cobra or medicare?

Options
goldie123
goldie123 Member Posts: 59
edited June 2014 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

I am eligible for medicare as of 1/1/13. I now have cobra that pays for all my medications [with a 50 copay].but i take xeloda, neupogen and aranesp --all very expensive but none of them infusions which medicare pays for.  i keep getting conflicting answers from medicare and all the part d companies i called.  is anyone on medicare and taking these meds? i have to decide if i should stay on cobra even if it is much more expensive so that i dont have to pay these huge copays.  thanks

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • itsjustme10
    itsjustme10 Member Posts: 796
    edited November 2012

    Check with your employee benefits office as to how your COBRA carrier handles Medicare eligibility.  Some plans won't let you stay and force you to change to using them as the supplemental carrier.  It all depends on your current insurance contract, so ask lots of questions!!

    I know my former company had to move some people off the coverage, even though they were working, but that was our contract.  I can't tell you from personal experience, though.  But, ask, ask, ask, and get your answers in writing!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tninalabama
    tninalabama Member Posts: 64
    edited November 2012

    If you can stay on COBRA, it's probably a good idea.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MANTRAX
    MANTRAX Member Posts: 1
    edited March 2013

    Hi, I am on Medicare with a Medigap Policy to cover what Medicare does not pay.  My Xeloda, which I've been taking for three years is funded by Medicare Part B, I pay nothing for it, other than the initial 147 dollar deductible for Medicare Part B, which is actually covered by my Medigap Policy.  I don't know if this is specific to my situation , but it might pay to enquire.  I've been disabled and on Medicare since 2005, always with an accompanying insurance.  I've found a Medigap insurance to be the best option, as Medicare becomes the primary payer, and there are no co-pays.  However note this situation applies to Xeloda because it comes under Medicare Part B.  Medicare Part D-other medications- is an entirely different story, donut hole and all.  Best to you.  Margaret

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories