[Cedwards38]

I turn 65 during 2016, thus I will begin using Medicare. Today in the mail I received a pink card called "2016 Medicare Supplement Comparison Schedule for Americans Turning Age 65." It asks me to fill it out and return it, postage paid, to a Distribution Center in Dallas, Texas. The small print states, "This information is not affiliated with or endorsed by government agencies."

Did anyone else get this? Is this something that I need to do or is this some piece of marketing? I want this if it's going to be helpful, but I already get enough junk mail if that what it will produce. Thanks for your advice.

[misky]

It's just marketing. I'm turning 65 also. I suggest you start with a meeting with SHINE. You can find times and places in the Rec News. If you are part of TV health system, you can go to a Medicare store in the town square or even visit a rep at one of the health centers. You'll probably be getting more marketing mail in the future.

[2BNTV]

Marketing. I agree with Minsky.

I just joined UHC this year and most people prefer Medical Advantage Plans. IMHO. These type of plans are geared toward people who are healthy. People that have a known condition that requires frequent doctor visits or hospitalizations, prefer original Medicare with a supplement. It also provides piece of mind for some people.

There is a UHC store in all of the squares or to be advised by SHINE is a good option.

[Cedwards38]

Thanks guys!

[villagetinker]

Cedwards38, IMHO, if you have or think you my have in the future, health concerns that will require specialists, make sure the specialist is one of the 12 in the Village Health care system. If you need and specialist OUTSIDE of VHC, you may be is for a rude awaking, either a long drive to Ocala, Leesburg, or Orlando, or large out of pocket expenses. My wife had to drop 3 of her doctors when she went with the UNC ADVANTAGE plan, we just changed back to a SUPPLEMENT plan because of this.
Ask LOTs of questions to make sure the plan you are looking at will work for you and your health.
Hope this helps.
Now before everybody piles on, each individual has different needs, and each individual needs to determine which type of plan supplemental or advantage will be best for them. Also, VHC has put some very significant restrictions on the health care plans to get into their system.

[Avista]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Cedwards38, IMHO, if you have or think you my have in the future, health concerns that will require specialists, make sure the specialist is one of the 12 in the Village Health care system. If you need and specialist OUTSIDE of VHC, you may be is for a rude awaking, either a long drive to Ocala, Leesburg, or Orlando, or large out of pocket expenses. My wife had to drop 3 of her doctors when she went with the UNC ADVANTAGE plan, we just changed back to a SUPPLEMENT plan because of this.
Ask LOTs of questions to make sure the plan you are looking at will work for you and your health.
Hope this helps.
Now before everybody piles on, each individual has different needs, and each individual needs to determine which type of plan supplemental or advantage will be best for them. Also, VHC has put some very significant restrictions on the health care plans to get into their system.

We've been told not limited to specialists here in The Villages.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Avista

We've been told not limited to specialists here in The Villages.

I agree, however, you may end up traveling se distance, and there may be a delay in getting an appointment. I am just pointing this out after almost a year of experience. Ask questions so that an informed decisions can be made.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Cedwards38, IMHO, if you have or think you my have in the future, health concerns that will require specialists, make sure the specialist is one of the 12 in the Village Health care system. If you need and specialist OUTSIDE of VHC, you may be is for a rude awaking, either a long drive to Ocala, Leesburg, or Orlando, or large out of pocket expenses. My wife had to drop 3 of her doctors when she went with the UNC ADVANTAGE plan, we just changed back to a SUPPLEMENT plan because of this.
Ask LOTs of questions to make sure the plan you are looking at will work for you and your health.
Hope this helps.
Now before everybody piles on, each individual has different needs, and each individual needs to determine which type of plan supplemental or advantage will be best for them. Also, VHC has put some very significant restrictions on the health care plans to get into their system.

with the highlighted bold, type statement.

Just to be clear, either one or two.

1. Original Medicare with supplement.

2. Medical Advantage plan.

Some people are fortunate enough to have worked for employers that offer medical benefits for the duration of their lives. This will work for people taking original Medicare and have their former employers plans as a back-up, to pick-up benefits not paid by original Medicare.

As always, each person must investigate what plan is best for them and their ongoing medical concerns and or, needs.