Supplement health ins.

[troy1smith]

Will be leaving our home state of MN . Sold all the shovels and the snowblower. Waiting for house to sell . Soon we hope. We visit The Villages every year. This time will be permanent.
We just found out that our insurance supplement is not in FLORIDA . ( U-CARE ) We will need to switch . Is there any companies that seem to be better then others ? How about a agent that people seem to like and is also good.

The wife is also looking for a good chiropractor. Any ideas

Thanks Rick

[eweissenbach]

I have AARP underwritten by United Healthcare, plan F. It is extremely good and accepted nationwide.

[troy1smith]

Thanks ,

[CFrance]

I have AARP underwritten by United Healthcare, plan F. It is extremely good and accepted nationwide.
Ed, is this a supplemental or an advantage plan? Do they raise the rates on you much?

My husband has Mutual of Omaha, and they raise the rates on him twice a year. It started out at $100 and is now $300, and he's healthy as a horse. He is going to switch when the window is open to do so. We will be looking for a supplemental that will allow us to see any doctor in the US, anywhere.

[Avista]

I have AARP underwritten by United Healthcare, plan F. It is extremely good and accepted nationwide.

Me too. Would recommend.

[eweissenbach]

Ed, is this a supplemental or an advantage plan? Do they raise the rates on you much?

My husband has Mutual of Omaha, and they raise the rates on him twice a year. It started out at $100 and is now $300, and he's healthy as a horse. He is going to switch when the window is open to do so. We will be looking for a supplemental that will allow us to see any doctor in the US, anywhere.

This is a supplement Cyndi, although they do offer advantage plans. Mine is plan F which is about top of the line and I pay about $340 per mo for myself and Lila. Increases are annual, and have been modest, maybe 3-5% each of the last three years. My father had this plan before his death and we were his caretakers and handled his affairs, and his claims were always well handled.

[rn1tv]

I think your best bet is to go one Medicare.gov and click on "supplements and other insurance" to find what best meets your needs.

[llaran]

We also have AARP/ Unitedhealthcare and are very happy with it. It and Medicare can be used anywhere in the country and you choose your own Drs and or Hospital which is important. I had 6 surgeries last year and everything was paid. medicare submits to the supplement. Going to Medicare.gov is also a good idea, becareful of the hmo's or advantage plans.

[CharTalk]

We also have AARP/ Unitedhealthcare and are very happy with it. It and Medicare can be used anywhere in the country and you choose your own Drs and or Hospital which is important. I had 6 surgeries last year and everything was paid. medicare submits to the supplement. Going to Medicare.gov is also a good idea, becareful of the hmo's or advantage plans.


We also have had AARP/United Health Care's Supplemental (Plan F) for 3 years and are very happy with it. The only place you can get it (now) is at the United Health Care storefronts in all the town centers. This just happened last year when The Villages Health System opened. Long story. Unfortunate because I loved my insurance agent who can no longer sell it. Found out when I went to see her. She offers other supplemental packages but told us the UHC plan was still the best for us even though she could no longer sell it to us. If you want an honest, helpful agent for other health insurance I HIGHLY recommend Tangee Zutlas at (352) 751-6622.

If you want an Advantage Plan (vs Supplement) and think you will use The Village Health System for your doctor, then the ONLY plan you can use is AARP/UHC.

Personally, we picked Supplement because we travel a lot and we don't have the problem with In-Network you run into with Advantage plans. Our plan even covers foreign travel so we don't have to buy outrageously expensive travel insurance when we go abroad

[billethkid]

AARP is among the most comprehensive supplements available. We have yet to come across aything, including major illnesses like cancer and surgeries, that are not covered.

I diagree with AARP political positions but cannot fault their products.

[Madelaine Amee]

I have AARP underwritten by United Healthcare, plan F. It is extremely good and accepted nationwide.

We, also, have AARP United Healthcare Plan J. Plan J is no longer available, luckily we are grandfathered. Excellent health insurance.

[NYGUY]

I diagree with AARP political positions but cannot fault their products.

The AARP/United Healthcare products should work well for you then, since they are merely United Healthcare insurance programs that UHC pays a fee to AARP for use of their name for marketing purposes.

[llaran]

you can by aarp/united healthcare direct you don't need an agent.

[jimmy D]

1. United health plan is sold by other agents. You do not have to use the United health agents who work for the Villages. They are United only and cannot show you other options. Also you can Switch a Medicare Supplement anytime. You do not have to wait for open enrollment which is in Oct and Nov. Medicare advantage has open enrollment, Not Medicare supplements. Remember a Plan F is a Plan F regardless of the company name. Some have Higher cost and some are lower Good luck in your search

[CFrance]

Okay, questions to llaran and Jimmy D.

Is it true you can switch to another supplement (not advantage) at any time?

Where does one go to sign up for United Health supplement if not using an agent?

[Shirleevee]

We, also, have AARP United Healthcare Plan J. Plan J is no longer available, luckily we are grandfathered. Excellent health insurance.

AARP/UHC F is great, I have NOT paid a cent in two years and I go to many doctors

[gerryann]

AARP/UHC F is great, I have NOT paid a cent in two years and I go to many doctors

Is it true that if you go with a supplement plan F, as you have, that you can not switch back to an advantage plan in the future? It sounds like you can switch to a different supplement plan, but not back to an advantage plan? Hope this makes sense.

[gerryann]

Also, those that have a supplement, such as part f through AARP/UHC, what do you use for prescriptions?

[eweissenbach]

Okay, questions to llaran and Jimmy D.

Is it true you can switch to another supplement (not advantage) at any time?

Where does one go to sign up for United Health supplement if not using an agent?

You can sign up through AARP, go to their website

[RErmer]

AARP is among the most comprehensive supplements available. We have yet to come across aything, including major illnesses like cancer and surgeries, that are not covered.

I diagree with AARP political positions but cannot fault their products.

Just a note - for supplements (Also called Medigap) in Florida, Plan F from AARP/UHC is identical to Plan F from any other insurer. Supplements are standardized and coverage does not vary; similarly, Plan G is Plan G no matter who you buy it from.

[RErmer]

https://apps.fldfs.com/mcws/CWSSearch.aspx

This is the state website where you can research rates for supplement plans.

[CFrance]

https://apps.fldfs.com/mcws/CWSSearch.aspx

This is the state website where you can research rates for supplement plans.
I went to that site and have a question they do not explain. What is the difference between "select" and "standard"?

They want age, gender, smoker/non smoker/ zip code, and opposite "type of insurance" they want select or standard. But they do not explain what that is.
Do you know, RErmer? The selections are quite difference for each.

[RErmer]

I went to that site and have a question they do not explain. What is the difference between "select" and "standard"?

They want age, gender, smoker/non smoker/ zip code, and opposite "type of insurance" they want select or standard. But they do not explain what that is.
Do you know, RErmer? The selections are quite difference for each.

Standard plan - you can go to any Medicare provider. Select plan- have to go to network providers, not usually recommended even though it's less expensive.

[RErmer]

Is it true that if you go with a supplement plan F, as you have, that you can not switch back to an advantage plan in the future? It sounds like you can switch to a different supplement plan, but not back to an advantage plan? Hope this makes sense.

You can switch back to an advantage plan during the annual enrollment period (for 1/1 effective date). However, if you go back and forth repetitively you would not have a guaranteed right of issue for the supplement. The first time you go into an advantage plan you have a 12 month period to switch back and still have guaranteed issue on a supplement. It's complicated. Go to Medicare.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare (http://www.medicare.gov) for more detail.

[llaran]

When you go on an Advantage Plan - you do not have regular medicare A and B, you must go to the plans Dr's. you can enroll or change during the enrollment period, the same as when you were working.
all Supplements are the same as people have said; because years ago salesmen would sell "old" people several plans, so the Gov regulated the plans, A thru N. they are the same no matter who sells it, except for the price.
We Humana for rx's - the walmart store and mail order. Call me if you need addl info 352-751-3979

[CFrance]

Standard plan - you can go to any Medicare provider. Select plan- have to go to network providers, not usually recommended even though it's less expensive.
Thank you. My husband's Mutual of Omaha supplemental plan F has increased from under $100/mo to almost $300/mo in five years, despite the fact that he is extremely healthy and has only used it for annual physicals and one colonoscopy. So we want to change his to United Healthcare. But it was our understanding that we had to wait till the open enrollment period. It would be great if we could do it now.

[JGVillages]

IF YOU ARE OVER 65 >>>We have had Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Florida Blue) Advantage Plan (PPO and currently HMO). $0 premium (still pay the $105 deduction from Social Security) / $0 Co-pay for Primary / small Co-pay for specialists. Some dental/vision/hearing benefits. We went with the Florida Blue plan because my wife had successful cancer surgery almost 4 years ago and Moffit Cancer Center (One of the Best) in Tampa accepts FL Blue advantage plan where they do not accept United Healthcare Advantage plans. Of course both United Healthcare and FL Blue offer Supplemental plans at a greater premium $300-400 ish per month. Because of OBAMMA CARE we can all expect considerable premium increases or decreases in coverage to offset increases in the coming years. My FL Blue agent here is Mid-Florida Agencies / Wayne Tutt / 352-259-0666. He can explain both the Advantage and Supplemental plans with FL Blue. Whatever you decide expect to be review your coverage annually.

[champion6]

Also, those that have a supplement, such as part f through AARP/UHC, what do you use for prescriptions?We use a Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D). Sign up during open enrollment period. The plans can be seen any time at medicare.gov.

[Shirleevee]

IF YOU ARE OVER 65 >>>We have had Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Florida Blue) Advantage Plan (PPO and currently HMO). $0 premium (still pay the $105 deduction from Social Security) / $0 Co-pay for Primary / small Co-pay for specialists. Some dental/vision/hearing benefits. We went with the Florida Blue plan because my wife had successful cancer surgery almost 4 years ago and Moffit Cancer Center (One of the Best) in Tampa accepts FL Blue advantage plan where they do not accept United Healthcare Advantage plans. Of course both United Healthcare and FL Blue offer Supplemental plans at a greater premium $300-400 ish per month. Because of OBAMMA CARE we can all expect considerable premium increases or decreases in coverage to offset increases in the coming years. My FL Blue agent here is Mid-Florida Agencies / Wayne Tutt / 352-259-0666. He can explain both the Advantage and Supplemental plans with FL Blue. Whatever you decide expect to be review your coverage annually.

I have Medicare and a Medi-Gap AARP/UHC policy and do not pay $300.00 per month.

[Shirleevee]

Go to Medicare.gov and look-up the Medi-Gap policies

[chuckinca]

I have Anthem/Blue Cross Plan F. Started at $125/mo 4 years ago - same price and coverage as two other insurers we looked into. Now $176/mo. Policy issued in CA but used mainly in FL.

Haven't used it much other than an annual physical and flu etc shots and haven't had to make additional payments.

.

[MSGirl]

My husband also has AARP United Healthcare Plan F. He got it before we moved and went to AARP directly.

[gerryann]

My husband also has AARP United Healthcare Plan F. He got it before we moved and went to AARP directly.

I don't understand what you mean by "went to AARP directly". Do you mean an office for AARP united health ?

[MSGirl]

We recently moved to the Villages and needed to transfer my husbands RX plan. We had already changed our address for his Medicare and AARP United Healthcare Part F. I was on the phone with United Healthcare for over an hour while she tried to talk me into the Villages United Health medical plan. My husband is very happy with his plans. We were told by Medicare that he could transfer his plans to Florida, as they have the same plans here. Yet, this woman, kept trying to push the Advantage plans on us! I kept telling her what plans I wanted and I was only transferring prescriptions, yet she felt she needed to tell me why we should change. After all that, I hope he still has the plan he wants...sheesh!

[MSGirl]

We called them and completed the forms via phone and email.

[JoMar]

Everyone does know that AARP is not an insurance Carrier and does not provide insurance right? United Healthcare pays a fee to AARP to use their name and trademark and those fees are used to fund advocacy efforts and their programs and services. They make a bunch selling their name and logo to products and services that they do not provide but is in their best interests.

[NYGUY]

Everyone does know that AARP is not an insurance Carrier and does not provide insurance right? United Healthcare pays a fee to AARP to use their name and trademark....

I don't think a lot of people understand this and even fewer read an entire thread that might explain it to them.

[shcisamax]

If you go direct to AARP rather than go to an agent, is it less expensive? What is the reason to go direct?

Is the AARP F plan a different price than the UH F plan? Why go through AARP?

When you say you can't switch back to an advantage plan, does that mean during the year or do you mean forever?

[eweissenbach]

I have Medicare and a Medi-Gap AARP/UHC policy and do not pay $300.00 per month.

We have AARP plan F, and as I stated earlier we pay $333.62 per month for both my wife and I. Approximately $167 apiece. And it pays for everything, I haven't made an out of pocket payment for healthcare in three years, including back surgery and several procedures for my wife.

[CFrance]

If you travel a lot--if you are a snowbird or travel to visit people in different states, etc.--you have to make a choice. You can either opt for a pricier Medigap plan that will cover you anywhere in the States (and limited coverage internationally), or you will opt to pay less for an Advantage plan and take the chance that if you need medical care outside of your area, you will pay higher, out-of-network prices for your care.

It's a crap shoot.

[obxgal]

We have AARP plan F, and as I stated earlier we pay $333.62 per month for both my wife and I. Approximately $167 apiece. And it pays for everything, I haven't made an out of pocket payment for healthcare in three years, including back surgery and several procedures for my wife.

Ed are your prescriptions also covered in this price? How about dental, vision and hearing.

[jimmy D]

Best priced Med sup is United Health with AARP as a sponsor

[eweissenbach]

Ed are your prescriptions also covered in this price? How about dental, vision and hearing.

I have the AARP Medicare rx preferred plan for drugs and it is $43.40 per mo. Some vision, hearing, and dental benefits are covered by Medicare. We also have Delta Dental through our kid's company.

[obxgal]

Ed, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question. Much appreciated.

[shcisamax]

Thanks Summit Medigap.
ANd what does it mean you can't switch back from a supplemental to an advantage. Is that forever?

[CFrance]

Thanks Summit Medigap.
ANd what does it mean you can't switch back from a supplemental to an advantage. Is that forever?
After Summit Medigap answered many posters' questions on this thread, we called him, as my husband wanted to switch Medigap companies.

Bill was extremely helpful. He is located in Ponte Vedra, but he with either meet you halfway to discuss your options in person, or he will talk to you over the phone. He can send you a link that will allow you to follow along with his computer as he explains options. If you are computer literate enough to post on this forum, you will be able to do this easily.

I highly recommend him. He has many options, and can also help you find the best prescription plan. Take a look at his web site by left-clicking his screen name and choosing view homepage on the pull-down menu.

BTW, my husband chose AARP-sponsored UHC for my husband and will save close to $100/month over Mutual of Omaha, which kept raising rates on him twice a year just for living longer.

[rubicon]

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan you can switch plans at anytime of the year that it benefits you.

However, if someone was switching from a Medicare Supplement to a Medicare Advantage plan then they would need to wait for the Annual Enrollment Period which starts every October 15th. That is a Medicare Advantage rule, not the Medicare Supplement. I don't see it very often that someone with a Medicare Supplement would want to switch to a Medicare Advantage.

The benefits of a Medicare Supplement plan can not change & the plan is guaranteed renewable which means you can keep it forever. There is never a network issue because there isn't a network.

The benefits of a Medicare Advantage plan can and do change from year to year. The network also changes. I find that people who switch from a Medicare Advantage to a Medicare Supplement are usually tired of both of those happening.

Regards,
Bill

Bill you are the expert but it is my understanding that if a member wishes to move between medigap(supplement plans) s/he may be subject to insurability issues i.e underwriting? This is not the case if an insured wishes to move from Medigap to an Advantage plan

P.S i have this rule in print

Personal Best Regards:

[TVJewel]

Do you contact a broker like you do for car insurance here, or the insurance company directly? I'd rather deal with a person, than on-line or an 800 number.

[Avista]

Would suggest you watch this before deciding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eh-4T5L4hU&feature=youtu.be

[Avista]

Interesting that a provider would be pushing Medicare Advantage over a Medicare Supplement.

It is a really good Medicare Advantage commercial however they left out some very important points. We offer both but we feel it's important for clients to understand all of the facts.

What they don't say about Medicare Advantage plans:

1. The max out of pocket costs can be as high as $6,700 per year.
2. The benefits can & do change year to year with a Medicare Advantage plan.
3. The network can change year to year also.

In contrast, max out of pocket for a Medicare Supplement can be $0, the benefits are not allowed to change & there is no network. That means a person can go to any doctor or hospital in any state they want. If they take Medicare they will take the Medicare Supplement regardless of who the carrier is.

It boils down to understanding both so a person can make a truly informed decision as to what is best for their particular situation.

Regards,
Bill

The Villages Advantage program has the Max out of pocket at $4500. Each month we put aside what we would have paid for a Medigap policy Plus RX drug policy. We draw on this for any Co Pays.