Medicare, Medicare Advantage how to chose when turning 65.

[Expat1]

Hi.  I turn 65 in a few months.  I will need to enroll in Part B and Part D or decide if I want a Medicare Advantage Plan.

I will be moving to the Palm Springs Area in California.  There are 20+Medicare Advantage programs and at least that many Drug plans.

By far the cheapest  best HMO in the area is Kaiser.  Biktarvy is on the preferred band name drug list as is my current combo (Complera and the newer Odefsey).  The drug costs make Kaiser the cheapest overall by several thousand dollars per year.   

The stand alone prescription costs of the other plans place my drugs in speciality teirs that have 25 to44% copayments.   So I know the cheapest plan.

Problem is that Kaiser in Palm Springs uses affilliate hosptials.  The hospital I prefer is not on the plan.  Also there are reports that you can get surprise billing (AKA balance billing) if going to an affiliated hospital.

So that is concerning. 

I would be able to pay for my own care without relying on ADAP if I take Kaiser.  Less paperwork etc.

Any other choice and I would have to rely on ADAP and HIPP  paying a portion not covered and get Medigap also paid by HIPP.

However then I could go to my preferred clinic and Hospital.  Also Regular Medicare is useful out of the Kailser area.    Most doctors belong to its payment program. 

I would like input from people who have either Kaiser in an area that has affiliate hospitals.  Did you get balance billing for emergency treatment?

Also anyone from California, How do you find the ADAP/HIPP  cover, etc. ok or what?  Thanks.  I know where to sign up for the program in Palm Springs already if that is my choice.