[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by casita37

I didn't see much "advantage" to the UHC Advantage plan. They do include your part D drug plan, which is a $40 per month savings and have a small dental coverage, but it's just so limiting in doctors, facilities, etc. Two main issues for us is that Shands is not included (my husband has a doctor at Shands) and once you sign up for an advantage plan, it is more difficult to then switch over to a supplemental plan. It's not impossible, but you have to have some special permission....not sure what is involved in getting that. Fact is, we are all likely to need more medical care as we age, and those co-pays and limited options could be a problem.

If you are healthy and on the younger side of our medicare years, the UHC advantage plan is probably a good deal. For anyone with health issues, it seems to me the supplemental policy is the only way to go.

We will pay about $200 more per month (supplement plus part D), but we willl no longer have co-pays, plus we will have the added "insurance" for anything else major, or even minor, that might come along. I have a very thick folder of medical co pay receipts for my husband, and he hasn't even really been sick. A minor out-patient surgery, regular visits to the dermatologist, his specialist he visits about 4 times per year. Every little procedure creates several co-pay bills from doctors and labs, etc. It adds up quickly.

Also, to clear up what might have been misunderstood from a couple of previous posts. The Villages Health system will accept supplemental insurance and other insurance policies, as well as regular medicare, but....the ONLY ADVANTAGE plan they will accept is UHC-The Villages. If you have your advantage plan through another company like BCBS or Humana, etc., it's not accepted at TV. If you have a supplemental plan through another company, it is accepted. There may be exceptions they don't take, so best to check with them.

Excellent post with correct info.

Originally Posted by cinepuxon

If your Medicare Advantage plan is ending you then have a 'guaranteed issue right' to go back to Original Medicare and pick up a Medigap policy ie., supplement. The rate the insurance company can charge you will only be based on your age and not on any existing medical condition. Medigap Plan F (most coverage) can be under $200/month and you will never see a co-pay. You will also need a Plan D which can be as low as $12/month with no co-pays for tier 1 and tier 2 generics by mail order. See a SHINE counselor at The Villages rec centers during the open enrollment season. 1-800-963 5337.

According to the Shine couselor I saw today. You have 12 months to switch to original Medicare with a supplement, if you have been on a Medical Advantage program for several years.

In addition, you have to be careful if you have previous problems as you only get one bite at the apple. You can be rejected, so do your homework.