Thanks, that added one new piece of info.

@itsmedammit you should be able to find a licensed agent in your state who will walk you through the whole process. the main thing is, you have a limited time (3 months???) to sign up for a supplement at a fixed rate. If you decide you want one later, it will cost more, and it is underwritten (meaning the company can look at your history and pre existing conditions and charge you what they feel is appropriate). advantage plans are much more flexy. it basically comes down to the stability of an advantage plan, which is great if you have very predictable needs, eg you need medical equipment and appointments and medications every month, and if you have a big provider network in your area so being tied to one company won't be a problem. a supplement plan can be better if you want back up coverage for unexpected costs like paying a big nursing rehab fee, or paying for a bunch of specialty appts in a short period of time. source: just went through some of this with my aunt. note the rules do vary ever so slightly state to state.

Thanks for the input!

Thanks. I have a couple of hours in on the phone today already . . .

Mostly wondering about people's actual experiences with their choices. All the Supplementals are the same across insurances but they differ from the Advantage plans. Probably I will wind up with my retiree indemnity plan, but even the insurance company that offers it couldn't answer questions about it.

@itsmedammit generally speaking,after retirement, the plans any company offers are outrageously expensive with high deductibles as well....I have been retired for a decade, am president ( 6th term!) of an over-60 singles social club,have advised several Members to go with AARP plans for Much better coverage...one gal saved over $600/month, plus No deductible vs. $1500.....
And they will answer All your questions, fully. I would Not get a plan where they cannot/will not answer all questions!

@AnneWimsey I am sorry to inform you that the very same company that sells all the AARP plans is the one that sells my indemnity plan. I spoke with six people there today.

@itsmedammit why would you speak to 6 people? About what? And there is NO "company that sells AARP plans", it is an entity , non-profit, membership-driven, like a credit union, sort of....... I fail to understand your hostility, as well. None so blind as those who will not heed. I am done.

@AnneWimsey

All of AARP's plans are United Health Care plans. Maybe I said it backwards. The plans that AARP sells are all UHC plans. Or, more accurately the insurance company with which AARP has an agreement. Sorry if I seem hostile. Not my intention.

@itsmedammit okay, I think you will find there is a massive price difference/benefits when getting plans through AARP rather than straight thru United H........just trying to save you $$$