Q&A: Should we take Medicare B or stay with FEHB (FedBlue)?
Question
Hello Stephen,
I am a federal retiree. My husband and I are on my fed blue. He is still working and just turned 65 and I will be 65 next year. We have high income / our analysis is the Medicare part b will cost us a ton of money and we are well covered by fedblue.
Do you agree?
I think the only concern is that the federal health insurance could change and we could need Medicare part b – or that the legislature could change something and we could need Medicare part b and would incur significant penalties .
Do you have an opinion?
Answer
Hi,
The short answer ultimately is that this is a risk tolerance assessment, which only your stomach can answer.
But based on the facts on the ground today, there’s a strong argument that you can suffice with FEHB alone.
You’re right – Medicare B premiums will be higher if your income is higher.
And you’re right – Medicare can change, and so can FEHB. There are many changes that can possibly happen. Why does that make the choice to get Medicare “safer”? Especially when it’s costing you a bunch.
It’s true that having Medicare you will reduce your out-of-pocket exposures, but it might not be worth the price.
See my article about this here: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/commentary/2018/01/medicare-and-fehb-do-you-need-both/
also, this article: https://stephenzelcer.com/do-i-need-to-have-medicare-or-is-fehb-enough/
Let me know if you need any clarifications.
