Daughter offered two lousy health insurance program choices.

[John Schmidt]

She's 61 & now single, wasn't planned that way but she discovered her husband of over 25 yrs. had a little side business for a number of years...monkey business with two kids. She has a decent job and will move into the top spot next year when the current person retires. The problem is with the health insurance offered by her employer; it's lousy and expensive. Obviously the company does it that way to protect the bottom line, but done at the expense of all their employees. She needs to find something affordable without huge deductables and an equally high monthly premium. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where to look or what to look for? She lives in Illinois about 80 miles east of St. Louis, I wonder if the State has assistance programs available or if there are any Fed. programs worth looking into.

[Valker]

She should check out the Gov't programs, but if she makes a lot, they're expensive. Shop around. She can go on Medicare at 65, so she'll only need a new plan for about 4 years.

[cookiedough]

you never said what line of work she is into or interested in doing?

good luck finding anywhere nowadays with what I would call 'affordable' health insurance.  Most companies out there though is not too bad for 'single' ONLY coverage.  The killer is employee plus children or spouse and employee plus family simply outrageous monthly amount to pay out of pocket.

I know of ONLY 2 companies in Madison WI having excellent health insurance paying 100% AFTER lower 1-2K or lower deductible has been met first and like have to kill someone or know insider people to get in there VERY hard to get employed at both places.   Most have insane monthly premiums to pay and still with a 1500-2500 single deductible to meet 1st then paying 20% up to the 3500 to 5K out of pocket maximum, then finally 100% covered.    Basically for I would say for a lot of us,  useless insurance unless have major yearly medical bills like 10K or so per year does not pay to have health insurance at all.

It is the way the world works now at almost all places unless get into a govt. job of some sort.  15-20+ years ago was completely different most companies only had to pay 1-2K deductible first and then 100% covered in full after that.   Not like that today at all in 95% of places and keeps going up and up and up. 

Or worse yet, my former employer I did not know at first, but they require on top of huge premiums having to do other BS stuff online or attend a seminar or other BS OUTSIDE of work to gain 400 more points (my example) to NOT have another 125 per month taken out of your paycheck.  Is BS for sure and told HR that when I left telling them doing 'extra' stuff outside of work or doing stuff online has nothing to do with me doing my job AT WORK.  One way to gain points was to have a smartwatch tracking your steps daily and recording online.  I told HR pay for my smartwatch which I hate wearing watches and I will do it, but do NOT force me to wear a smartwatch for stupid stuff having to do for NO good reason having NOTHING to do with performing my job duties. 

2 employers ago the company forced me to attend like 5 'coaching' sessions on the phone or email on improving health and ways to do it to get the lower premium rate which all it was being a BS session I made up.  My health scan they bogusly made up was 1 percent from passing is all and I am not even on any meds at all just overweight is all.  I told the 'life coach', being true, we just got back from walking on vacation 1 week 27 miles in 5 days and one would think if able to do that healthwise is good enough? 

HR and their company policies will find anyway to sock it to their employees NOT caring about any of their employees ONLY caring about reduced out of pocket employer costs and looking good in HR for the mgmt. they report to.   

[cookiedough]

how many more years is she planning to work since age 61?  until age 65 or 67 or 63?  That matters since if only age 63,  I would probably stay put for 2 more years if can tolerate it.  If age 67,  keep looking around something might come up with better insurance premiums, maybe???

Is she considering moving to St. Louis?  What profession she in?  My wife's employer has a larger company in St. Louis and so-so not horrible premiums, especially for single folks.  If so, let me know and can message you on the company in St. Louis if wanting to move closer to there?

[Serk]

Open enrollment for the Obamacare marketplace is over for the year, but if she's had a change in eligibility she might qualify. The plans are all overpriced crap, but maybe one would be less overpriced and less crap than what her employer is offering:

https://www.healthcare.gov/

[f6gal]

She's 61 & now single, wasn't planned that way but she discovered her husband of over 25 yrs. had a little side business for a number of years...monkey business with two kids. She has a decent job and will move into the top spot next year when the current person retires. The problem is with the health insurance offered by her employer; it's lousy and expensive. Obviously the company does it that way to protect the bottom line, but done at the expense of all their employees. She needs to find something affordable without huge deductables and an equally high monthly premium. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where to look or what to look for? She lives in Illinois about 80 miles east of St. Louis, I wonder if the State has assistance programs available or if there are any Fed. programs worth looking into.

How good is her lawyer?  Maybe try to have him pay insurance premiums... since he's a low life piece of pond scum.  

[John Schmidt]

how many more years is she planning to work since age 61?  until age 65 or 67 or 63?  That matters since if only age 63,  I would probably stay put for 2 more years if can tolerate it.  If age 67,  keep looking around something might come up with better insurance premiums, maybe???

Is she considering moving to St. Louis?  What profession she in?  My wife's employer has a larger company in St. Louis and so-so not horrible premiums, especially for single folks.  If so, let me know and can message you on the company in St. Louis if wanting to move closer to there?

She used to live in St. Louis, wants no part of it. Her line of work the last 20+ yrs. has been managing low-income housing under HUD rules and runs a tight ship, much to the delight of the Chicago HUD office. There are some examiners in that office that know her by name...and she, them. The company that owns the facility where she works is also located in Chicago. Some time ago I suggested she either look around for a better position, possibly with HUD on the Federal level, or look for a State position that made use of her experience. She followed my advice and had some really great offers, but it involved moving away from her current location...a deal breaker for her, she lives close to one of her daughters and grandchildren. Another daughter lives in St. Louis, a son in Illinois just across the river from St. Louis...more grandkids. You can see where this is going! Her best offer actually came from a HUD office in Orlando, FL but again...moving away from her little ones. So she has made up her mind to stay put, along with its disadvantages.

[f6john]

I’m where I am because of grandkids. It was a big change from where I was, some good some not so good but a no brainer when it came to the kids. My granddaughter is with us today. Hope your daughter stays healthy!

[John Schmidt]

She's 61 & now single, wasn't planned that way but she discovered her husband of over 25 yrs. had a little side business for a number of years...monkey business with two kids. She has a decent job and will move into the top spot next year when the current person retires. The problem is with the health insurance offered by her employer; it's lousy and expensive. Obviously the company does it that way to protect the bottom line, but done at the expense of all their employees. She needs to find something affordable without huge deductables and an equally high monthly premium. Does anyone have a suggestion as to where to look or what to look for? She lives in Illinois about 80 miles east of St. Louis, I wonder if the State has assistance programs available or if there are any Fed. programs worth looking into.

How good is her lawyer?  Maybe try to have him pay insurance premiums... since he's a low life piece of pond scum.  

Connie, this all came about 10 yrs. ago, plus she makes more than he does. I guess I made it sound like it was a current event. I have little to do with him now but see him when I go visit since he lives locally...never did end up with the young stuff he was messing with for five years. Your definition is right on target!  

[Jess from VA]

Perhaps she should look to Federal employment (in her areas of expertise).

Federal civil service has the most reasonable health care plans existent anymore, and many of them to chose from.

In my time at USDVA, I learned that many people (and professionals) nearing retirement age, took any civil service job available because in 5 years, they are retirement eligible (if old enough).  Now that is not enough to earn a pension of any kind, but the 5yr retirement allows you to take your Federal Heath plan into retirement with you for your remaining lifetime.

Many people in the private sector had no health insurance or terribly expensive care, and taking the pay cut for their last five years was more than worth it for federal health in insurance.  Especially if they are in need of good lifetime insurance.

[cookiedough]

tell her to keep looking and never hurts to go for interviews if something pops up worth applying for.

all too often we get into a rut and stick it out no matter what the working/life conditions are like and could be better.  

My wife's employer is nearby 30 miles away but rumors past few years has been moving to other office where most of the big shots now reside in St. Louis.  Wife makes more than me but still NO way moving to St. Louis if and when the time comes.  Pretty sure 95% of their employees nearby would never move from WI to St. Louis, mostly because of location and family nearby as well.  If it does fold up and move to St. Louis,  I see no reason why the wife still cannot work from home near 100% of the time as she has past 2 years during covid?  We will cross that bridge if and when it comes I guess?  

biggest issue with my wife starting over is she has 30 years experience with 1 company but her job 'technically' requires now a 4 year degree and accreditations along with it which she does not have.  Gotta love it when the so-so mediocre income workers run the asylum with supervisors and managers making 2-3x's her salary and they go to her for advice on their jobs.

[f6gal]

Perhaps she should look to Federal employment (in her areas of expertise).

Federal civil service has the most reasonable health care plans existent anymore, and many of them to chose from.

In my time at USDVA, I learned that many people (and professionals) nearing retirement age, took any civil service job available because in 5 years, they are retirement eligible (if old enough).  Now that is not enough to earn a pension of any kind, but the 5yr retirement allows you to take your Federal Heath plan into retirement with you for your remaining lifetime.

Many people in the private sector had no health insurance or terribly expensive care, and taking the pay cut for their last five years was more than worth it for federal health in insurance.  Especially if they are in need of good lifetime insurance.

Federal insurance is the bomb.  I was able to hold onto mine when I left (except I pay the premiums instead of them).  Unfortunately, I'm really torn now... as I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.  

[hubcapsc]

I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.

I have to apply soon too... I'm under the impression I don't have to give up my current insurance.
Perhaps the difference is that my insurance is built in to my retirement, and you are paying for yours,
so having both would be a burden?

-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Perhaps she should look to Federal employment (in her areas of expertise).

Federal civil service has the most reasonable health care plans existent anymore, and many of them to chose from.

In my time at USDVA, I learned that many people (and professionals) nearing retirement age, took any civil service job available because in 5 years, they are retirement eligible (if old enough).  Now that is not enough to earn a pension of any kind, but the 5yr retirement allows you to take your Federal Heath plan into retirement with you for your remaining lifetime.

Many people in the private sector had no health insurance or terribly expensive care, and taking the pay cut for their last five years was more than worth it for federal health in insurance.  Especially if they are in need of good lifetime insurance.

Federal insurance is the bomb.  I was able to hold onto mine when I left (except I pay the premiums instead of them).  Unfortunately, I'm really torn now... as I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.  

Connie I went through that exact dilemma/choice.  Because the premiums come off my pension and are so reasonable, I just added medicare A and B (not C, I've never needed expensive, or any drugs).  However, my Federal choice is one of the cheaper ones with bargain coverage (good coverage for nuts and bolts, but lower limits).  If you let your Federal coverage lapse, you can never get it back. If you keep it, you can always switch to any other available Fed plan (at the annual open season) too.

You get the Med A for free (having qualified on quarters) but pay for the B (from your Social Security).  The B and my bargain Federal plan have a good degree of overlap (and when they saw I took and A and B, they offer me an $800 a year rebate; on application).  But doing this gets rid of all copays and other out of pocket expenses.  I have not paid a cent out of pocket since Medicare election (though I almost never go to doctors).  I went back and forth on B for a long time (keeping my fed plan), and talked to people for advice.  I didn't really need it, but finally did as the extra money doesn't affect my life or budget, and from fear I might need it.  

Another reason I kept my Federal plan is I keep my wife on it (she's years from medicare), and it saves her 8-10K or more for her one take it or leave it rotten private company plan (with huge deductible) (and this also bumps up her pay by the company share of their plan).  Even though we've been split for 12 years, I am happy to help her out, as she makes her own final push to retirement in a few years (again, the Federal plan is pretty reasonable, even for 2).  She uses it more than I do.  

Our separation agreement does not include heath coverage, I do it for her because I can and she needs it.  We had 20+ good years before the meltdown. (overshare)

Now if you have a Cadillac Federal plan, and want A and B, you could switch to a federal bargain plan to shave some cost.  Or keep a Cadillac Federal plan and pass on B.  Trying to read all that and make an informed decision is mind numbing.  

I haven't really needed health insurance most most of my life (few things)(knock wood), but coming up on 69 that could always change.  

[f6gal]

I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.

I have to apply soon too... I'm under the impression I don't have to give up my current insurance.
Perhaps the difference is that my insurance is built in to my retirement, and you are paying for yours,
so having both would be a burden?

-Mike

My understanding is that once you have Medicare, it becomes primary.  I never have any issue with anything be covered under my current insurance... I don't want that to change!  The insurance premiums are deducted from my retirement check. 

[f6gal]

Perhaps she should look to Federal employment (in her areas of expertise).

Federal civil service has the most reasonable health care plans existent anymore, and many of them to chose from.

In my time at USDVA, I learned that many people (and professionals) nearing retirement age, took any civil service job available because in 5 years, they are retirement eligible (if old enough).  Now that is not enough to earn a pension of any kind, but the 5yr retirement allows you to take your Federal Heath plan into retirement with you for your remaining lifetime.

Many people in the private sector had no health insurance or terribly expensive care, and taking the pay cut for their last five years was more than worth it for federal health in insurance.  Especially if they are in need of good lifetime insurance.

Federal insurance is the bomb.  I was able to hold onto mine when I left (except I pay the premiums instead of them).  Unfortunately, I'm really torn now... as I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.  

Connie I went through that exact dilemma/choice.  Because the premiums come off my pension and are so reasonable, I just added medicare A and B (not C, I've never needed expensive, or any drugs).  However, my Federal choice is one of the cheaper ones with bargain coverage (good coverage for nuts and bolts, but lower limits).  If you let your Federal coverage lapse, you can never get it back. If you keep it, you can always switch to any other available Fed plan (at the annual open season) too.

You get the Med A for free (having qualified on quarters) but pay for the B (from your Social Security).  The B and my bargain Federal plan have a good degree of overlap (and when they saw I took and A and B, they offer me an $800 a year rebate; on application).  But doing this gets rid of all copays and other out of pocket expenses.  I have not paid a cent out of pocket since Medicare election (though I almost never go to doctors).  I went back and forth on B for a long time (keeping my fed plan), and talked to people for advice.  I didn't really need it, but finally did as the extra money doesn't affect my life or budget, and from fear I might need it.  

Another reason I kept my Federal plan is I keep my wife on it (she's years from medicare), and it saves her 8-10K or more for her one take it or leave it rotten private company plan (with huge deductible) (and this also bumps up her pay by the company share of their plan).  Even though we've been split for 12 years, I am happy to help her out, as she makes her own final push to retirement in a few years (again, the Federal plan is pretty reasonable, even for 2).  She uses it more than I do.  

Our separation agreement does not include heath coverage, I do it for her because I can and she needs it.  We had 20+ good years before the meltdown. (overshare)

Now if you have a Cadillac Federal plan, and want A and B, you could switch to a federal bargain plan to shave some cost.  Or keep a Cadillac Federal plan and pass on B.  Trying to read all that and make an informed decision is mind numbing.  

I haven't really needed health insurance most most of my life (few things)(knock wood), but coming up on 69 that could always change.  

I do have a Cadillac Fed plan (BC/BS Fed PPO).  I really don't care about shaving cost, I'm more interested in maintaining my status quo.  I don't want to have future hassles of prior auths and having to get specialist referrals.  Right now I just self-refer.  I think I can keep a PPO and avoid a hateful "gatekeeper" plan.  As I said to above, I believe once you have Medicare, it becomes primary.  I never have any issue with anything being covered under my current insurance... I don't want that to change!  I don't get social security (yet).  My insurance premiums are deducted from my retirement check.  I'm really not looking forward to having to figure it all out.  

P.S.  I forgot to mention, I also have Tricare for secondary now.

[John Schmidt]

You're right, Medicare becomes primary. Works great with my supplemental that I get through the state of Fla. since I'm a retiree. Plus the state pays us a $5/mo. insurance supplement for each year of employment with the state up to a max of $150/mo., i.e., if you retire with 30 or more years you get the $150...and it's tax free the way it's handled. If only 20 yrs. you only get $100...and so on. Helps defray the cost of insurance, bringing my cost to well under $300/mo. and it's good coverage along with Medicare. I haven't paid a copay or hospital bill in years.

[Jess from VA]

I don't want to have future hassles of prior auths and having to get specialist referrals.  Right now I just self-refer.  I think I can keep a PPO and avoid a hateful "gatekeeper" plan.

Well, I have Blue Cross Basic (PPO), and I make my own specialist appointments without referral (I never see a GP).  The co pay was a few dollars higher with doing that ($5?), but once on Medicare together, no copays (so far).

When I went to the derm to get the spot cut off my face (first time with medicare), the gal at the desk asked me who was primary.  I said I had no idea, and who in hell can figure any of this stuff out anyway (and gave her both cards)?  And the people in the waiting room laughed (and agreed), the desk gal laughed too.  They figured it out.

I think that's why with Med A and B (primary), I get money back on my Fed plan.  

As little as I've seen of doctors over the years, I prefer a specialist office with just a few docs in the office, to any of those big cattle-call GP outfits with 20 people waiting, where you are never seen on time, and when you are seen they try to get rid of you in 10 minutes.  I always have questions.  I have no medical degree, but I always know the right specialist to see for whatever ails me (so far).    

[Thunderbolt]

John I hope she finds something agreeable soon.  To Connie's question which has already been answered a couple of times yes when you become Medicare eligible it switches to primary and what you had before goes to secondary.

[valkmc]

You're right, Medicare becomes primary. Works great with my supplemental that I get through the state of Fla. since I'm a retiree. Plus the state pays us a $5/mo. insurance supplement for each year of employment with the state up to a max of $150/mo., i.e., if you retire with 30 or more years you get the $150...and it's tax free the way it's handled. If only 20 yrs. you only get $100...and so on. Helps defray the cost of insurance, bringing my cost to well under $300/mo. and it's good coverage along with Medicare. I haven't paid a copay or hospital bill in years.

That is good to hear! I'm about to retire from the state of Florida (30+) years and wonder if our medical insurance supplement would work with SS.

[..]

Healthcare system. The workings are ridiculous 

Medicare A & B.

I pay $0 a moth for Wellcare PPO North Carolina. I get $140 a month deducted from my SS.

$O copay for a DR visit. $25 out of network.

$70 three times a year to spend on OTC stuff from CVS online.

I have more pills and potions than you can shake a stick at.

Sandra has a similar plan but gets $80 a quarter to spend on OTC stuff.

We give some of the stuff to a local charity.

[Jess from VA]

You're right, Medicare becomes primary. Works great with my supplemental that I get through the state of Fla. since I'm a retiree. Plus the state pays us a $5/mo. insurance supplement for each year of employment with the state up to a max of $150/mo., i.e., if you retire with 30 or more years you get the $150...and it's tax free the way it's handled. If only 20 yrs. you only get $100...and so on. Helps defray the cost of insurance, bringing my cost to well under $300/mo. and it's good coverage along with Medicare. I haven't paid a copay or hospital bill in years.

That is good to hear! I'm about to retire from the state of Florida (30+) years and wonder if our medical insurance supplement would work with SS.

If I was you, I'd use the State Gov resources available to you, while I was still working, to get that all figured out, before you punch out.  This stuff is complicated.... but someone in State Gov knows the answers. 

[bassman]

Perhaps she should look to Federal employment (in her areas of expertise).

Federal civil service has the most reasonable health care plans existent anymore, and many of them to chose from.

In my time at USDVA, I learned that many people (and professionals) nearing retirement age, took any civil service job available because in 5 years, they are retirement eligible (if old enough).  Now that is not enough to earn a pension of any kind, but the 5yr retirement allows you to take your Federal Heath plan into retirement with you for your remaining lifetime.

Many people in the private sector had no health insurance or terribly expensive care, and taking the pay cut for their last five years was more than worth it for federal health in insurance.  Especially if they are in need of good lifetime insurance.

Federal insurance is the bomb.  I was able to hold onto mine when I left (except I pay the premiums instead of them).  Unfortunately, I'm really torn now... as I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.  

From how I understand it:

When you turn 65 Medicare will become your Primary, FEHB will be secondary and Tricare will be tertiary.  Medicare will then cover 80%, FEHP will cover most of what's left and then Tricare will try to cover whatever remains.  Sounds like the best of all worlds.  (Do you have Tricare for Life?).  

If you feel this is overkill for coverage you could "SUSPEND", repeat "SUSPEND" NOT DROP FEHP and see how you like Medicare with Tricare.  IF you ever drop FEHP or Tricare you can NEVER get it back but you can suspend FEHP and recover it if you want to.  Not certain about suspending Tricare.  

When I was going through all of this (without the Tricare option) there were two excellent resources around and may still be available to answer any questions you may have:

Reg Jones.....   fedexperts@federaltimes.com
Tammy Flannigan at Retirement Counseling and Training........... retirefederal.com

Either or both of these individuals (assuming they are both still around:  Reg - not sure; Tammy should be available) should able to provide answers to any questions you may have regarding health coverage or any other retirement questions.  You could also check online.

We have Medicare and a government sponsored BCBS PPO.  OCCASIONALLY, my wife has had to get a prior authorization for treatment (sometimes takes about 3 days) from a specialist BUT we've been able to bypass that requirement in emergency situations with no issues

It's confusing and a BIG decision that will impact the rest of your life but I know you will make the wise choice for your particular situation.  

Good luck !

[Jess from VA]

I never heard of suspending Federal health care plans. (without losing your ability to re-enroll)

Probably because it's new since I retired.

I found this.

https://federalnewsnetwork.com/mike-causey-federal-report/2019/05/should-you-suspend-your-fehb-premiums-in-2020/

https://fedretire.net/caution-dont-lose-your-fehb-coverage/

Basically, you can only suspend your FEHB coverage if you sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C), TRICARE, TRICARE for Life, Peace Corps, Medicaid or CHAMPVA plans.

Figuring this stuff out in it's entirely would be like an entire bachelor's degree (4 years in college).

[cookiedough]

You're right, Medicare becomes primary. Works great with my supplemental that I get through the state of Fla. since I'm a retiree. Plus the state pays us a $5/mo. insurance supplement for each year of employment with the state up to a max of $150/mo., i.e., if you retire with 30 or more years you get the $150...and it's tax free the way it's handled. If only 20 yrs. you only get $100...and so on. Helps defray the cost of insurance, bringing my cost to well under $300/mo. and it's good coverage along with Medicare. I haven't paid a copay or hospital bill in years.

that is very good, hard to beat that deal.  My Mom is also really lucky still living since Dad worked at the GM plant for 34 years not rich by any means but decent money retiring in 1988 making am guessing 22 hr., good money back then.  Nowadays, I guess they have floor sweepers making that much, lol.  Times were much tougher at the plant in 1950's thru 1970s', Dad even admitted when retiring the late 1980's were gravy jobs vs. the 50s and 60s.    He had a GM pension that mom got when he passed as well as GM surviving spouse benefits also very good to supplement Medicare paying 80% first.  I think she has only a 400 per year deductible to meet first but after that pays 80% of what is left of the 20% medicare does not pay and pretty cheap premiums out of her (well dad's) pension check.  All this money (dads' social security and pension)  the past 14 years since Dad passed in 2008 is slowly dwindling though since we had to put mom in a few assisted living homes the past 5 years about 4K per month rent/living facility care. 

[f6gal]

Perhaps she should look to Federal employment (in her areas of expertise).

Federal civil service has the most reasonable health care plans existent anymore, and many of them to chose from.

In my time at USDVA, I learned that many people (and professionals) nearing retirement age, took any civil service job available because in 5 years, they are retirement eligible (if old enough).  Now that is not enough to earn a pension of any kind, but the 5yr retirement allows you to take your Federal Heath plan into retirement with you for your remaining lifetime.

Many people in the private sector had no health insurance or terribly expensive care, and taking the pay cut for their last five years was more than worth it for federal health in insurance.  Especially if they are in need of good lifetime insurance.

Federal insurance is the bomb.  I was able to hold onto mine when I left (except I pay the premiums instead of them).  Unfortunately, I'm really torn now... as I'll have to apply for Medicare soon... and I don't want to give up the great insurance I've had for decades.  

From how I understand it:

When you turn 65 Medicare will become your Primary, FEHB will be secondary and Tricare will be tertiary.  Medicare will then cover 80%, FEHP will cover most of what's left and then Tricare will try to cover whatever remains.  Sounds like the best of all worlds.  (Do you have Tricare for Life?).  

If you feel this is overkill for coverage you could "SUSPEND", repeat "SUSPEND" NOT DROP FEHP and see how you like Medicare with Tricare.  IF you ever drop FEHP or Tricare you can NEVER get it back but you can suspend FEHP and recover it if you want to.  Not certain about suspending Tricare.  

When I was going through all of this (without the Tricare option) there were two excellent resources around and may still be available to answer any questions you may have:

Reg Jones.....   fedexperts@federaltimes.com
Tammy Flannigan at Retirement Counseling and Training........... retirefederal.com

Either or both of these individuals (assuming they are both still around:  Reg - not sure; Tammy should be available) should able to provide answers to any questions you may have regarding health coverage or any other retirement questions.  You could also check online.

We have Medicare and a government sponsored BCBS PPO.  OCCASIONALLY, my wife has had to get a prior authorization for treatment (sometimes takes about 3 days) from a specialist BUT we've been able to bypass that requirement in emergency situations with no issues

It's confusing and a BIG decision that will impact the rest of your life but I know you will make the wise choice for your particular situation.  

Good luck !

Thanks Bassman.  I didn't know you could suspend FEHB.  Also thanks for that resource.  I am so used to my current insurance, that it just scares the crap out of me.  I may drop the Tricare.  It was free for years for dependents, then several years ago they started charging for dependent coverage; I don't think it's much, but I don't even know for sure what is costs. If it's cheap enough, I'll keep it. 

I am not looking forward to this!

[f6gal]

I had heard that you have to apply 6 months before you 65th birthday.  Is that accurate?  The only thing I'm finding now is 3 months before or after your 65th.  If that's accurate, I don't have to think about it for 7-13 months (I previously thought I only had 4 months to start the process). 

[Jess from VA]

From the web:

Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65.

The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. ... If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)

https://medicareguide.com/medicare-enrollment-periods-183687

[cookiedough]

I think medicare part a and b is a pretty good deal covering 80% and if need be, supplementing with secondary insurance having to pay for it, of course.

All these years paying hefty premiums out of the paychecks having say 2-3K deductibles that have to be met first BEFORE a dime is covered is at 80% up to say 5K out of pocket max, to us anyways,  basically useless insurance UNLESS having surgery or major medical bills all in one year.  I might in 2022 be having hip surgery and kid also a minor hernia surgery in March so be the first time in over 30 years all these premiums paid will be paying off AFTER of course shelling out yet another 2500 bucks first. 

I think insurance, whether health or vehicle, etc., is there for ONLY the major items of 'what if' this happens like an at fault vehicle accident or surgeries/major medical issues.  I for one will never file a home or car insurance claim if under 2 grand in repairs since have to pay say 1000 deductible first, plus having to have am sure the premiums skyrocket because of filing my first claim ever in my life.