Q. I plan to retire in the near future. Do I need both Medicare and regular health insurance, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield? I am trying to reduce my health care costs in my retirement years. How will the retired federal employee be affected by Obamacare?
A. You are already paying for Medicare Part A, which will complement your BC/BS coverage when you become eligible for Medicare at no additional cost to you. Whether you enroll in Part B, for which you’d have to pay the premiums, is up to you. Some do, some don’t. As for the Affordable Care Act, it remains to be seen if it will have any effect on retirees.