Page 6 - Cover Letter and Evaluation for Dr. Jim Fisgus

should be aware that your premiums may rise more quickly than with many other insurers.
After you turn 77, the AARP premiums will likely increase more slowly.

In addition to discounts, some insurers provide extra benefits like health club memberships.

Rx Drug Plan Coverage

As mentioned, Medigap policyholders are required to have Part D stand-alone plans. The
lowest-cost stand-alone plan for the Rx drugs that you take is the Wellcare Value Script
Prescription Drug Plan, with estimated annual costs of $198 for your three drugs. That amount
includes premiums, deductible, and co-pays (if any). CVS is a preferred pharmacy in this plan
when you need a short-term prescription filled.

The Aetna Medicare Choice PPO Plan has the highest annual cost for your drugs -- $475 – which
is a function of its high monthly premium. And the Gensler plan costs an estimated $240 a year
for mail-order refills. CVS is a preferred pharmacy in both these plans.

The Gensler plan’s costs are somewhat understated compared to the other two plans because
the premium is bundled into the plan’s $101.20 monthly premium.

Switching to Medicare

If you decide to switch to Medicare, you might start by inquiring about the Gensler plan’s rules
for dis-enrollment. Some employer plans discourage mid-year changes unless there’s a
qualifying event (retirement of the employee, disability, etc.)

Whenever you decide to enroll in Part B, you can do so by calling Social Security at (800) 772-
1213, Within two or three weeks after you call, you will receive your new Medicare card in the
mail indicating that your Part B coverage will start on the date you’ve chosen. You can also
enroll online or at a local SSA office.

If you decide to get a Medigap policy and a Part D stand-alone plan, you should first decide
which Medigap plan you want – Plan G, Plan N, or another plan. Then we suggest that you call
three or more insurance companies that sell Medigap policies before deciding on the company
that you’ll get your policy from.

Once you’ve decided on the company you will get your policy from, you can enroll on the
phone – again specifying when you want your coverage to begin. Next, you can enroll in the
Part D stand-alone plan at the toll-free number on page 4 of the evaluation (and in Appendix
D2).

Finally, there are a couple of things to keep in mind when you make the transition to Medicare.
On your initial visits to your doctors, show the office staff your new enrollment cards for
Medicare A&B, your Medigap policy and your Part D stand-alone plan. That will help to avoid

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