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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
June 11
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Members with multiple myeloma strongly advised against Medicare Advantage plans when turning 65, noting that major cancer centers like Mayo... Read more

Members with multiple myeloma strongly advised against Medicare Advantage plans when turning 65, noting that major cancer centers like Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins often do not accept them. The overwhelming recommendation was to choose traditional Medicare with a Plan G supplemental policy, which covers the 20% Medicare doesn't pay, plus a separate Part D drug plan. Several members shared helpful resources including Boomer Benefits as a free Medicare advisor, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for financial assistance, and asking providers about Cancer Care Programs that can cover co-pays.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Do not get the Advantage Plan!

June 11
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

As everyone said, get a supplement. I will be going through this next year as well. So far my supplement choice is a PPO from United Health Care. It is almost identical to my current PPO from UHC at work and that coverage has been fantastic. About $2300 max/year out of pocket.
You have to dig but the standard Medicare web site has a list of drugs and procedures covered by standard Medicare and drug plans. Surprisingly almost every old and new MM drug is covered.
When it comes to medicare your issue is hospitalization. The standard plan and advantage plans only cover a percentage of the expense. So for example my hospital costs alone for 2 SCT was over $750,000 !!!
The odds are very high that we will get hospitalized with this disease. And as people said, treatments are very expensive.
Also try to find and use a insurance broker. Go local. Ask friends. Never ever call any of these BS numbers from TV commercials.
Good luck. I hope you find a good plan.

June 18
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Regularly Medicare definitely! Plus plan G supplemental policy which pays the 20% that Medicare doesn’t pay. I’ve been dealing with Cancer since 2011. With all the tests and follow up tests and treatments I’ve had I’ve at least broke even every year, but am way ahead over the years. Definitely not an Advantage Plan if you have Cancer!
Good Luck!!!!

July 17
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I strongly recommend a supplement plan G, and plan D coverage for meds. I have plan F with Aetna. I don’t think they still offer plan F. It cost about $200 a month. It’s so worth it. I don’t pay for anything else. And if you can get a grant from leukemia and Lymphoma Society ( now under another name). You can get reimbursed for your payments for your supplement and part B of Medicare. Let the system work for you!

June 18
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

My recommendation is to avoid advantage plans and to go on regular Medicare parts A and B. Also purchase a supplemental Medicare plan. I have a supplemental plan G with UnitedHealthCare through AARP. If you plan to travel domestically, you can visit any hospital in the country without any issues. Not sure that is necessarily true with advantage plans because they are based on your state of residence.

June 16

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