Any other soon-to-be 65ers who are stressing about what Medicare plan to buy?

[MineralMan]

8. I'm on regular Medicare with a Blue Cross

Platinum Blue supplemental policy. I like it. It has a very, very large provider list. The cost for the supplement is $109/month. So, that puts my Medicare costs at about $200/month, which I can afford.

Use caution with Medicare Advantage programs. Many of them are HMOs and very limited as to providers. A lot of seniors have found that those HMO plans make accessing specialists very difficult, since the "management" of the HMO tries to minimize their use. Many people switch away from those Advantage plans within a year or two.

It's really up to you, though. You can change plans during the open enrollment period each year, so you're not stuck forever if you get a plan you don't like. Most of the people I know have Medicare plus a supplement, like I do. You can add Part D, as well, to such a plan, if you wish. I think that gives you the most flexibility, but look closely at the providers in your area for any plan you consider.