping people do the right thing. If you work with dental plans, that is the one weakness of Tricare...they need better dental.
As a SHIP counselor in training I thank you for providing unbiased, ethical and easily understandable information about how our military health benefits work with Medicare. Kudos to you and thank you.
What a wonderful presentation that cuts to the chase. Very informative and it answered all those suspicious questions that went through my mind about companies that do not tell you everything in order to get a commission . I wish everyone has a chance to see your video. You provide a great service to everyone! Thank you!!!
Please see www.tricare.mil/ for details on Tricare
This is my second year with Medicare. When I sought out an advisor I was sold the Advantage Plan. I talked to two other advisors and they told me the Advantage plan was the best plan for me with my Tricare4Life. I have a new advisor now and she shared this video with me. Sadly, we missed the deadline this year to switch to original Medicare but next year we will take care of this. I treasure your honesty. Thank you SO much!!
You did not miss your window. You can switch to Original Medicare from January 01 through March 31 of each year. Call Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE they will do it for you.
I hope they do not subject you to medical underwriting when you switch back to Original Medicare with TFL.. I know for those without TFL, when they try to switch back to Original Medicare, the private supplement plans (MediGap plans) ask you questions about your health, look thru your health history, and if you are unhealthy, may deny you Medigap coverage. So these poor people ended up having no Medigap, and subject to pay the 20% copays themselves. Good be financial ruin with cancer treatments or long hospital stays.
Sorry you got screwed by a greedy insurance agent. A case can sometimes be made for buying a Medicare Advantage Plan over a Medi-Gap plan (rarely.) But there is absolutely no way you should have been sold an Advantage Plan if you already had Tricare For Life. Your advisor kicked you in the ass.... hope you got out of it and warn your military buddies.
Thanks Mathew, I am getting ready to sign up for Medicare and currently have Tricare. I have had all of my questions answered by your video. I was truly impressed with your honesty about how valuable my Tricare really is. I was also impressed with the way you encourage our veterans to not be fooled by unscrupulous insurance agents. Thanks for your valuable video.
you are welcome
Thank you very much for this service to us "old soldiers." I am turning 65 in a few months and am receiving a ton of information about the changeover in coverage. This really clears things up!
I came to the same conclusion after researching the options. However, I still had doubt and was hoping I had made the right decision. It turns out the simplest was the best choice. I was automatically enrolled in part A & B because I started collecting Social Security at 62. And that kicked off the auto enrollment for Tricare for Life. So I had to do nothing. Sweet! 😅 But having seen your video gave me the fuzzy feeling of closure. Thanks a million for the black and white clarity you've provided to many of us. God Bless!
I am 81, have TCL and Medicare, I have had a quad bypass, a tumor on my pitituary gland, bladder cancer and have paid almost nothing (under 100$). Even the hospital I used said i had great medical coverage. I will keep original medicare part a and b and TCL.
My father lived into his 90s, in part because of all the great healthcare he could get at little to no cost because of TFL. If it were a plan available to everyone, it would be the #1 selling Medicare supplement in the country. Glad you chose TFL and glad your still kicking!
How much do you pay for Medicare with TCL?
@@shawnroyse5770 Medicare Part A AND b. tricare cover almost all other charges. Drugs are through Express Scrips. Generic are free and some charges for thoes not on the list. Walk in to a dr. Office, walkout most times not paying anything.
@@shawnroyse5770 standard cost for medicare part a and b and tfl is free from 20 years in usn
Outstanding video. This gentleman has summarized in less than 20 minutes just about everything you need to know regarding TFL and Medicare. Heed his advice!
Thank you
He sure did!!!!
I am 64 and will be under Medicare very soon. I went to the VA and there was a large insurance company (don't know that I can say their name) that was selling their "Heroes" Advantage Plan. I was confused because the agent insisted that his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing. In addition I would get dental care and $75 in my pocket every month. This same company was in the Keesler AFB Commissary selling the same Advantage Plan. Initially the agent said they worked with TriCare, so I thought they were Tricare. When I pressed them for answers, they admitted that they actually worked for a large insurance agency. Again, the same promises of increased benefits, and the claim that they actually handle TriCare claims. I think that I will be keeping my TriCare For Life. I really appreciate your honesty. Thank you.
I am glad you made the right decision. His comment "...his company processes TriCare and it was basically the same thing.' is 100% false. That company is marketing this stuff hard because of what they get out of it. Not what you get. Keep in mind, whenever you see an agent at a store, the VA or wherever, these are rookie agents with limited knowledge and no real experience. An established agent would never spend their time in such places hoping for business. This is why I made this video.
Run away from any Advantage Plan.... as time goes by and these Insurance Companies fail or get worse and worse you will be immune to the upheaval. There business models are failing and healthcare organizations are deciding to not participate with many Advantage plans for a wide variety of reasons. They love original medicare.
Make sure you sign up for Orig Medicare parts A&B ..you will get a letter from the Social Security Administration a few months prior to your 65th B-day...make the selections and return the letter per instructions and you are all set.
Pretty good 😂
You answered ALL my questions by simply letting me know that it doesn't get any better than Tricare for life. If it ain't broke don't fix it (or listen to the lies). Thank you so much, greatly appreciated.
Glad I could help
As an agent, the thank you's I receive when I turn people on to listen to your vlogs is unbelievable. You demonstrate that doing and saying the right thing may not be easy for some, but it's the only thing to demonstrate. You practice great ethical business behaviors, and at 65 years old I am proud to say you are my teacher and hope to meet you some day. God bless you and please be safe.
Thank you. I appreciate your very kind comment.
I second that comment above. You emulate “ INTERGRITY” which a lot of agents backslide on…it is with great Honor I “ Salute” you!
I am a retired Doctor and retired Army Colonel. Thank you! This is an excellent summation of the greatest benefit that retired military service members can receive. Original Medicare plus Tricare for Life IS THE GOLD STANDARD in retired health care. There is not a lot of honest information on this because, as you said, no Agent or Broker gets paid to sell Original Medicare or Tricare for Life.... but they do get paid (the most) for selling a Medicare (dis)-Advantage Plan. Even more than they make selling a Medi-Gap plan to go with Original Medicare. Thanks for your honest discussion with absolutely no financial benefit to you, but knowing you did the right thing by telling the truth.
Thank you for your kind words. Greedy agents and insurance companies really get my blood boiling.
Tricare is the gold standard. We pay less than half of what we'll be paying for medicare. How is this a good thing? We should be able to retain Tricare at the reasonable rates that we currently pay.
@@anthonys7336 When I retired from the military at age 46, I had Tricare Prime which I had to pay for. When I turned 65, I went on Medicare, and Tricare Prime converted to Tricare for Life which costs me nothing. Tricare for Life pays all copays and deductibles. It also includes a drug plan. it is hard to imagine any medical service that Tricare for Life won't completely pay for. Of course you have to pay for Medicare Part B at age 65 (currently $175/mo.) Besides being free, Tricare For Life is much more generous in what it covers and compared to Medicare Supplements "Medigap Plans" that people have to pay for. For example I can stay in the hospital 150 days and would owe nothing, or I could be in a skilled nursing facility for 100 days and owe nothing. After that I would have to start paying a lot.... but there is a $3,000 annual catastrophic cap.. The most I would have to pay out of pocket in any one year is $3,000. That includes my wife.
Thank you so much for this. My wife and I have Tricare for Life with Medicare and we both have received all the come-ons from Medicare Advantage plan companies. I'd heard from fellow veterans that it doesn't get much better than TCL and Medicare but it's great to get this reinforcement. I really appreciate it.
I am a health care Provider and work for the federal system. His state ment is correct. Listen to him.
Cannot thank you enough for making this video! It’s truly a service to the retired military community. I myself would be on an advantage plan had I not seen this video. Thanks again!
Im a retired Army with 22 year of service. On January 1, 2024 I will start with Medicare and Tricare for life.This videos answered many questions that I have about Tricare for life and Medicare and also have 100% VA disability. Thank you great video.
you are welcome
Did you also pay for part B?
Appreciate this video, and more importantly, your honesty.
Outstanding I'm 3 months from Medicare and you answered all my questions Thanks very much.
You explained in a nutshell what I needed to do, calming my doubts about the need for Medicare C & D. As a military veteran, I have gained more knowledge and a greater understanding watching your 19:51 min/sec video than the many hours I've spent reviewing literature and reading official gov't websites. My head was spinning causing me to second guess myself. Never knew that paying for an advantage plan would lessen my already stellar Medicare Original and TriCare for Life healthcare insurance. I enjoyed hearing about your Veteran Dad and Mother as you spoke from the heart! Many thanks for your excellent presentation.
Thank you for the presentation. I am retired military, and was considering doing exactly what you advise against. I have been told by many of my retired friends that they are not paying (from their Social Security) the Medicare premium, and are getting additional monies in their Social Security Checks. After listening to your presentation, I am convinced that the additional monies in my Social Security Checks is not worth the limitations of Health Care options such as selecting a doctor of your choice. I hope that I understood correctly what you were saying, and at a minimum, I understood you to say "Keep my Tricare for Life and Medicare"; that this is the best of all plans.
Thanks again.
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been specializing in helping people navigate Medicare for over 16 years. When I go into someone’s home, and they tell me they have TRICARE, I thank them for their service, and then I spend the next hour explaining to them why they don’t need anything else. With the exception of Medicare Part A & B.
Thank God I watched your Video. And here I am, I was planning to add Part D to my Tricare for Life - Silly me. Thank you for the info.
whew. Glad you watched this!
Thank you! Tricare for life!
I'm going to add onto everyone else's comments. I too have been overwhelmed by the myriad of confusing information and direct contact I've gotten as I near my 65th birthday. I too am retired military and have Tricare standard that will convert to TFL when I turn 65. I too have seen all the wonderful benefits of the advantage plans and have been very skeptical. Its probably that I feel like I've been pushed to one direction that I wasn't sure I wanted or needed. When that happens, I usually back off entirely because I don't feel comfortable. Your video was exactly what I needed and provided the information I wanted in a no-pressure format. Thank You Very Much!
You are welcome. Sad, there is so much money (our tax money) in Medicare Advantage plans that it leads to greed and crooked sales practices.
Dude! I'm so grateful to you for explaining this. I'm turning 65 next year and was considering Kaiser for my medicare coverage, but now I'll just stick to medicare with tricare for life. Thanks, I'm passing this information to my buddies retired from the military.
Stay away from Kaiser (for many reasons).
I am a retired military member and will be filing for Medicare in the coming months. Thank you so much for this video. You've helped me decide to stick with original Medicare and my TFL benefits. I will be recommending your video to my fellow military retirees.
BLUF: timely sign up for Medicare A & B (a few months prior to your 65th bday), keep your TFL, do not sign up for Medicare Advantage Plan. Got it 👍🏽
I suspected your premise to be true, but didn't have enough information to reason out the why. Your video was very informative and valuable. Thanks so much for your frank discussion and advice that benefits us, and not your profits. Your ethic is outstanding and your service to those who have served is awesome. Thanks so much.
Wow! Thank you. My spouse is retired, so we have Tricare. I've had BCBS for 30 years. Because of an injury, I will be medically laid off from my job and am eligible for Medicare on 11/1. I was scared to death because I'm still dealing with medical issues from the injury 2 years later. You cleared my mind and saved me money. I was literally on the HUMANA website about to make an account when I decided to RUclips my concerns first. Thank you, Sir. The next search is for this combo combined with me being a 100% rated VA-disabled Vet. I should have no worries at all. The video has been shared. Thanks again
I am glad my video helped you keep the best choice in healthcare.
Thank you Sir for helping me understand this area of medical insurance coverage! I turned 65 July 2022. I’ve been totally confused on switching from Tricare to Medicare and Tricare for life. I’m a 22 year Army vet, and again I thank you for this excellent information! GOD bless you!
Thank you Matthew. Great info. I'm USAF retired and just turned 65. I've been bombarded with insurance offers this year. This time procrastination paid off. I'm staying with Medicare orignal and Tricare for life. I have dental thru insurance at work.
Matthew! Thank you! You are certainly God sent to us retired service members.
Great video. I am a retired veteran coming up on my 65th birthday. Thank you so much
Thank you for this great information. I'm 68yo with Medicare/Tricare4life and I thank God!
That opens my eyes!!! Thank you!!!
Wow! By far you have been the most informative of all the other videos. This video answered the questions I had as being retired military. I wanted to know if I really needed part G and now I know I don't. I was already wary of Advantage plans and this video verified my suspicions. Thanks for this video!! I have other retired military buddies I will pass this on. Thank-You!!!
You are welcome, and please do share. There are way too many wolves out there.
Awesome. Medicare/Tricare for Life user. VERY useful!! Wife wanted advantage for Silver Sneakers. I’ll just pay gym membership
It's frustrating how many sales people present advantage plans by promoting the bells and whistles, without discussing what you give up in return. I am glad she didn't take the bait.
I am expected to enroll in Medicare this month and confused about all the options, especially re. Part D since I need a specialty drug. This video is the best one online that explains how Tricare plays into all this, especially making the mistake of adding Part D. I also appreciate your honesty. Thank you and thanks to your USN father.
Outstanding information coupled with a strong ethical stance. I served 30 years in the military and I truly appreciate this outstanding video. Thanks for protecting the men and women in uniform. I thank you!
You are welcome.
I am a Medicare agent and I find your video extremely helpful I am also a veteran. Thank you!
This should be standard video for all military retirees goong to Medicare... Thank you
Thank you, sir, this video has been so informative. Not only that, I truly appreciate you for unselfishly having our "Six" and making veterans aware of the sales tactics that can cost us valuable benefits coverage. Semper Fidelis!
Thank you
Finally, someone honestly speaking the truth and nothing but the truth. Thanks for clearing this confusing transition. I feel so educated now.
So glad I found your video. I was almost blinded by the shiny add ons. You brought the goal back in focus. BCBS agent was ready to sign me up yesterday. Said Tricare for life works great with medicare advantage because Tricare picks up the copays. I'd have 0 monthly premiums for Advantage, $50 a month reimbursement of my medicare payments making it ~$120 instead of ~170. Dental cleaning 2x a year, Eye exam and $100 on glasses, and Silver &Fit(gym membership).
You really make me feel better about mankind!
Way too many agents have no idea of what they are selling or how it impacts TriCare for Life. I am glad you found the truth before it was too late.
Thank you very much, very informative. This video helped me immensely and ensured I made the right decision in going with original Medicare and Tricare for Life. Retired Navy, retired DoD civilian with FEHB options, currently suspended FEHB.
Thank you! Thank you! this video is the most important video I have ever watched! I am so thankful your father was in the military and had Tricare for Life. I feel like that could have been your motivation for the video. Thank you for being so honest and concise about the difficult decisions about Medicare and Tricare!
You are welcome. And yes, my father and my respect for those who earned their TFL is my motivation for this. More and more insurance companies are targeting veterans to sell Advantage plans without discussing the negative impact it has on their choices. It's like a feeding frenzy. They even have specific training programs teaching military verbiage and how to counter common questions so that people think you have military experience and first hand knowledge. Please share this video to help protect others from the feeding frenzy.
Thank you for creating this video and sharing this wonderful information.
Great video. I am turning 65 in 5 months and have been looking around to what would be best. This was the best video and you have helped me make my final decision! Thanks from a Retired Marine!
Thanks for this video. One of the most important considerations would be the loss of control of my medical decisions. With a recent artery blockage I would not have wanted a delay in my heart cath waiting upon the insurance cover's approval. Thanks for emphasizing this most important factor in considering original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage.
you are welcome
Thank you so much for this video! I recently had an agent try to sign me up for "free things," which actually was one of two advantage plans without explaining anything to me about Medicare, Tricare for Life, Advantage Plans, nothing about supplement plans. He just quickly threw out some costs of dental, vision, so fast that I couldn't even write it down. So I went on a search to find out what is best for me and to understand because this was like a foreign language to me. Your video cleared up a lot of things for me! You saved me from making a big mistake. Thank you so very much!!
Thank you for sharing. Your experience is exactly why I did this video. Any insurance agent that tries to sell a policy against TFL is, in my opinion, either greedy an immoral or totally ignorant. either way, they shouldn't be in my industry.
Medicare and Tricare for life is the best coverage you can possibly get today! Great video, thanks!!!!!
Thank you so much. I was medicare eligible last year after having Tricare with MOAA supplement since 1995 when my late husband retired. I viewed your You Tube videos and the information you presented was invaluable!! SHINE didn't want to deal with me (I think they didn't know enough about TFL and probably did me a favor NOT talking to me). I now have Medicare A&B along with my TFL. Everthing is paid 100% except for med that I get through ExpressScripts $12 for a 90 day supply. My MOAA supplement use to pick up this $12 co-pay. I pay more for meds now without the MOAA & I have to pay the Medicare premium every month. Odd Tricare has us paying more after retirement than before retirement but can't complain it is still better than any of my friends have. Thanks again!!
I am a military retiree and have Tricare for Life. I've not traded my original Medicare and Tricare for Life and will not trade, I'll share this video with others. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this information. This is my first year on Medicare and TRICARE for life. I thought I was missing out on something because I received a booklet saying it was open season. I thought I had to pick another insurance. I wasn’t really understanding why some people had Aetna and some people had Humana with their TRICARE for life Now that I got this information from you. I will not make any changes. Very informative I will share it because some of my veteran friends told me that I have to pick a supplemental because they are better than regular Medicare. They all both about having gym memberships and they get the $174 back every month in a debit card. I thought I was missing out on something I see that I’m not again thank you.
gym memebrships and a credit card, yep sounds like a typical Advantage Plan sales pitch. Note they never promote themeselves on their healthcare benefits. They leave the consumer to assume they are the same. in fact, the person with cash back credit card gave up the ablity to see any doctor in the US and have his healthcare between him / her and the doctor. Now the insurance company controls their healthcare.
Wow, thank you for your honesty! The information provided will eliminate any confusion and allow long term financial security!😉 God bless you!
Thank you for the information. My Tricare for life starts in August and I've been getting tons of solicitations about advantage plans. You're doing a great service for folks that don't understand all of this.
You are very welcome!
You just gained a new fan. Thanks for making this video. I think Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, and Tricare For Life is a perfect combination for my wife and me. I see no down side at all.
5 months out for Medicare, this is the straight scoop I needed. Thank you.
I'm just 2 months into Medicare. When medicare covers something they pay their part, then medicare sends the rest straight to tricare for life to have them pay the remainder. Very seemless, your doc only has to file with medicare to be paid. Very nice.
This clarified so many questions I had. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this. Thank you for taking the time to produce this video.
You're welcome.
Thank you so much for this information! Thank you for being honest and explaining it so well! This was an awesome RUclips video!
Thank you for confirming that I made the right choice. What a relief! The amount of junk mail and phone calls to seniors pushing MA plans while we're trying to navigate the Medicare/supplement choices is overwhelming, confusing and should be illegal.
Thank you for this informative video. I turn 65 in Oct and was feeling overwhelmed with all the mailings I have received so far.
Thanks so much for this wonderful information.
You are welcome
Thank you so much! I am a military retiree and turn 65 next month. I have enrolled in Parts A & B and will have Tricare for Life as my secondary coverage. I’ve been concerned about the switch from Tricare Prime as this month ends. This video is extremely helpful and has reduced my stress over the switch. I too have been inundated with mail and email from insurance companies. It is comforting to know I have the best set up and don’t need anything else other than dental, which I have through my employer.
Thank you! Appreciate the honesty and information provided!
Excellent succinct I’m retired reserve age 64 so this is highly valuable
Wonderful video. Thank you Larry Dent
Thank you, Larry
Thank you Sir! These video help me understand all about Medicare and my options as a retired veteran. I'm recommending this to all my veteran friends that are approaching 65.
You are welcome
Wow! Thank you so much. My husband is turning 65 in May and has been approved for A & B. He will have Tricare for life when he turns 65 and we were confused (not anymore) if we should get part D and we have been receiving tons of advertisements.
This is an awesome video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.
You are welcome
I am retired from military and found this information to be great! I have tricare prime, but at 65 tricare for life; i will keep original medicare!
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Husband served 22 years and turned 65 3 years ago. We were lost but did as you stated. I will be 65 soon and was concerned since i don't go to the VA for medical care, i didn't know what to do. Thank you!!
Your husband doesn’t need to go to the VA anymore. Perhaps you and him should go to the same doctors.
This is the best explanation I can find on Tricare for life! I had been on Medicare advantage for the last three years and no one has been able to explain to me where Tricare fits in! Thank you so much! I need to call Tricare office to get more info! Thank you so much!
You are welcome. Thank you for the kind comment.
I'm a retired vet and soon to turn 65. Off and on for the last TWO YEARS I've been looking for info about TriCare/MediCare for Military retirees and always ran into somebody trying to sell me something. Making matter worse, the three players (Humana/TriCare, MediCare, and Social Security) are reluctant to discuss interoperability. The issues become almost impossible to navigate if you plan to use a Military medical facility after you turn 65. THIS VIDEO answered 90% of my questions in language even a dumba** grunt can understand. Thank you very much.
You are very welcome. Dang, I missed 10%!
What a relief! I believe what Matthew Claussen says. I know grassroots-level truth when I hear it and this video says it. Keeping it simple and straightforward without the sale pitch. Thank God for giving me a great career in the armed service as the benefits just keep on coming!
Just found your video. Thank you very much for the information.
Thank you, for the information that you are providing, is the exactly what I been telling my fellow veterans and retirees.
I'm retired Navy rapidly approaching age 65, so I've been digging in to understand what I need to do between TriCare and MediCare. I understand parts A and B and that I don't need part D. My question centered on Advantage plans -- which I'm receiving offers for daily at this point. Your video was great for helping me to understand staying away from what agencies WANT to sell me vs. the coverage I might need -- dental, vision, hearing, etc. Thanks!
You are very welcome. I am glad I could help.
I have Medicare and TFL as well as VA health care. I signed up for a give back plan that will put around $110.00, back into my SS payments next year.
@@brucebourgoin6834 those HMO’s with a giveback feature, have very limited benefits and more restrictions than other advantage plans. Just curious, has it ever occurred to you to ask where that money comes from that you can get an insurance plan and they give you money?
Great info. Have passed on numerous attempts to get me to switch to Medicare Advantage. But someone like you informed me of the commissions and suspect coverage. Thanks. I will share this valuable info.👍🏼🇺🇸
😊
Great info for military retirees! This is EXACTLY what I was wondering about as I approach age 65 and you have cleared up the murky waters. Thank you very much!
you are welcome
Thanks very much. Very helpful.
Thank you for this excellent information!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the great information! I'm just starting to research the medicare-tricare options and this was very helpful.
You are very welcome!
I can't thank you enough. My husband is so confused with Medicare and tricare for life. I told him to watch your video.
Good. I hope it helped.
Thank you very much, most informative and helpful information I have received on this issue.
Thank you so much for your video!! I almost fell for it with all the perks but then heard that I would have to pay upfront and file the claims to be reimbursed by TFL. What a nightmare that would be!!! God Bless You for your honesty and integrity!
Glad I could help!
I'm just preparing for shift from my employer's coverage to TriCare for Life as I retire. This video is probably the best "First" piece of information you need as you prepare to move to TriCare for Life.
Thank you. Please share so others don't get fooled by commission hungry agents.
Great Information. Thank you!
Thank you so much. Just the info we were in need of. Thanks again.😊
I am glad to be of help.
Thank you thank you thank you!!! God bless you!😁
Retired USAF approaching retirement age. My circuit breakers went off when I saw you vid. Wow! Before I retire I feel you have saved me from a costly and uninformed mistake. Thank you.
Excellent video, very informative. My mother was duped into a Vantage Plan last year and ran into the issues you mentioned. She is now staying with us and I am working to get her back on track. Thank you very much for educating us on the facts.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent informative video for retirees.....thank you.
My agency sells advantage plans to beneficiaries. I tried telling the manager that it's better to leave it alone but they force us to pitch the sale so I came to learn more on this. From now on I will tell the insured that they will have to pay first and I'm sure they will say no. That will help me stay compliant with the rules of the firm while showing the beneficiary the weaknesses of joining an advantage plan
Sad, but that is the industry. I am glad you are more focused on helping people do the right thing. If you work with dental plans, that is the one weakness of Tricare...they need better dental.
Excellent information on Tricare for life. Thank you.
As a SHIP counselor in training I thank you for providing unbiased, ethical and easily understandable information about how our military health benefits work with Medicare. Kudos to you and thank you.
Thank you very much. I'm going to share with all my military friends. Thank you again!!!
What a wonderful presentation that cuts to the chase. Very informative and it answered all those suspicious questions that went through my mind about companies that do not tell you everything in order to get a commission . I wish everyone has a chance to see your video. You provide a great service to everyone! Thank you!!!
You are welcome Bill
Thank you for your honesty! I will pass it on to other retired veterans. God bless you!
Thank you for taking the time to inform us!
Awesome video - explains why I am getting bombarded with so many post cards, letters and phone calls regarding medicare.
Thank you for the information sir