The Villages Health....It's All About The Money

[FromDC]

First of all let me say that having a health care system in a huge retirement community while not accepting original Medicare is ludicrous!

Starting in January 2017, The Villages Health will only see patients that have purchased their Advantage Plan, have Tricare For Life, or have their own commercial health insurance policy if under the age of 65. The Villages Health hopes to lure the 65 and under crowd to buy their Advantage Plan once they become age eligible. This group is seen as a potential revenue generator, but The Villages Health has no idea if this group will buy into it or jump ship.

If you want to read unbiased news about The Villages, don't read The Daily Sun. For example, this Tampa Bay Times article is dated 2014. It shows how important the Advantage Plan sales are to the viability of the health care business. The article states that the University of South Florida pulled out of The Villages due to lower than expected sales of the Advantage Plan. It was clear that there were big monetary issues and losses. Now fast forward to 2016 and the story remains the same. The Villages Health needs to ramp up their Advantage Plan sales to keep afloat. According to a **************.com report, the Developer has kicked in a substantial amount of money to help balance the books.

USF pulls out of its $4 million specialty care clinic at the Villages | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/usf-pulls-out-of-its-4-million-specialty-care-clinic-at-the-villages/2198191)

If you are happy with The Villages Health, then stick with them. They want you to believe their plan is all about YOU, according to The Daily Sun. It is actually about their revenue and bottom line. Just remember they can rewrite their rules on a whim and you must conform during open enrollment or you must get out. Remember rule changes are based on the almighty dollar and not your best interest. Buyer beware. Will there be an Advantage Plan the following year? Let's wait and see.

[Villageswimmer]

Wonder why they decided to accept TFL?

[John_W]

My wife had a United Health medigap plan that was costing $184 a month and a Humana drug plan that was $20 a month and required using Walmart Pharmacy. She received her medical care from Premier Medical at Lake Sumter Landing.

Last open season she switched to the United Medicare Advantage plan. First off, by using their drug plan combined with the premiums she use to pay, she is now $204 a month ahead. She now gets her drugs from Walgreens, which is much more convenient, and every drug she has received has been cheaper. Also certain drugs such as Sibrinza eye drops, they have in stock while Walmart had to order them everytime. Her care at the Villages Pinellas Office from Dr. Helene Aisenstat has been way more comprehensive and she is very happy.

Myself, I turned 65 last July and have the same Medicare Advantage and also use Pinellas. In the past I used the VA Medical Facility at The Villages and still do, but now as a back up. For example, last April I became very sick and went to my VA doctor. He spent a total of 10 seconds with me and listened to my chest and said you have some Bronchitis and gave me a Z-Pack (anti-biotics) and told me to go home and rest and I'll be like new in 5 days.

Five days later I was twice as sick and could hardly get out of bed. I then saw Dr. Aisenstat and first she ordered a chest X-Ray, it indicated I had pneumonia. I received an injection right then, and got two more prescriptions and went home and was well in about 5 days.

Previously I had a skin problem and had made a total of three trips to the VA Dermatologist in Gainesville and had biopsies taken in two locations. The VA was never able to properly diagnose my problems. Under Dr. Aisenstate I was referred to Dr. Casper, a dermatologist on CR466. Within two minutes of seeing me and with no biopsy, the doctor dignosed both of my problems and was correct. Overall I have been more than happy with The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan, and I'm grateful they have it right here in The Villages. You're right it's about the money, it has saved us a lot.

[Buckeyephan]

I suspect they will continue to take Tricare because Washington said you cannot refuse to accept the plan they provide for the military. Welcome to all of you who have joined me in the land of the rejects. I got my letter last December. It isn't about taking an advantage plan. It's about taking THEIR advantage plan. I have Aetna and they booted me after 2 years of having me as a patient. I will continue to wrap my garbage in the part of the Sunday paper they devote to the joys of The Villages Health System.

[ColdNoMore]

I will continue to wrap my garbage in the part of the Sunday paper they devote to the joys of The Villages Health System.

OK, that made me laugh out loud. :1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

First of all let me say that having a health care system in a huge retirement community while not accepting original Medicare is ludicrous!

Starting in January 2017, The Villages Health will only see patients that have purchased their Advantage Plan, have Tricare For Life, or have their own commercial health insurance policy if under the age of 65. The Villages Health hopes to lure the 65 and under crowd to buy their Advantage Plan once they become age eligible. This group is seen as a potential revenue generator, but The Villages Health has no idea if this group will buy into it or jump ship.

If you want to read unbiased news about The Villages, don't read The Daily Sun. For example, this Tampa Bay Times article is dated 2014. It shows how important the Advantage Plan sales are to the viability of the health care business. The article states that the University of South Florida pulled out of The Villages due to lower than expected sales of the Advantage Plan. It was clear that there were big monetary issues and losses. Now fast forward to 2016 and the story remains the same. The Villages Health needs to ramp up their Advantage Plan sales to keep afloat. According to a **************.com report, the Developer has kicked in a substantial amount of money to help balance the books.

USF pulls out of its $4 million specialty care clinic at the Villages | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/usf-pulls-out-of-its-4-million-specialty-care-clinic-at-the-villages/2198191)

If you are happy with The Villages Health, then stick with them. They want you to believe their plan is all about YOU, according to The Daily Sun. It is actually about their revenue and bottom line. Just remember they can rewrite their rules on a whim and you must conform during open enrollment or you must get out. Remember rule changes are based on the almighty dollar and not your best interest. Buyer beware. Will there be an Advantage Plan the following year? Let's wait and see.

So, according to YOUR OWN WORDS, they need to do this to remain viable and stay afloat. Isn't staying in business in the patient's best interests as well?????

[Avista]

My wife had a United Health medigap plan that was costing $184 a month and a Humana drug plan that was $20 a month and required using Walmart Pharmacy. She received her medical care from Premier Medical at Lake Sumter Landing.

Last open season she switched to the United Medicare Advantage plan. First off, by using their drug plan combined with the premiums she use to pay, she is now $204 a month ahead. She now gets her drugs from Walgreens, which is much more convenient, and every drug she has received has been cheaper. Also certain drugs such as Sibrinza eye drops, they have in stock while Walmart had to order them everytime. Her care at the Villages Pinellas Office from Dr. Helene Aisenstat has been way more comprehensive and she is very happy.



Myself, I turned 65 last July and have the same Medicare Advantage and also use Pinellas. In the past I used the VA Medical Facility at The Villages and still do, but now as a back up. For example, last April I became very sick and went to my VA doctor. He spent a total of 10 seconds with me and listened to my chest





and said you have some Bronchitis and gave me a Z-Pack (anti-biotics) and told me to go home and rest and I'll be like new in 5 days.


Five days later I was twice as sick and could hardly get out of bed. I then saw Dr. Aisenstat and first she ordered a chest X-Ray, it indicated I had pneumonia. I received an injection right then, and got two more prescriptions and went home and was well in about 5 days.


Previously I had a skin problem and had made a total of three trips to the VA Dermatologist in Gainesville and had biopsies taken in two locations. The VA was never able to properly diagnose my problems. Under Dr. Aisenstate I was referred to Dr. Casper, a dermatologist on CR466. Within two minutes of seeing me and with no biopsy, the doctor dignosed both of my problems and was correct. Overall I have been more than happy with The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan, and I'm grateful they have it right here in The Villages. You're right it's about the money, it has saved us a lot.

Agree 100%. Great Post. We have received excellent care also.

[Paper1]

Wonder why they decided to accept TFL?

I believe the phrase is political expediency.

[kansasr]

Wonder why they decided to accept TFL?

Bad publicity, turning out veterans!

[tedquick]

While I had heard some horror stories about the Advantage Plan, my wife and I, after a lengthy discussion with our insurance agent, switched to it and have been quite happy. We also saved a substantial amount of money, that is so far we have. If and when something serious happens and it tends to as we age, :) that might present us with a whole new picture but for now we are both very pleased with the plan.

[JoMar]

I agree.....but there will always be those that want it all and feel any changes are aimed at them. I have the Advantage Plan and am happy with it, my wife will need to change doctors since she has a supplemental and doesn't want to change due to the lack of good cancer hospitals under the Advantage plan. We all have our resons for decisions but nobody is taking away your benefits, they are just giving you choices. Their perogative.

[msm1948]

Just pray you don't get ill.

[Polar Bear]

Just pray you don't get ill.

You mean you should only pray for good health if you have certain health plans? Hmmm.

[wendyquat]

It's their prerogative! If our current Medicare plus supplement is so bad, I guess we'll have a hard time finding another doctor that will accept it! The health care in TV has been our biggest disappointment! I guess the doctors educated in the USA don't want to be stuck in this area trying to make a living wage treating Medicare patients!

[RedChariot]

My wife had a United Health medigap plan that was costing $184 a month and a Humana drug plan that was $20 a month and required using Walmart Pharmacy. She received her medical care from Premier Medical at Lake Sumter Landing.

Last open season she switched to the United Medicare Advantage plan. First off, by using their drug plan combined with the premiums she use to pay, she is now $204 a month ahead. She now gets her drugs from Walgreens, which is much more convenient, and every drug she has received has been cheaper. Also certain drugs such as Sibrinza eye drops, they have in stock while Walmart had to order them everytime. Her care at the Villages Pinellas Office from Dr. Helene Aisenstat has been way more comprehensive and she is very happy.

Myself, I turned 65 last July and have the same Medicare Advantage and also use Pinellas. In the past I used the VA Medical Facility at The Villages and still do, but now as a back up. For example, last April I became very sick and went to my VA doctor. He spent a total of 10 seconds with me and listened to my chest and said you have some Bronchitis and gave me a Z-Pack (anti-biotics) and told me to go home and rest and I'll be like new in 5 days.

Five days later I was twice as sick and could hardly get out of bed. I then saw Dr. Aisenstat and first she ordered a chest X-Ray, it indicated I had pneumonia. I received an injection right then, and got two more prescriptions and went home and was well in about 5 days.

Previously I had a skin problem and had made a total of three trips to the VA Dermatologist in Gainesville and had biopsies taken in two locations. The VA was never able to properly diagnose my problems. Under Dr. Aisenstate I was referred to Dr. Casper, a dermatologist on CR466. Within two minutes of seeing me and with no biopsy, the doctor dignosed both of my problems and was correct. Overall I have been more than happy with The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan, and I'm grateful they have it right here in The Villages. You're right it's about the money, it has saved us a lot.



Your good care was driven by Dr Helen Aisenstat, also my physician. BUT SHE IS GONE. This doctor was so thorough in her exams. I wish she would open her own practice. I now will have to start shopping around.

[CritterLover]

Relieved to see that others, too, are happy with advantage plans and speaking out! I only wish that others would get factual information before jumping on the various TVH-bashing bandwagons.

[cavalier65]

Relieved to see that others, too, are happy with advantage plans and speaking out! I only wish that others would get factual information before jumping on the various TVH-bashing bandwagons.

UHC plans may be fine, that is not the issue with TVH. Instead it is the kicking out of residents who do not want to be force fed UHC, especially when they have better plans. TVH on the one hand plays up how great the service is, then requires one brand of insurance. It is all about quicker revenue and more profit not about good customer service.:BigApplause:

[playgolf06]

My wife and I have their medicare advantage plan and are happy with it.

[jeriteri]

My wife and I reluctantly switched to The Villages Advantage Plan. Now we get great care, great facilities, great Doctors, great total out of pocket cost and saving thousands. We got to choose our Doctor, we don't pay co pays when we see the Doctor, $15 for a specialist and Optum RX or others to choose from. What the heck, we've only GAMBLED for one year, that's what health insurance is you know, A GAMBLE. We'll take it!

[CritterLover]

UHC plans may be fine, that is not the issue with TVH. Instead it is the kicking out of residents who do not want to be force fed UHC, especially when they have better plans. TVH on the one hand plays up how great the service is, then requires one brand of insurance. It is all about quicker revenue and more profit not about good customer service.:BigApplause:

I beg to differ. What better customer/patient service is there than to give months notice and to offer all sorts of help in the process? We've been totally happy with our treatment, both medically and personally.

[Joejohnson]

I beg to differ. What better customer/patient service is there than to give months notice and to offer all sorts of help in the process? We've been totally happy with our treatment, both medically and personally.

I don't see but a few that are unhappy with medical or personal treatment in VHC Clinics. It's the UNITED Health care that is the worry.

United has a reputation of slow pay to specialists. This causes Drs and hospitals to ask you for payment and expect you to fight UHC for reimbursement.

Critter: Villages Health Care is wonderfull, but beware of United Healthcare Advantage. I did my research and my assessment is OMG!!

[Polar Bear]

...United has a reputation of slow pay to specialists. This causes Drs and hospitals to ask you for payment and expect you to fight UHC for reimbursement...

In my many years with United, I have never experienced this.

[outlaw]

I agree.....but there will always be those that want it all and feel any changes are aimed at them. I have the Advantage Plan and am happy with it, my wife will need to change doctors since she has a supplemental and doesn't want to change due to the lack of good cancer hospitals under the Advantage plan. We all have our resons for decisions but nobody is taking away your benefits, they are just giving you choices. Their perogative.

It sounds like they are taking away your benefit of good cancer hospitals. What happens if you get brain cancer? Are you still going to be happy with your Advantage plan? Either you don't really believe UHC lacks good cancer hospitals, or you are quite the gambler.

[graciegirl]

I beg to differ. What better customer/patient service is there than to give months notice and to offer all sorts of help in the process? We've been totally happy with our treatment, both medically and personally.

You reinforce my belief that people who like dogs and cats have a better, clearer, kinder, nicer, smarter attitude about everything.

[CritterLover]

You reinforce my belief that people who like dogs and cats have a better, clearer, kinder, nicer, smarter attitude about everything.

Thanks, Gracie!

[tedquick]

You reinforce my belief that people who like dogs and cats have a better, clearer, kinder, nicer, smarter attitude about everything.

Gracie, I think you had to reach for that one but you do have me smiling. :):)

ted

[cavalier65]

Sorry Critter you miss the point. UHC is no better than many other plans nor is less expensive. The point is that TVH is not the "nice" program that their propaganda would have you believe. It is no different than countless other outfits around the country. Actually one gets better specialty care elsewhere since TVH has no specialists of note. It is all about the money under the guise of healthcare.

[graciegirl]

Sorry Critter you miss the point. UHC is no better than many other plans nor is less expensive. The point is that TVH is not the "nice" program that their propaganda would have you believe. It is no different than countless other outfits around the country. Actually one gets better specialty care elsewhere since TVH has no specialists of note. It is all about the money under the guise of healthcare.

There are no specialists of note in Florida. You will need to go to The Cleveland Clinic, Boston General, Philadelphia, LA, Houston, Cincinnati and Sloan Kettering in New York for that. They are not here, nor are there any medical facilities number one in anything in Florida. The developer was trying to remedy this... give us decent doctors,I think. But what do I know??? I never met any of the family. They all could be greedy bastards.

[biker1]

The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and UofF in Gainesville are solid places to go. I have been to both, after giving up on local Drs. To say there is nothing of note in FL is just silly talk.

There are no specialists of note in Florida. You will need to go to The Cleveland Clinic, Boston General, Philadelphia, LA, Houston, Cincinnati and Sloan Kettering in New York for that. They are not here, nor are there any medical facilities number one in anything in Florida. The developer was trying to remedy this... give us decent doctors,I think. But what do I know??? I never met any of the family. They all could be greedy bastards.

[ColdNoMore]

The Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and UofF in Gainesville are solid places to go. I have been to both, after giving up on local Drs. To say there is nothing of note in FL is just silly talk.

Excellent post...you beat me to it. :thumbup:

[big guy]

I believed the hype when I moved here about The Village Health, joined and used my medicare and a supplemental from United Healthcare. My circumstances are special because I am a transplant patient. I used VHC for the regular aches, pains and sprains but I need to visit the transplant clinic for followup evaluations. Now I am going to be in a bind. None of my specialists accept Advantage and the local Advantage network does support transplant work. Do I shoot craps, use VHC and hope a GP will be able to get me help, or do I find a new GP miles away? Urgent Care or ER are starting to look like a good bet while keeping my medicare and supplemental. I feel the VHC sold out and there promotions for Healthiest Hometown were for suckers.

[CritterLover]

Sorry Critter you miss the point. UHC is no better than many other plans nor is less expensive. The point is that TVH is not the "nice" program that their propaganda would have you believe. It is no different than countless other outfits around the country. Actually one gets better specialty care elsewhere since TVH has no specialists of note. It is all about the money under the guise of healthcare.

That's a rather "cavalier" attitude. See what I did there? :) In all seriousness, you are obviously entitled to your opinion, but I must, again, beg to differ. Based on personal experience, TVH is a great program, and thru my own research, speaking with reps from both TVH and UHC, I have found that, in fact, the MA plans may work very well FOR ME. I'm certain others can and will say the same.

If TVH is going to be vilified for wanting to make money, that's ludicrous, as it would be plain foolish for anyone to go in to business with their plan to be anything but profitable.

I have ZERO problem with any company owned by TV doing whatever they need to do in order to be profitable. How else will they pay to keep all of other great stuff up and running??

In closing, (and we can part as friends!!), my personal experience with the TVH specialists has been top-notch!

[jensul619]

While I had heard some horror stories about the Advantage Plan, my wife and I, after a lengthy discussion with our insurance agent, switched to it and have been quite happy. We also saved a substantial amount of money, that is so far we have. If and when something serious happens and it tends to as we age, :) that might present us with a whole new picture but for now we are both very pleased with the plan.
Just pray you don't get sick. HMO doctors, networks, referrals and refusals to cover tests and surgery. know this from experience. I would rather pay my premium every month and know that I can go to any doctor, anywhere in the world and pay nothing!

[golfing eagles]

Just pray you don't get sick. HMO doctors, networks, referrals and refusals to cover tests and surgery. know this from experience. I would rather pay my premium every month and know that I can go to any doctor, anywhere in the world and pay nothing!

So which one is it???? Hmmm, contradicting oneself in the same sentence

[villagerjack]

I believed the hype when I moved here about The Village Health, joined and used my medicare and a supplemental from United Healthcare. My circumstances are special because I am a transplant patient. I used VHC for the regular aches, pains and sprains but I need to visit the transplant clinic for followup evaluations. Now I am going to be in a bind. None of my specialists accept Advantage and the local Advantage network does support transplant work. Do I shoot craps, use VHC and hope a GP will be able to get me help, or do I find a new GP miles away? Urgent Care or ER are starting to look like a good bet while keeping my medicare and supplemental. I feel the VHC sold out and there promotions for Healthiest Hometown were for suckers.

I am astonished that before you switched you did not check to see if the doctors you needed were on the Plan. In fact, the sales person I went to in Brownwood insisted that we look at the list of doctors we needed and said that if they not not meet our needs, we should not switch. He was very open and honest about the Pksn and did say, it works for a lot of people but NOT EVERYONE.

Did you look for your doctors before you switched? What happened?

[villagerjack]

I don't see but a few that are unhappy with medical or personal treatment in VHC Clinics. It's the UNITED Health care that is the worry.

United has a reputation of slow pay to specialists. This causes Drs and hospitals to ask you for payment and expect you to fight UHC for reimbursement.

Critter: Villages Health Care is wonderfull, but beware of United Healthcare Advantage. I did my research and my assessment is OMG!!

United Healthcare is the largest in the Country. Did they get there by abusing doctors and patients?

[dbussone]

I believed the hype when I moved here about The Village Health, joined and used my medicare and a supplemental from United Healthcare. My circumstances are special because I am a transplant patient. I used VHC for the regular aches, pains and sprains but I need to visit the transplant clinic for followup evaluations. Now I am going to be in a bind. None of my specialists accept Advantage and the local Advantage network does support transplant work. Do I shoot craps, use VHC and hope a GP will be able to get me help, or do I find a new GP miles away? Urgent Care or ER are starting to look like a good bet while keeping my medicare and supplemental. I feel the VHC sold out and there promotions for Healthiest Hometown were for suckers.


You don't have to go to a GP miles away. Find one here who can intelligently understand both your problem as well as your need to see your transplant team. Even if you find a doc in VHC who understands your problem, there is no guarantee that the insurance plan would ever approve the referral.

Why would you even consider staying in a plan that doesn't support transplant work. Shooting craps is for Vegas not for transplant patients. Somehow I think you already knew what you should do.


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