Medicare Open Enrollment ends tomorrow. Like political ads after Election Day, Medicare Advantage (MA) commercials featuring Joe Namath, Mike Ditka Et al., will mercifully disappear Tuesday.

Their pitch is rote:

“You may be eligible for a $0 premium. Plans often include dental, vision, hearing aids, prescription drugs, home food delivery, transportation for doctor visits, gym memberships, discounts on vitamins and supplements,” CBD, a weed free lawn, enhanced libido, pet care, your nephew will finally get a job, “and more!”

(Couldn’t resist.)

Consider however, football players aren’t known for math.

MA Plans have pay as you go co-payments for most services, with varying annual caps; for HMO’s, approx. $4900; for PPO’s, $5900.

With a Medicare Supplement Plan, you pre-pay for services (sans networks) a la monthly premiums; e.g., $160 at 65, $290 at 75, etc.

Part C MA Plans work well for many, particularly in the early years of retirement when you likely enjoy good health.  If you take that path figuring you’ll go back to traditional Medicare when the wheels fall off, think again.

Any time after your original eligibility date, your application can be denied based on pre-existing conditions.

Gasp! Does that other Joe know about this?