When I was first eligible for medicare,I was told quite clearly that if I refused part B coverage I would pay a "substantial" penalty if I wanted it later. This was told to me verbally and I also have a letter that states it. I have a BCBS HMO plan,and opt to pay more to have some medicine coverage. It costs me $173 a month.Regular doctor visits have a co-pay of $10,specialists $20,ER $50.If I get admitted to a hospital the $50 fee is waived. I get some meds from Express Scripts ; a 3 month supply of the generics are $20 each.My insulins are tier 2 and cost more. My diabetic testing supplies (test strips and lancets) are totally paid by medicare. I also get meds from Walmart and pay $10 for a 3 month supply for generics of HCTZ and metformin.I get my insulin syringes there too;they are only $12.47 for a box of 100 (reli-on brand). Name brand syringes (B-D) cost over twice that amount. My insurance pays no part of the meds I get at Walmart,so they don't count toward the "donut hole". Since I'm in an HMO,I never see a bill for labs,x rays,etc. My HMO has been excellant;I had them before tm and nothing has ever been denied me. Cheryl in sunny Easthampton, MA.
