Rates vary by zip codes?

[question everything]

Among all the ads for Medicare and for Social Security there are some inviting viewers to call to provide their zip codes to find out how they can lower their Medicare payment and to increase their Social Security benefits.

I know that high earners have to pay more for Medicare, but lowering it depending on zip codes?

[unc70]

1. Many Medicare plans are for limited areas

This is particularly true for Advantage and HMO plans. That is the main reason for needing the ZIP code.

[question everything]

2. Thanks. Interesting

Three years ago my supplemental had to change to Advantage, I think, and I had to change since my main physician was no longer on their list. It was changed a year or two later but by then I stayed with the new one.

Which reminds me. I better double check that my specialist and main are still on their list..

[cbabe]

3. Medicare does not change according to zip codes, as far as I know.

Medicare Advantage is not Medicare. It is a private for profit insurance company. Thom Hartmann rants about this alla time.

Call your federal rep or senator for more info.

[Me.]

4. You Betcha

if you live in a place like NYC you will not be able to get all those sweet extras they talk about and if you can get a dental plan, they cover just about nothing.

[left-of-center2012]

5. My state reimburses the cost of Medicare for low income

I guess not every state does that so you would need check with your ZIP code.

[Hoyt]

6. Surprisingly, medical care costs and utilization rates vary greatly depending on locality.

Plus, folks in certain areas have more clogged arteries, diabetes, cancer, mental health issues, etc. That all goes into the premium rates in the locality.

As some have mentioned, hospital and physician, etc., networks vary by locality.

[sinkingfeeling]

7. Medicare doesn't change based on zip code, but Medicare Advantage plans do.

[question everything]

8. Thanks. The ads, therefore, are misleading. No surpirse there

They clearly imply that one can cut the cost of Medicare charges depending on the zip code. Clearly the basic one - $148.50 - stays. It is only the extra.

[lillypaddle]

9. Good god, don't give them your phone number!

I did, and I regret it every day as I have to block a gazillion calls from "licensed agents." It is very hard to check on alternative plans, because the field is just inundated with people selling plans.

Not sure I understand the zip code thing, either. Anyway, I'm sticking with United Health Care - their max out of pocket for me is lower than anyone else, and they gave me a comparison for themselves, Anthem BCBS, and Humana.