Thread: Should Federal Retirees Take Medicare Part B?

Originally Posted by nnuut

I've had both for a long time, it's not cheap but I very seldom have to pay a thing! "NOTHING"

I have both and it has worked well for us. My spouse spent over 70 days in the hospital this year and bills would have exceeded $ 3/4 million. Our costs were almost nothing. Working without a safety net is great until you need it. Then you REALLY need it. As always it is an individual decision.

Sorry about your losses Scout333 & Nasa1974.

I'm glad it has worked out well for those that have both. My mother has both + tricare for life & long term care insurance which makes her feel secure.

We all have a safety net with FEHB. as they have an annual out of pocket expense limit between $5-$7K. Depending on your situation and Medicare premiums, one bad year would be offset by ~2-4 good years in MC premiums....we pay for it one way or another. It is a cost benefit analysis with many factors IMO.

My two cents as someone who took Part B and kept my FEHB coverage. If you can afford it, do it -- the security and peace of mind are well worth it. I don't miss the money it costs one bit.