We also went with Plan F...and the Part D for prescriptions. Then BC/BS for supplemental. Yes, there are cheaper plans than "F" but, once you choose a plan, you can't buy "up" if you need more...you can buy "down" to the cheaper plans, but you can't buy up...So...I feel the best way to go in Plan "F"...Part "D" and BC/BS. That sort of puts it in a nutshell. If you don't take the Part D when you go on medicare, you are penalized something like a percent a month for not having it. Then, if you have a need for it later, it is cost prohibitive. We thought the Part D was mainly to protect lower income people, but have been pleased with the savings it has provided with our medications.

All states have a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The book is written in such a way that it answers questions you didn't know you had. It gives information you didn't know you needed. And, you can read it at your own pace. You don't need to make repeated calls to your state's SHIP.

It pays to keep pushing. Today, after being told it was impossible, I successfully enrolled in a BCBS of Illinois Standard Plan F Medicare Supplement. When documentation arrives I will cancel my prior policy. My DH's health benefits company told me I couldn't cancel my BCBS Plan F-HD and get this no-deductible Plan F without underwriting. It turned out that *they* wouldn't do it. (Supposedly the benefits company isn't allowed by BCBS to arrange this. I have my doubts about that, but it should no longer concern me. We will use the health benefits stipend differently.) I would have given up had I not gotten (overnight!) email help from SHIP-Illinois. They confirmed that BCBS-Illinois guarantees coverage to policy holders changing plans, *without requiring* new underwriting. This will save me only $280 a year, but I will no longer have to parse medical bills to be sure I'm being charged correctly. What Medicare doesn't pay, my policy will pay. Let them challenge any incorrect billing! I owe thanks to everyone on the KT -- especially sushipup! and C Marlin -- for aiding my quest.

I was given info on a few different policies for dental insurance. What it boiled down to was that you were essentially paying for your cleanings with the policy premium. They usually had a waiting period for a year or two to cover a larger repair. We decided to self insure as we are both pretty much crowned out. We were told that some dentist have plans in office for seniors where they will do cleanings for a reduced rate for cash payment and give a discount for larger items. Ours will give a discount for cash on larger repairs. @Oakley I have a vision plan thru United Healthcare that cost $10/month. That isn't much different from my employer coverage and covers pretty much the same things. I don't think that is unreasonable in cost. I would suggest contacting a senior insurance broker and see what they can come up with for you.