Health insurance

[paulcallaway]

We bought a home in TV, and are moving in next month.
Looking to buy health insurance and am hoping someone could suggest an agent or broker that can give us an education and show various options or companies . Thanks!

[davem4616]

I haven't come across any 'general agent' in FL (but haven't looked too hard for one either)

We went with United Healthcare which seems to be widely accepted down here

The independent agent that we used is Colleen Stenstream 352.425.0419

Good luck

[biker1]

You didn't say which county you are moving to and you didn't say whether you wanted an obamacare compliant plan (I assume you aren't on Medicare yet). In the case that it is Sumter, if you are looking for an obamacare compliant plan then you are limited to Florida Blue. If you are in Lake or Marion County then you have multiple choices for obamacare compliant plans. If you are interested in Florida Blue, they have agents at their office on County Road 101 just north of 466.

If you are on Medicare, Caitlyn Cook (321-297-0636) is a good consultant who can discuss your options for Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans.

We bought a home in TV, and are moving in next month.
Looking to buy health insurance and am hoping someone could suggest an agent or broker that can give us an education and show various options or companies . Thanks!

[FreedomToGo]

I have many friends who have signed up with UHC..I just got the contact from one of them...I know I've seen their ads on the site, too.
Joshua D. Wittorff
Licensed Insurance Broker
UnitedHealthcare - Medicare & Retirement
and Individual Major Medical
727 871 5494 m
jwittorffgroup@gmail.com

[Northwoods]

I have a fabulous healthcare advisor. His name is Caleb Hubbard, C.Hubbard@retirePRA.com. 352-362-7254 Or 888-266-6064
I believe he reps everything except FL Blue (they have their own agents).
He's extremely helpful, and even after I made my healthcare choice (United Healthcare with The Villages) he continues to answer questions and help me with issues.

[villagetinker]

OP, If you are over 65, contact SHINE SHINE - Home (http://www.floridashine.org/) this is especially true if you are considering The Villages Health System for your PCP, as they accept ONLY 3 or 4 ADVANTAGE plans. The possible problem is that many of the doctors (specialists) outside the Villages Health Care system do NOT accept ADVANTAGE insurance. SHINE is a state of Florida based unbiased source of information on all available insurance coverages.

[gatorbill1]

OP, If you are over 65, contact SHINE SHINE - Home (http://www.floridashine.org/) this is especially true if you are considering The Villages Health System for your PCP, as they accept ONLY 3 or 4 ADVANTAGE plans. The possible problem is that many of the doctors (specialists) outside the Villages Health Care system do NOT accept ADVANTAGE insurance. SHINE is a state of Florida based unbiased source of information on all available insurance coverages.

I have been in Advantage plans for 12 years and never had a problem finding a specialist when needed. UHC Advantage has plenty of specialists in all categories.

[paulcallaway]

Thanks!

[Stu from NYC]

When we moved here this past Feb we had a Humana plan. The family physician recommended to us only took Humana gold. So far we are very happy with it.

Unfortunately the local Humana office has recently closed so dealing with a rep in Jacksonville for now.

[dougjb]

Contact SHINE. These people are amazing. They are not trying to sell you anything. And their information is non-biased and incredibly insightful. I had to wait one time for over an hour to speak with one volunteer. Based upon what she shared with me, I would have waited three hours.

These people are a true blessing!

[PinSeeker53]

Brand new to the area, had friends here for years and visited since 04. But I finally moved here in June this year. Per recommendations from this thread, I called Caleb Hubbard, who is now my agent. He was independent, and didn't push me on to one particular company, which I liked. He explained the difference between supplements and medicare advantage plans, which helped me understand a lot. I went with United Healthcare. He's been great answering questions even after enrolling me. Thanks for the help!

[SharonW]

Independent Florida agent that represents many companies. Will explain different options, listen to you and make recommendations based on your need and lifestyle. No obligation..give her a call

Ardie “Chere” Johnson
352-746-0048

[FromDC]

Contact SHINE. These people are amazing. They are not trying to sell you anything. And their information is non-biased and incredibly insightful. I had to wait one time for over an hour to speak with one volunteer. Based upon what she shared with me, I would have waited three hours.

These people are a true blessing! SHINE explained everything thoroughly. They are the best resource. Signed up for Medicare online. Signed up for my supplement online. Signed up for my drug plan online. No need for an agent.

[Moderator]

Off-topic political opinions and lectures have been deleted. Please stick to recommendations for a health insurance agent.

Thanks.

[dstege]

Paul,

If you are 65 or over, I would be happy to help you determine which health insurance would be best for you. I am an independent agent specializing in Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug plans, and have been helping Villagers since 2005. You'll find recommendations regarding my service throughout Talk of the Villages over the years. My phone is 352-350-7135 and I look forward to talking with you!

[shut the front door]

It would always be most helpful if people asking for such advice would clarify "health insurance" or "medicare supplement".
The OP said health insurance and almost every reply is about suplements or advantage plans. (not like most replies here apply to the original question anyway).
There is a BIG difference. Glad Biker1 gave a good reply.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We bought a home in TV, and are moving in next month.
Looking to buy health insurance and am hoping someone could suggest an agent or broker that can give us an education and show various options or companies . Thanks!

You haven't mentioned if you're eligible for medicare or not. And if you're not eligible for medicare, do you qualify for ACA subsidies on the marketplace. If you do, and you want to take advantage of those subsidies, your options are limited. If you don't want to take advantage of the subsidies, and you don't qualify for medicare, and you want to just buy health insurance independently of any government assistance, then I have no advice for you. All I know is, if I didn't qualify for ACA subsidies my premium would be a smidge under $2000 per MONTH for myself and beloved spouse, for the type of plan I have, with a fairly low deductible ($3500 per year), low co-pays, Rx coverage, and most medically necessary treatments and procedures covered in addition to emergency care and ambulance service should I need it.

I could opt out and have no health insurance at all, pay as I go, and visit a clinic in Ocala once a year for $60 for a yearly checkup. But then if I'm in an accident, get injured, or get sick, I'll be looking at homelessness once the bills start to arrive.

That's the thing about insurance. The company is betting that you'll be healthy, not need much, ever, and what you do need will be dirt-cheap to cover. You're betting that you'll be in medical misery for an undetermined amount of time, and need constant care until you reach your yearly max.

[rjm1cc]

Look at SHINE - Home (http://www.floridashine.org/) and Medicare.gov: the official U.S. government site for Medicare | Medicare (https://www.medicare.gov/) Shine is a free service. Medicare.gov will let you compare plans and make sure your drugs are covered. Do as much homework as you can before you meet with an agent.