Medicare Drug Coverage - pros and cons?

[raquelita]

I have to decide on whether to renew Part D before the end of the year.

It is my understanding that non-US residents will not be penalized for not enrolling in Part D. Because I only learned this in 2010, I presently have the coverage but was thinking of not re-enlisting because I buy my medications here given the complications of getting them across the border.

Then someone said not enrolling would be foolish because it would be hard to get reinstated if I ever move back to the US.

Will welcome hearing what other Forum members do.

[Jzmackenzie]

I'd LOVE some feedback too. Many people have assured me that up to $50K is paid for care outside the USA after primary pays. The VA will NOT pay a cent for hospital care in Leon, GTO, for my husband and neither will Medicare.

I have to decide on whether to renew Part D before the end of the year.

It is my understanding that non-US residents will not be penalized for not enrolling in Part D. Because I only learned this in 2010, I presently have the coverage but was thinking of not re-enlisting because I buy my medications here given the complications of getting them across the border.

Then someone said not enrolling would be foolish because it would be hard to get reinstated if I ever move back to the US.

Will welcome hearing what other Forum members do.

[meroberts]

Here is my personal experience. I registered for Part D in 2010 and ended up paying ($34 USD per month) for the entire year -- for nothing. AETNA told me on the phone, BEFORE I enrolled, (GET IT IN WRITING) that they would give us 180 day supply since we lived down here. They later reneged when we actually went to the border to pick up our meds and I ended up using BCBS anyway.

Needless to say, I have cancelled Part D for 2011 because I still hold BCBS coverage which covers 80% of the cost of our meds and we pay the balance. I will have to keep BCBC for the rest of my life anyway. I was warned on our phone conversation (AND IT WAS RECORDED) that I could never again enroll on Part D. So, like I said at the beginning, that is just my personal experience. I hope this helps in your decission making process.

Martha

[raquelita]

Thanks, Martha. The information about saying your carrier would never accept you again for Part D confirms what I heard. For that reason, although I agree that paying the $34/month is a ripoff, for me it may be the option I choose. . . We expats could use an ombudsman at Medicare.

Martha
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