General Discussion

When I turned 65 I went to an insurance broker who set me up on a 'medicare' program. Two years later I went to another broker who sold me a different medicare. Two years later I went back to the 1st broker and asked to be put on my regular medicare. She exclaimed, You have never been on Medicare, but on Medicare Advantage! HUH?

Fortunately, in New York State (and 2 other states) one is allowed to easily switch to Medicare after being on Medicare Advantage. In the other states, one can only switch IF the Medicare underwriters allow it. You have a pre-existing condition? Tough luck.

My point is that this US insurance system is complicated and just because you think you're getting valid information from a broker, you might not. It's Capitalism. People reach into your pockets as fast as they can.