Are you happy w/ Villages Health?

[Opmoochler]

We arrived here in Sept. and have yet to settle on primary care physicians. Each time I contact one that was listed in our insurance plan's provider directory, I find out they're no longer accepting traditional Medicare or our secondary insurance because they have joined the Villages plan. So, how do you all feel about the Villages Health (United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan)? Do you like the Drs? What about quality of specialists? Please, give me pros and cons.

[dbussone]

We arrived here in Sept. and have yet to settle on primary care physicians. Each time I contact one that was listed in our insurance plan's provider directory, I find out they're no longer accepting traditional Medicare or our secondary insurance because they have joined the Villages plan. So, how do you all feel about the Villages Health (United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan)? Do you like the Drs? What about quality of specialists? Please, give me pros and cons.

I would recommend that you contact Angel Tafur, MD He is a very intelligent and patient oriented physician. Just for background, my wife was an RN, and I was in healthcare as well, for 45 years. I've known thousands of MDs during my career. Dr Tafur is direct, and tells you what you need to hear. But all is based on factually based opinions. Just a great doc!

He accepts traditional Medicare, and numerous supplements.

[villagetinker]

You should also contact SHINE, as they will give you an impartial review of the health care system. Search this site for the word SHINE, and you will get the contact info. I have posted it several times, but do not have it in front of me.

Now to answer your specific question: If you are in GOOD health, you will LOVE the villages Health and the associated ADVANTAGE plan. If you are in POOR health, and need several specialists you may be somewhat disenchanted with Villages Health. My wife had to change doctors, as the ones she had would not accept the "advantage" plan, and we got tired of extended lead times for appointments with the "advantage" plan, especially for specialists. We finally decided, to go with a traditional supplemental plan, which allows us to go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.
You are wise to ask the questions, please contact SHINE, and listen to others that will reply to you post, so you can make an informed decision.

[NYGUY]

If you decide to go with a United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Program in order to join The Villages Health System stay away from the UHC Villages HMO!!! Go with the UHC PPO. The HMO has a limited specialists network and requires referrals in all cases.

[Cedwards38]

I am happy with The Villages Health System.

Pros
1. Good doctors and PAs.
2. Fantastic facilities.
3. Convenient locations
4. Extremely cordial and customer friendly service.
5. One stop shopping for the most part. (X ray, blood test, etc.)

Cons
1. If you have insurance other than United Healthcare, it could be a problem.

[Avista]

We love the Villages Health. Our family tires of us bragging about them. We have never had such complete care. I'm an RN and am so pleased.

My suggestion would be to go to the Medicare Store (United) in Sumter or other town square. They will help you understand everything. Much better than a few posts here. For one thing there are 2 advantage plans. See which one is a better fit. They will also go through your specialist options--this is much broader than I thought. They told us to call them at any time we have a question.

You will learn so much more from them than from this forum. Shine is also good, but they may not have a complete understanding of Villages Health as it is different than other advantage plans.

[spuds51]

We love the Villages Health. Our family tires of us bragging about them. We have never had such complete care. I'm an RN and am so pleased.

My suggestion would be to go to the Medicare Store (United) in Sumter or other town square. They will help you understand everything. Much better than a few posts here. For one thing there are 2 advantage plans. See which one is a better fit. They will also go through your specialist options--this is much broader than I thought. They told us to call them at any time we have a question.

You will learn so much more from them than from this forum. Shine is also good, but they may not have a complete understanding of Villages Health as it is different than other advantage plans.

In what way is the Village Health different from other Advantage plans? I wasn't aware of that. You don't have to go into great detail just give me one example.

[Lovey2]

I am happy with The Villages Health System.

Pros
1. Good doctors and PAs.
2. Fantastic facilities.
3. Convenient locations
4. Extremely cordial and customer friendly service.
5. One stop shopping for the most part. (X ray, blood test, etc.)

Cons
1. If you have insurance other than United Healthcare, it could be a problem.

The PROS are, in fact, true.
I don't find the CON to be true. I have coverage with CIGNA as a retiree benefit with my old employer and have had no issues with The Villages Health. My only advice would be when being referred out to specialists be sure THEY are on your plan. I ran in to one that wasn't and simply got another referral.

[Bonny]

I love the Villages Health System. I have been with them since day one. I have some health issues and have not had any problem with specialists. I followed the NP there from my Drs. office. She is amazing !!

[graciegirl]

The PROS are, in fact, true.
I don't find the CON to be true. I have coverage with CIGNA as a retiree benefit with my old employer and have had no issues with The Villages Health. My only advice would be when being referred out to specialists be sure THEY are on your plan. I ran in to one that wasn't and simply got another referral.



I agree. We can't belong to it because our insurance doesn't work, but everyone I know that does is very satisfied.

[LuauLinda]

I was lucky to be able to sign up before they stopped allowing patients not old enough for Medicare. I will be allowed to participate until I go on Medicare and get on the advantage plan, which my husband has and is happy with. Unbelievable customer service, no waiting, friendly faces, and they will accommodate you for a last minute appointment due to illness. I am still working and they have later in the day hours that help me. My physician Dr. Giavanelli is wonderful as is her PA and medical assistants.

[Opmoochler]

All of your responses have been helpful as I explore our options. My questions actually grew out of a visit yesterday to one of the Medicare stores, where I spent several hours with an extremely helpful rep. My husband's United Healthcare Empire Plan worked flawlessly when we lived in NY where it was easy to choose from an extensive list of participating providers both before and after we were on Medicare. Not so much out of state (MD and now FL). Also, to have our disabled son and me on his plan costs him about $2200/yr. and there are huge deductibles (out of pocket expenses) and copays. I'm a bit arthritic, but we are otherwise in very good health and on no meds.
Our NP daughter in NY recommended a Dr here with whom she had once trained up there. He was listed in our Empire Plan directory, but when I called, I found he had switched to the Villages plan last Oct. Several other Drs I tried had done the same. That's what precipitated my visit to the Medicare Store to find out more about the Villages plan. Hearing your feedback is reassuring. I will also contact SHINE to better understand all the insurance nuances. This is an extremely helpful forum!

[spuds51]

We arrived here in Sept. and have yet to settle on primary care physicians. Each time I contact one that was listed in our insurance plan's provider directory, I find out they're no longer accepting traditional Medicare or our secondary insurance because they have joined the Villages plan. So, how do you all feel about the Villages Health (United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan)? Do you like the Drs? What about quality of specialists? Please, give me pros and cons.

We moved here almost three years ago now. We joined the Village Health System and loved it. By far the best care that we ever received. I have never seen an office run like that. You will never have a appointment pushed back. If you have an 8:30 you get in by at least 8:30. We would love to stay but unfortunately we turn 65 this year and they only accept Medicare Advantage now. Before you even consider Medicare Advantage I would advise you to do a bunch of research on it. Find a independent agent that deals with multiple insurance company's. This is the best one I have found.

Matthew Claassen
800-847-9680

Good Luck !!

[Avista]

In what way is the Village Health different from other Advantage plans? I wasn't aware of that. You don't have to go into great detail just give me one example.

There are specialists listed in their book, but many specialists are available in other areas that are not listed. My friend had knee replacement surgery out of The Villages. When I was at Medicare store asked as an example if I could go to him. She said yes and heard he was very good.

My comparison to other Advantage plans is one doesn't have to stick to local specialists. And the list of local specialists is very extensive.

[ragdolls]

My husband and I both r patients with The Villages Health Care System. We r so pleased and feel very comfortable with our doctors. Fabulous service and excellent knowledge of geriatric care and needs. Good luck and welcome to The Villages :welcome:

[Philip Winkler]

The Villages Health System is definitely the wave of the future; unique to TV!
Very pleased!

[2BNTV]

I am happy with The Villages Health System.

Pros
1. Good doctors and PAs.
2. Fantastic facilities.
3. Convenient locations
4. Extremely cordial and customer friendly service.
5. One stop shopping for the most part. (X ray, blood test, etc.)

Cons
1. If you have insurance other than United Healthcare, it could be a problem.

:agree:

In addition:
1. Very good at follow-up.
2, They give you a written document of your visit.
3. Although I have never had the need to use it, after hours, if the need arises, you get a doctor that answers your call. Concierge type service.

Overall all, I am very impressed with their level of care. UHC has all the specialists I had been going to, when I switched from Florida Blue

Bottom line, you have to decide what plan fits your needs the best!

[mjdollard]

I am happy with The Villages Health System.

Pros
1. Good doctors and PAs.
2. Fantastic facilities.
3. Convenient locations
4. Extremely cordial and customer friendly service.
5. One stop shopping for the most part. (X ray, blood test, etc.)

Cons
1. If you have insurance other than United Healthcare, it could be a problem.

I would second this post

[Villager Joyce]

We are extremely pleased. I love our Doctor. There are multiple free classes and programs. I'm not on Medicare yet, but grandfathered in for now. I will do what I need to do to stay with them when the time comes. As was stated earlier, contracts with insurance companies come and go.

[goodtimesintv]

I was lucky to be able to sign up before they stopped allowing patients not old enough for Medicare. I will be allowed to participate until I go on Medicare and get on the advantage plan, which my husband has and is happy with. Unbelievable customer service, no waiting, friendly faces, and they will accommodate you for a last minute appointment due to illness. I am still working and they have later in the day hours that help me. My physician Dr. Giavanelli is wonderful as is her PA and medical assistants.

It is not true that TV Health does not accept patients not old enough for Medicare. We are 59, still employed, and have United Healthcare employer-based insurance, and we recently became new patients at TV Health. We are extremely happy about this. They did tell us that when we reach Medicare age, we'd have to have the UHC medicare advantage plan (or whatever requirement like that they mentioned) to stay.

[bob&Gail]

Just got kicked out from my dr. Due to medicare. Went arbor medical. New to the villages accepting patients. Located in laurel manor

[shardiego]

I am a brand new Villager - had a very disappointing "first visit" with Pinellas Center doctor (new to the practice). Wonder if this if the exception or the norm? Did not want to wait 3 months for first appointment so tried doctor new to the practice. I am not on medicare yet and have PPO health insurance, should I try again or find different practice?

[SoHumble]

I was with the Villages UHC plan for a year and really liked it. Very prompt appointments, doctors spent a lot of time with you, blood tests at the office, etc. Then I needed a parathyroidectomy and things changed. My doctor (new to the program) referred me to the Norman clinic in Tampa. That clinic only does this type of operation and they are probably the best in the world. The problem was that they are not in the plan. The doctor then referred me to Shands in Gainesville. Again, not on the plan. The doctor then told me the Villages UHC is a very good plan UNLESS you need something out of the ordinary like I did. He said he was very limited in the hospitals and specialists he could send anyone to. I put off the surgery until the new plan year and changed to a plan that covered me at the Norman clinic. I have since had the surgery and all is good. Now I wonder if I should go back to the Villages UHC plan. What if something else out of the ordinary should happen?

[dbussone]

I was with the Villages UHC plan for a year and really liked it. Very prompt appointments, doctors spent a lot of time with you, blood tests at the office, etc. Then I needed a parathyroidectomy and things changed. My doctor (new to the program) referred me to the Norman clinic in Tampa. That clinic only does this type of operation and they are probably the best in the world. The problem was that they are not in the plan. The doctor then referred me to Shands in Gainesville. Again, not on the plan. The doctor then told me the Villages UHC is a very good plan UNLESS you need something out of the ordinary like I did. He said he was very limited in the hospitals and specialists he could send anyone to. I put off the surgery until the new plan year and changed to a plan that covered me at the Norman clinic. I have since had the surgery and all is good. Now I wonder if I should go back to the Villages UHC plan. What if something else out of the ordinary should happen?



I sure wouldn't go back. The next time you might have something much more urgent and not be able to go to another highly competent physician who is also out of plan.

[NYGUY]

I was with the Villages UHC plan for a year and really liked it. Very prompt appointments, doctors spent a lot of time with you, blood tests at the office, etc. Then I needed a parathyroidectomy and things changed. My doctor (new to the program) referred me to the Norman clinic in Tampa. That clinic only does this type of operation and they are probably the best in the world. The problem was that they are not in the plan. The doctor then referred me to Shands in Gainesville. Again, not on the plan. The doctor then told me the Villages UHC is a very good plan UNLESS you need something out of the ordinary like I did. He said he was very limited in the hospitals and specialists he could send anyone to. I put off the surgery until the new plan year and changed to a plan that covered me at the Norman clinic. I have since had the surgery and all is good. Now I wonder if I should go back to the Villages UHC plan. What if something else out of the ordinary should happen?

Going back doesn't sound like a good idea!! You learned that you were sold a poor plan, what you also should have learned was that rural areas like ours do not attract highly skilled specialists. Good luck in the future.

[goodtimesintv]

I was with the Villages UHC plan for a year and really liked it. Very prompt appointments, doctors spent a lot of time with you, blood tests at the office, etc. Then I needed a parathyroidectomy and things changed. My doctor (new to the program) referred me to the Norman clinic in Tampa. That clinic only does this type of operation and they are probably the best in the world. The problem was that they are not in the plan. The doctor then referred me to Shands in Gainesville. Again, not on the plan. The doctor then told me the Villages UHC is a very good plan UNLESS you need something out of the ordinary like I did. He said he was very limited in the hospitals and specialists he could send anyone to. I put off the surgery until the new plan year and changed to a plan that covered me at the Norman clinic. I have since had the surgery and all is good. Now I wonder if I should go back to the Villages UHC plan. What if something else out of the ordinary should happen?

I hope everyone is seeing that like with everything, "you get what you pay for". It's worth it to spend a couple of hundred dollars a month to be able to go elsewhere in a crisis, which happens more with aging.

[CritterLover]

I am a brand new Villager - had a very disappointing "first visit" with Pinellas Center doctor (new to the practice). Wonder if this if the exception or the norm? Did not want to wait 3 months for first appointment so tried doctor new to the practice. I am not on medicare yet and have PPO health insurance, should I try again or find different practice?

What was disappointing about your experience, if you don't mind me asking?

[rexxfan]

I am not on medicare yet and have PPO health insurance, should I try again or find different practice?
I don't understand how you even got an appointment in the first place. It is my understanding that unless you got an appointment before the middle of last October (when the rules changed) that the system was no longer going to accept any insurance other than UHC Medicare Advantage (effectively freezing out all those not yet eligible for Medicare).

I am also not on Medicare (3 years to go before eligible) but I made my first appointment (for a November date) last year at this time and so, was grandfathered in (at least until I am eligible for Medicare, at which point I have to decide if I will go with the UHC Advantage plan or not).

Perhaps your disappointment was that you were told they would not accept your insurance?
--
Bob C

[rockyisle]

Well, here's what I know from someone "in the know". This person was a member of the focus group that met this Spring to discuss the next round of changes to VHS and the possible impact and reaction of those of us who joined the program 3 years ago. Our primary care doctor has confirmed that current plans mean we will be out on January 1st if we don't move over to the VHS HMO plan.

I'm in the process of writing a letter to Jeffrey Lowenkron at the VHS (he's their Chief Medical Officer) protesting this latest move. So much for the Doctor Welby approach to medicine that was advertised by VHS. For whatever reason, it appears that they are not making money on their grand plan - or not making enough money. What I do know is that they have created a program with United Healthcare - much like AARP - that will pay them royalties for everyone who moves over to this new program. The rest of their financial plans are a mystery to me.

So, with that said... I will be very sad to leave VHS as I came over with my doctors from Family Doctors of Belleview (which no longer exists as a private care practice)... It's now part of the VHS system. VHS was very convenient for us and we felt we received great medical care. We will be looking for another primary care doctor who is willing to take the Medicare and United Healthcare Plan F reimbursements.

The curious part of all this (for me) is wondering how they think they will make money on any program only funded through Medicare and out of pocket payments by those who get sick and have to have tests and hospital stays at the VHS hospital. A well balanced family medicare practice relies on - Self Pay, Insurance from those who are still working, and Medicare Supplements. It seems to me that they will be putting all their business eggs into one basket source.. never a good idea. Wondering out loud what they will do when the Feds change the reimbursement program for Medi Gap programs and they get less reimbursements? I know their are Medical Insurance experts who read TOV... Would love to read your thoughts on all of this...

Always grateful that we have TOV to work through life changes in TV....

[kittygilchrist]

Suggest go to Blue Cross ofc at southern trace, get explanation of plans from Robin Gump, who is nitpickingly careful to educate you, not sell you, Follows medicare rules, which The Villages do not.

I know bc I took the Medicare class at Learning college, where the instructor was a United salesman and broke many rules of mcare in his slick presentation, and provided a handout that obfuscated options with no challenges but mine.

I surmise many people left with no clue what their true options were, not suspecting that The Villages cut a quid pro quo deal with United, and receives a form of kickback.

If you use blue cross, you have no problem getting specialist and hosp. care at the best, Shands/UF in Gainesville, as well as local doctors through SIMED.

Impressive:
Find a Location | UF Health, University of Florida Health (https://ufhealth.org/locations)

[dbussone]

Well, here's what I know from someone "in the know". This person was a member of the focus group that met this Spring to discuss the next round of changes to VHS and the possible impact and reaction of those of us who joined the program 3 years ago. Our primary care doctor has confirmed that current plans mean we will be out on January 1st if we don't move over to the VHS HMO plan.



I'm in the process of writing a letter to Jeffrey Lowenkron at the VHS (he's their Chief Medical Officer) protesting this latest move. So much for the Doctor Welby approach to medicine that was advertised by VHS. For whatever reason, it appears that they are not making money on their grand plan - or not making enough money. What I do know is that they have created a program with United Healthcare - much like AARP - that will pay them royalties for everyone who moves over to this new program. The rest of their financial plans are a mystery to me.



So, with that said... I will be very sad to leave VHS as I came over with my doctors from Family Doctors of Belleview (which no longer exists as a private care practice)... It's now part of the VHS system. VHS was very convenient for us and we felt we received great medical care. We will be looking for another primary care doctor who is willing to take the Medicare and United Healthcare Plan F reimbursements.



The curious part of all this (for me) is wondering how they think they will make money on any program only funded through Medicare and out of pocket payments by those who get sick and have to have tests and hospital stays at the VHS hospital. A well balanced family medicare practice relies on - Self Pay, Insurance from those who are still working, and Medicare Supplements. It seems to me that they will be putting all their business eggs into one basket source.. never a good idea. Wondering out loud what they will do when the Feds change the reimbursement program for Medi Gap programs and they get less reimbursements? I know their are Medical Insurance experts who read TOV... Would love to read your thoughts on all of this...



Always grateful that we have TOV to work through life changes in TV....



You asked a question about payment & financing the practices.

The biggest change will be that the practices will no longer rely primarily on insurance fee for service payments. They, and United, will split a direct subsidy per enrollee from Medicare.

[kittygilchrist]

PS, see the bottom right corner of Find a Location | UF Health, University of Florida Health (https://ufhealth.org/locations)
For the vet school ER. My dog was helped by a dental surgeon called in on a Sunday.

[justjim]

You asked a question about payment & financing the practices.

The biggest change will be that the practices will no longer rely primarily on insurance fee for service payments. They, and United, will split a direct subsidy per enrollee from Medicare.

I recently read an article (can't find it) that United Health Care lost millions with their Obamacare plan . An insurance company is not in business to lose money. Changes will be made to correct this---you can be sure. This could impact The program here in TV but have no way of knowing that to be certain. Money lost is usually made up somewhere.

Disclosure: Wife and I are members United Health Care Advantage PPO but we are not in the Village HMO plan so we can go to any specialist anywhere. If affordable, I recommend the PPO plan.