I'm in a mixed year. I start the year with BCBS, then I get to join Medicare in July. My BCBS premiums just went up 38% to about $9K, and that doesn't count the $2.5K deductible and $2K co-insurance. I'll be glad to get on Medicare, because I'll likely save quite a bit. I haven't looked yet about medigap carriers and drug coverage, but I'll be needing both.