Just thought I would report back that I looked into Bankers Fidelity and for me it is $205 a month for Plan F and $141 for Plan G. Plan F is an "issue age plan" and G is an "obtained age plan". I called the company and a very annoying local insurance agent called me back. Actually she seemed to know her stuff but her manner was annoying. I think AARP is going to be hard to beat. I downloaded and printed a booklet called Choosing a Medigap Policy and it is very helpful. It makes things clear and has great advice about what to ask an insurance agent if you choose to buy from one. It's on the medicare.gov site. Maybe my research will help the next person and it certainly helps me to bounce these questions off all of you!

I have only encountered one MD who opted out of Medicare. This was the orthopod who did my left hip replacement before I was 65. I was foolish to go back to him for the right hip after he opted out. There are tons of other highly qualified orthopods. I paid $7K with zero reimbursement. Dumb Sue. Some MD's with 'niches' can get away with opting out. Ten years ago I found that some GP's were going the 'retainer' route. They charged a patient a set annual fee ($8-10K) and spent no time 'messing' with Medicare or any other insurance plan. I don't know if that worked. I haven't heard anything about it recently.

Hi dud in Siam, Do you live near a Univ. with a dental school? I recently had extraction - several hours, three freezings - cost $75. (had said $32., but it was "complicated" - they had to do some drilling of the jawbone to release it). Next time, they took me to Univ. hosp, next door - fee for similar tooth, shorter period, less hassle (possibly partly due to more skill, though I think part of the earlier one was by the supervisor) was $261.00. Recently had 5 extractions for $96. - $32.00 for the first, $16.00 for each of the other 4. When they quoted the price as they were making up the bill, I immediately said, "$96.00". The student and secretary looked at me with surprise, asking how I came to that figure. I said first was $32,00, then 4 times $16.00 equalled two more $32.00s, three 30s were 90 and three 2s were 6, so total $96.00. Young folks are lost without a calculator (as, I must confess, am I). Good wishes for effortless, painless repairs - and extractions. joyful guy/Ed

Yes, get it. Know that the plans will be the same (if the same letter) but that costs will vary a lot among providers. I just signed up for Medicare and a medigap plan in December. I got the "F" plan from AARP. Same exact plan can cost twice as much with another provider. Note that you can go "down" in plans (lesser coverage, but that you can't upgrade without passing medical conditions. There are no medical conditions if you sign up at the time you are first eligible for Medicare.