medicare advantage plan through carpenters union
Hi Terry,
I am 71 yrs old and have full coverage insurance through my employer, my wife included. I will be retiring in May of 2027 and will need to enroll in Medicare part B. My insurance will continue until August 2027. I have already talked to Thom Dillon on what I need to do for supplemental insurance to Medicare. However because I am a retired union carpenter (Mid-America Carpenters) I am eligible for their Medicare Advantage Plan which is currently through BCBS, but will change to Humana on Jan. 1, 2027. I think I have heard you say that advantage plans through the unions are better than the ones offered directly through the insurance companies.
I have until March 1 to enroll in the carpenters insurance plan to get the $165 per month rate per person. If I wait until after March 1 the rate will double to $330. Is it worth it for me to drop my employer insurance (if they let me) and take advantage of the carpenters insurance before Mar.1? I would have to apply for Part B prior to this change. OR keep my current insurance and double up with the carpenters insurance along with Part B premiums for just a few months?
OR just forget about it and go with the supplemental plans as discussed with Dillon? I know this is a lot, but what do you think? Is this something I can discuss with JT Medicare Solutions? Thank you for your response.
Terry Says
Whew, that’s a tough one. And my first suggestion is to go back to Thom Dillon — but after Open Enrollment ends next month on Dec 7th! I’m sure he is jammed right now. And this can wait until January.
Here are some of things to consider. First, you do not want to take the COBRA, but instead if you’re going with traditional Medicare and a supplement, you must apply for that supplement immediately upon retirement! Thom will explain that you only have 6 months to be accepted into Plan G regardless of health.
Second, even though that $165 monthly Advantage premium from your union looks relatively inexpensive, please double check the network of doctors/hospitals — and the maximum out-of-pocket that is part of this plan. Yes, union plans have a lot of clout with their plan providers — BUT there are always limitations, and both limitations and premiums could rise in future years.
Those limitations only become apparent if you get sick. While you’re healthy, they look like a great deal, especially if your docs and hospitals are in network. But any advice I might give you is probably biased by my own desire to have my choice of care if I get sick. And for that reason, I always suggest original Medicare and a supplement that gives you total choice. If you can afford it.
