Mitch, I have good news and bad news. I also have Plan F, with a high deductible, $2,500, therefore the plan only cost me $71 a month. The bad news is if you select that plan, you will never meet the deductible. The amount deducted is based upon what the insurance company approves for the procedure, which is always next to nothing. I spent a week in the hospital, shelled out nearly $2,000 to the hospital for various charges above what medicare paid, and the amount approved for the deductible was about $300. Plan F with a high deductible is pretty much a joke.
Now, eye and dental is relatively inexpensive, and for both my wife and I through Blue Cross/ Blue shield it cost us about $70 a month combined. I just had laser surgery on my eyes and everything was covered.
If you served in the military, the VA is the least expensive way to go. I spent four years in the US Navy and the VA, since I am fully disabled, pays for all my drugs. I usually only go to the VA once a year for bloodwork and a checkup, but if necessary, you can go as often as you feel the need. And, since Donald Trump took office, there is no problem getting appointments in less than a week. Prior to Trump, it took me up to six months to get a routine appointment.
I applaud you for hanging on long enough to retire. I only worked for the Maryland State Police for a year, got shot at by a 15-year-old kid and decided that I needed to find a safer way to make a living, especially considering that I was going to get married in six months after the incident. Carol agreed. I have a friend that stayed with MSP for 32 years, retired, took his pension, but was able to maintain his health insurance coverage through them until this year. The cost to him was minimal, but now he is on medicare and Plan F. You might want to check on the possibility of being able to retain insurance through your agency.
Good Luck,
Gary
