So let me see if I understand this:  You will incur a penalty for not using something you have already paid for. 

God Bless the USA!!!!

It's worse than that!  I'm now on the retired military system--TriCare for life.  If the politicians decide to screw me out of that, then I'm screwed on the other system.  If you think that's bad, then my former employer has opted me out of their system since I did not sign up with them because I don't need it now!!!  Give me a break!

Whitkat and Dot, you both are correct.  The government has set up the Medicare system so that it remains corporate-friendly.  The same is 1 of alternate health care programs.

I have sent dozens of letters and emails to various elected officials and no one is dealing with this particular Medicare issue as well as many other issues inherent in the system.

BTW, the Medicare penalty I've been speaking of is even worse because the penalty is 10-percent tacked on for EVERY year after your eligibility year --- so, if you decide not to sign on for 3 years, you will pay an ongoing yearly penalty cost of 30-percent of and plus the normal cost of Medicare.

Exactly how is that justified?

Pstern...

"Exactly how is that justified?"

Its the old golden rule..."He who has the gold, makes the rule."

I understand the penalty on Part D is even worse, 1% per month penalty.

WK