Quote:
Originally Posted by Doodlegirl
maintain Medicare without an additional plan, BUT go if necessary to a not for profit hospital in Florida. You cannot be followed by a large bill. If the
Villages hospital was not for profit, you would find substantially better care
(in my opinion) since they would be 'writing off' overwhelming cost to you...and to them. I love TV, I've been here since July, I am shocked at the status of Medicare issues here, the vitals reports on physicians, and about ready to give Mr. Morse a call and have a long talk. With 80,000 some seniors here, this 'city' could use a collaboration with a large not for profit hospital and doctor's who are part of that type of system. Try and find a
qualified gerontologist. This is an area in which we must all be proactive.
We worked, we paid into Social Security and the Medicare 'benefit' most all of our lives. It is time to clarify both our Medicare 'rights' and the extra
fee's here. I really have a plan, it keeps me up at night I swear, and I'm going to try and pull it off with a major not for profit medical center. Seriously concerned. I'm a doctor, but not that kind! However, I understand how the process is supposed to work for those of us who paid our dues!
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I SO agree with you about the lack of choice in doctors! In some other areas of the country, doctors have quit accepting Medicare patients due to red tape and amounts paid by Medicare! With that in mind, you might not get the get the best doctors in an area that is made up primarily of Medicare recipients! I'm hoping I'll find a doctor that is not in it "just for the money" but so far have not been impressed.
As to your comment about seeking a "not for profit" hospital, that is not always a luxury you can expect to have. I assume if you are in an accident or have a stroke, heart attack or a number of other emergencies you're taken to the nearest hospital without much choice in the matter! Also, it seems to me that most treatments are not even done in a hospital any more. I can't imagine paying 20% out of pocket for things such as cancer treatments. I have had many friends treated for breast cancer and it is not unusual for one treatment to be in excess of $5,000 and this can go on for months and months. If one can't afford a Medicare supplement, it seems to me that an advantage plan would be better than nothing.
Let me know what Mr. Morse says!!