I’m a full time RV traveler living in a fifth wheel. I have been on Medicare for just over 3 years now. When I first signed up for Medicare, I knew I needed my Medicare plan to provide several important coverages. These included:
- True “cross state” portability – that is, if I need a doctor in any state, I can access one
- Direct access to specialists – that is, no need to go for referrals or approvals
- NO network restrictions, NO deductibles (beyond a small annual deductible)
- NO limits to coverage (annual or otherwise)
- Payments to providers made as SEAMLESS as possible
As I explored the various Medicare programs and options…
I quickly learned there were “medigap” plans from traditional insurers as well as Christian health providers. The alternative to those plans is medicare advantage. I quickly discovered that those who opt for medicare advantage quickly learn that it is hard to switch back to traditional medicare AND everything associated with medicare “advantage” comes with a copay, coinsurance, and a requirement for prior authorizations (which comes with DENIALS.)
Conclusion: Medicare Advantage was NOT (and IS NOT) a good solution!
I quickly realized the allure of medicare advantage was all the added “goodies” (read: nonsense) like gym club memberships, dental plans and vision – and the low upfront cost. All of these “gimmes” come at a BIG cost however. Anyone who develops a chronic illness or the need for ongoing care, can find that costs add up quickly on these plans.
Medigap – the way to go, BUT there are STILL differences
The “gold standard” plan these days is “Plan G.” It comes with low annual deductibles, no requirement for referrals, and no networks. In this world, you have private insurers (United, Aetna, etc.) OR Christian healthcare providers. The alternative is Plan N, and it is cheaper – but not by much.
Prior to turning 65, I had a catastrophic plan ($10,000. deductible) with Medishare. Medishare is a Christian health sharing service. I had my first heart attack while on their catastrophic (pre-65 yr. old) plan. Within the terms of that contract, Medishare was great to work with. As with any major medical event, costs exceeded well over $100,000. Medishare was there every step of the way to pay the bills and honestly, to support me.
When I turned 65, I looked at Medishare’s 65+ plan. With the exception of terminology differences and certain limits due to the nature of their service (Christian health sharing), their plan is nearly identical to the private insurers Plan G programs.
Medishare has ONE important and significant difference from the private insurers…
When I enrolled, Medishare guaranteed me $103. per month for their “plan G” until I reach age 75, and $150/month thereafter for the rest of my life. NONE of the private insurers would either guarantee their rates for more than a year at a time.
Simply put, no private insurer can touch Medishare’s rates! Do your own homework.
I can’t assure you that they still offer these rates for those who enroll today, but I’d bet there’s a similar program available that still out performs the competition. And… I know someone who can assist you, His name is Andre, I’ve posted his number in the next paragraphs.
Three years in, how is Medishare 65+ working out?
I mentioned “seamless” before. THAT to me is the ultimate goal. To know that if (and when) something happens, you can count on your health coverage to “do its job” – pay the provider in a reasonably timely manner. That is EXACTLY what I have found to be the case.
Since turning 65, I have had two significant medical events – a heart attack (2026) and hernia surgery (2025). I also regularly see chiropractors (across multiple states) and occasionally a doctor for minor issues. In EVERY case, Medishare will pay on ANYTHING that Medicare pays on. NO questions asked.
My only commitment is to meet a modest $500. annual deductible (for BOTH Medicare Parts A and B.) So, they’re picking up about 75% of what Medicare’s deductibles ($1736 + $238 for parts A (hospitalization) and B (doctor visits.)
Andre at Medishare (800 772 5623 x 2364) can answer your questions and provide current rates. I highly recommend him and please do tell him I sent you!
There is ONE challenge – and its not a big one
Medicare will NOT forward billing to Christian Health Sharing services including Medishare. In other words, while Medicare will automatically forward to private insurers like United and Aetna; they will not forward bills to Medishare. This requires me to take 1 additional step each month.
Medicare issues a monthly MSN (Medicare Summary Notice.) All I need to do, once a month, is go online to my Medicare account and download the MSN report to my laptop. It amounts to ONE file.
I then log into my Medishare account and upload that MSN to Medishare. Medishare takes it from there! Once I learned the process (its easy!), I have yet to see a glitch.
Any regrets or plans to change?
No! Any time I’ve had questions, I can EASILY reach a human being (from within the USA!) I have also reached out to Andre on occasion (again – 800 772 5623 x 2364) and he’s been most helpful.
IF you’d like to speak with me about my experience with Medishare, please text me at 307 269 2546 and I’ll get with you.
Again, as an RV Traveler, I need to know that WHEN the need arises, it won’t matter what state I’m in or what doctor (as long as they accept Medicare) I choose to see. And… I’ve yet to find an M.D. across our nation who does not accept medicare.
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