UHC The Villages vs. Florida Blue The Villages Advantage plans

[Northwoods]

Has anyone done an in-depth analysis of UHC vs. FL blue for The Villages Health Advantage Plans?
I'm curious why you chose one over the other.
NOTE: I don't want to hear why traditional Medicare is better than an Advantage Plan. I'm going to get a Villages Advantage Plan. I LOVE my Villages PCP. So I ONLY want to hear from people who chose either FL Blue or UHC, and chose that plan because they want to be part of The Villages Healthcare.

[JGVillages]

I have Fl Blue Advantage for 7 years. Never use TV Healthcare System or Dr.’s because history shows they keep changing Docs and which insurance they will accept. My wife, who has had a knee and 2 hip (one last Monday) replacements had has found her own GP and specialists, as did I, outside the VHC network. These Dr.’s have been here since day one. Our FL Blue PPO Advantage works great outside the confines of TVHC system.

[gatorbill1]

Have had UHC Villages Advantage plan for a few years along with my wife. Have never had a problem finding a doctor, including a specialist when needed. Have never had a procedure denied (and there were a lot of them).

[Dan9871]

We've had UHC The Villages for seven years now. No trouble getting appointments with PCP or specialists. Specialists do not require pre-approval but it's better if you have your doc's send a referral anyhow. Doctors and staff we've had at Villages Health are great. One time I wanted to go out of network just for my own convenance, one call to UHC and next day it was approved. Yes there are copays but they are capped. A couple of years we max'ed out because of lot's of hospital visits. We've just struck with UHC because it's worked well for us.

[Kilmacowen]

Has anyone done an in-depth analysis of UHC vs. FL blue for The Villages Health Advantage Plans?
I'm curious why you chose one over the other.
NOTE: I don't want to hear why traditional Medicare is better than an Advantage Plan. I'm going to get a Villages Advantage Plan. I LOVE my Villages PCP. So I ONLY want to hear from people who chose either FL Blue or UHC, and chose that plan because they want to be part of The Villages Healthcare.

I switched to UHC Advantage because included in their plan has what they call "a passport", which I can use all over the country. As a snow bird I am covered both in TV and Mass. Whereas with my plan , Tufts, I was only covered for emergency care while in TV.

[JoMar]

I don't believe there is much difference in the two offerings if any, since coverage is mostly regulated. We selected The Villages Health when we arrived when UHC was the only option. We chose it because friends that lived here had FL Blue and had some issues and suggested I look at an alternative. The Villages Health now accepts both so if you check the coverages co-pays and they are similar your decision is where you want to be treated. We have had the same doc for the 6 years we have been here permanently, have used several specialists and the now UF hospital with zero issues. The expansion of the health care facilities here (two new ER's, new Care Centers being built, Brownwood Advanced Care etc), the ability to see a Doc or PA same day if an issue arises, the 1/2 hour on time appointment schedule, the limited patient load keeps us with the The Villages Health. It works for us.

[Mrprez]

FL Blue Premiere has worldwide coverage with a $125 copay. I’m sure you would probably need to call first.

[capecodkev]

I switched to UHC Advantage because included in their plan has what they call "a passport", which I can use all over the country. As a snow bird I am covered both in TV and Mass. Whereas with my plan , Tufts, I was only covered for emergency care while in TV.

Did you compare UHC to BCBS? If so was UHC less expensive?

[New Englander]

I've had nothing but great service from UHC and The Villages Health.

[Kilmacowen]

Did you compare UHC to BCBS? If so was UHC less expensive?

I don't know if Blue cross is accepted here. It was definitely more expensive than Tufts. I have excellent health and no meds so all I need is HMO plan 1 with 0 premium. Just glad for a plan that is accepted both here and Ma.

[charmed59]

Blue cross is accepted at Villages Health if you are ineligible for Medicare. We’ve had no problem finding doctors outside Villages Health that take blue cross.

[Pairadocs]

Has anyone done an in-depth analysis of UHC vs. FL blue for The Villages Health Advantage Plans?
I'm curious why you chose one over the other.
NOTE: I don't want to hear why traditional Medicare is better than an Advantage Plan. I'm going to get a Villages Advantage Plan. I LOVE my Villages PCP. So I ONLY want to hear from people who chose either FL Blue or UHC, and chose that plan because they want to be part of The Villages Healthcare.

I have UHC but not UHC-Villages ? I honestly don't know the difference but would appreciated someone explaining the difference. My UHC is provided by the state university system in the state where I taught at several state universities. I never attempted to change it when we moved here. You mentioned being please with your G.P. here, your doctor. That has been a problem for us. Never have been nearly accosted by so many aggressive doctors any place we've lived ! I've gone to some with a sore throat, and once a swollen knee, and the tests order were mammography, Colonoscopy, and a who list of others. My former doctor always insisted was in no way indicated due to my family history on both sides of the family, and my life style, he said it was expensive, not risk free, and uncalled for unless there was some indication or complaint other than a sore throat. I am really worried about the kind of "one size" fits all no matter what your symptoms or complaint. Curious is anyone can recommend doctors that take time to find out what kinds of things do, or don't, run in your family, who know there is a whole RANGE of tests for colon cancer (along with a whole range of PRICES), and that colonoscopy if at the top of the price range, followed by sigmoidoscopy, and on down the line as indicated). I was surprised and very worried as to what would indicate that I immediately needed to be moved to the top of the more invasive and expensive, and actually the one with the greatest possibility of side effects, with no associated symptoms or complaints at all ? Anyone found a more skilled or knowledgeable physician here ? Never experienced anything anywhere near this ? Do people here generally go to a nearby town to go to the doctor ? Or, are there "ordinary" (LOL. what a term) regular, "family" doctors here that don't order an MRI if you twist an ankle, along with a colonoscopy, urinalysis, blood panel, and a mammography ?

[JoMar]

I have UHC but not UHC-Villages ? I honestly don't know the difference but would appreciated someone explaining the difference. My UHC is provided by the state university system in the state where I taught at several state universities. I never attempted to change it when we moved here. You mentioned being please with your G.P. here, your doctor. That has been a problem for us. Never have been nearly accosted by so many aggressive doctors any place we've lived ! I've gone to some with a sore throat, and once a swollen knee, and the tests order were mammography, Colonoscopy, and a who list of others. My former doctor always insisted was in no way indicated due to my family history on both sides of the family, and my life style, he said it was expensive, not risk free, and uncalled for unless there was some indication or complaint other than a sore throat. I am really worried about the kind of "one size" fits all no matter what your symptoms or complaint. Curious is anyone can recommend doctors that take time to find out what kinds of things do, or don't, run in your family, who know there is a whole RANGE of tests for colon cancer (along with a whole range of PRICES), and that colonoscopy if at the top of the price range, followed by sigmoidoscopy, and on down the line as indicated). I was surprised and very worried as to what would indicate that I immediately needed to be moved to the top of the more invasive and expensive, and actually the one with the greatest possibility of side effects, with no associated symptoms or complaints at all ? Anyone found a more skilled or knowledgeable physician here ? Never experienced anything anywhere near this ? Do people here generally go to a nearby town to go to the doctor ? Or, are there "ordinary" (LOL. what a term) regular, "family" doctors here that don't order an MRI if you twist an ankle, along with a colonoscopy, urinalysis, blood panel, and a mammography ?

Why haven't you looked into the differences? Seems odd. Do you know the difference between a colonoscopy and a sigmoidoscopy or is price your driver? I have always taken the position that if someone knows more than I do on a subject I take their advice. Personally, if the Doctor I selected recommends a test, I get it. I have insurance to mitigate the costs and my annual out of pocket is minimal. Another point, your family history was built at a different time, environment was different, diets were different, and probably healthier so history is a help but doesn't guarantee it will repeat itself either on the good or bad side.

[chrissy2231]

FL BLUE ha more & better hospitals

[Rwirish]

I think they are both very good. I have UHC Medicare Advantage and have been very pleased. Appointments are easy, turnover is within the norm and the care has and access to specialist have met all my needs.

[maggie1]

I know nothing about FL Blue and have been with UHC for close to three years after we moved here. The attractive thing about UHC is that while we are relegated to seeing physicians in the network, we have found them to be excellent. No copay for PCP appointments, $40 credit each quarter for OTC medications/supplies, and the previously mentioned "passport" program, which entitles you to see any physician should you need care while out of state.

[Debfrommaine]

FL BLUE ha more & better hospitals

Do they have portability for travel?

[Mrprez]

Do they have portability for travel?

If you mean, while on vacation, they do, but it is limited to the planet. If you mean for long periods of time away, I don’t think so.

You also get $75 per quarter for OTC items and a free membership to any Silver Sneakers listed gym. That includes the MVP gyms here in TV.

[noslices1]

Has anyone done an in-depth analysis of UHC vs. FL blue for The Villages Health Advantage Plans?
I'm curious why you chose one over the other.
NOTE: I don't want to hear why traditional Medicare is better than an Advantage Plan. I'm going to get a Villages Advantage Plan. I LOVE my Villages PCP. So I ONLY want to hear from people who chose either FL Blue or UHC, and chose that plan because they want to be part of The Villages Healthcare.

I was with United Health Care for several years and this year I am switching to Florida blue. The co-pays are less and they also give $75 a quarter for over the counter items. Last year they would not pay for glasses through the eye doctor that I went to, even though they accepted the eye doctor for the exam and I had to go through some hoops to finally get United Health Care to pay for the glasses. I have not heard of anything bad about Florida blue.

[M2inOR]

When we lived in Oregon, had Kaiser Permanente for almost 45 years. An HMO that covered us worldwide.

Wife and I are healthy, though there were a few out of network matters that were dealt with out of network without issue and without $$$. When we went on Medicare, we seamlessly continued with Kaiser's Advantage plan.

We investigated Villages Health/UHC Advantage and were impressed with the facilities. Easy decision to switch. We considered Florida Blue but found few differences that mattered. Decided to continue with UHC due to worldwide coverage when we travel, just like we had with Kaiser.

Over the years, medical benefits and costs changed mostly due to the Affordable Care Act. Every health plan changed, and to some extent got more expensive and different for many.

In an HMO (and in Advantage Plans) primary care physicians will change over the years, but when you have something serious, you will likely get the best care - in network and even out of network. That's been our experience.

No need to "shop" for doctors and specialists when something arises.

I hope Florida Blue works similarly. When I checked, it did not.

[Mrprez]

When we lived in Oregon, had Kaiser Permanente for almost 45 years. An HMO that covered us worldwide.

Wife and I are healthy, though there were a few out of network matters that were dealt with out of network without issue and without $$$. When we went on Medicare, we seamlessly continued with Kaiser's Advantage plan.

We investigated Villages Health/UHC Advantage and were impressed with the facilities. Easy decision to switch. We considered Florida Blue but found few differences that mattered. Decided to continue with UHC due to worldwide coverage when we travel, just like we had with Kaiser.

Over the years, medical benefits and costs changed mostly due to the Affordable Care Act. Every health plan changed, and to some extent got more expensive and different for many.

In an HMO (and in Advantage Plans) primary care physicians will change over the years, but when you have something serious, you will likely get the best care - in network and even out of network. That's been our experience.

No need to "shop" for doctors and specialists when something arises.

I hope Florida Blue works similarly. When I checked, it did not.

It did not what?

[neilbcox]

We switched to the only 5 star Florida Blue plan because my wife needed to see a specialist scoliosis neurosurgeon in Gainesville. UHC wanted us to pay $15,000 before she had surgery at Shands. A friend of our is a UHC manager recommend we change to Florida Blue. Since Florida Blue is a 5 star rated medical plan you can change to their plan anytime during the year.

We have not found a single hospital/specialist that does not accept BCBS Blue.

[StateRobinbird]

I switched to UHC Advantage because included in their plan has what they call "a passport", which I can use all over the country. As a snow bird I am covered both in TV and Mass. Whereas with my plan , Tufts, I was only covered for emergency care while in TV.

We switched to BCBS for the same reason, only we went TO BCBS because there is very little UnitedHealthcare in MI. Also, our UHC Plan was discontinued & we prefer a PPO so we can go out of plan if we choose to.

[eapple516]

We just switched from UHC to BC because BC accepts both Shands in Gainsville and Moffit in Tampa. Other than the one thing, we were happy with UHC.

[Cranford61]

Has anyone done an in-depth analysis of UHC vs. FL blue for The Villages Health Advantage Plans?
I'm curious why you chose one over the other.
NOTE: I don't want to hear why traditional Medicare is better than an Advantage Plan. I'm going to get a Villages Advantage Plan. I LOVE my Villages PCP. So I ONLY want to hear from people who chose either FL Blue or UHC, and chose that plan because they want to be part of The Villages Healthcare.
Joe Namath is pitching a Medicare advantage plan on the Fox network. I think he’s sober now and the plan sounds interesting.

[Mikee1]

Has anyone looked at Freedom Health. Their plan seems to be, on paper, far better than Villages Advantage plan.

Curious.

Thanks

[Foxmd]

I believe that United healthcare is better coverage for snowbirds when they leave Florida.

[donfey]

We both have, and have had for 10 years, UHC Medicare Advantage (PPO) NOT HMO. VHC takes it, but we’re also free to go wherever we want, like Mayo.

[Bethwill]

I have had no problems with UHC thru the Villages. Love my doctors, and have had the same ones for years now. I have found them to be flexible, and understanding, and cost conscious, especially when it comes to co-pays for specialists. Hoping the upcoming administration doesn't ruin what we have here, as Obamacare ruined my previous situation up North.

[Dilligas]

We started with The Villages Health system 7 years ago when it began and initially began because UHC was the only company supporting VH. We love VH because we can see DRs any time, even at very short notice if necessary. The DRs work with you and discuss your case in layman's terms and are not "move em in and move em out" quick see physcians. The specialist are equally thorough. The DRs are limited in the total patients they can have to allow for more time with each. We changed last year to FL-Blue (BSBC) because they started supporting VH and because they have better hospitals in their stables (like Shanes at U of F....a teaching hospital), but thank goodness we have not need to use them. We also investigated both insurance companies at the time (my spouse is a retired health care professional and educator) and FL-Blue was rated better (last year). Had no problem with UHC and have no problems with FL-Blue, but are continuing with FL-Blue because of their stable of facilities. Our primary is retiring and we were able to pick the replacement we wanted from about 6 Drs that are taking new patients. Our experience has been that the VH DRs are on time with appointments (save an unusal emergency), unlike our experience outside of the Village Health System.

[Reedpanos@gmail.com]

One major difference in UHC and BcBs not mentioned is the pharmacy requirements. If you are a retired veteran, UHC has a plan that allows you to keep your pharmacy benefit with tricare for life. BCBS does not, they require you to use their part d, which is where they make most of their profit. Tricare co pay for tier 3 and specialty drugs is in the $50 range, BCBS much higher in the $500 range depending on drug. One should also compare any higher priced drugs between UHC and BCBS before deciding on the two.

[cassjax2]

My worst nightmare would be losing my health care plan and being forced into universal health care.

[rugbyjohn]

I switched to UHC Advantage because included in their plan has what they call "a passport", which I can use all over the country. As a snow bird I am covered both in TV and Mass. Whereas with my plan , Tufts, I was only covered for emergency care while in TV.
Just a note on "Passport". It can be used across much of the country within the United Healthcare System. There were some states (the last time I looked), where it cannot be used. I think Louisiana is one. There are also counties, within states, that it can't be used. For most people not a problem, but check the exclusions.

[KRM0614]

Why do you say such things ?

[KRM0614]

FL Blue Premiere has worldwide coverage with a $125 copay. I’m sure you would probably need to call first.
Not true Fl blue is not accepted in many states

[Villages Kahuna]

Most respondents didn’t read or didn’t understand your question.

Until this year The Villages Health has required people on Medicare choose the United Health Care Medicare Advantage plan. Until 2020 that was the only acceptable choice for those TVH patients with Medicare. But that changed beginning this year.

Late last year TVH added Florida Blue as a Medicare Advantage Plan they would accept in addition to UHC. But that choice was approved at the last minute and the Florida Blue underwriters obviously didn’t have time to properly underwrite the risks of the subscribers to TVH. Some of their terms last year were out-of-line, like a $5,000 max out-of-pocket compared to $3,500 by UHC.

This year FL Blue has obviously had the time to properly underwrite their risks and are offering two very attractive Medicare Advantage plans, an HMO and a POS plan.

I’ve spent some time evaluating and making a few phone calls comparing the UHC and FL Blue plans. After many years of being a UHC subscriber, I’ve switched over to Florida Blue Premier HMO plan for 2021. Your comparison depends greatly on which treatments, Rx, travel and residence requirements, and other services you expect to use and whether you desire an HMO or POS. So I can’t offer any summary of my research. But you can start with FL Blue’s $30 co-pay for specialists compared to $40 for UHC. And if you read the “fine print”, Florida Blue offers several very attractive benefits compared to UHC.

If you want a thorough explanation, call and make an appointment with the licensed representatives of both companies who are available at every Villages Health office. Just call the office you wish to visit and ask for either the UHC or FL Blue rep, or make appointments with both.

[Mrprez]

Not true Fl blue is not accepted in many states

It is true. You might be out of network, but worldwide emergency coverage is indeed a feature of the plan.

[talleyjm]

We started with The Villages Health system 7 years ago when it began and initially began because UHC was the only company supporting VH. We love VH because we can see DRs any time, even at very short notice if necessary. The DRs work with you and discuss your case in layman's terms and are not "move em in and move em out" quick see physcians. The specialist are equally thorough. The DRs are limited in the total patients they can have to allow for more time with each. We changed last year to FL-Blue (BSBC) because they started supporting VH and because they have better hospitals in their stables (like Shanes at U of F....a teaching hospital), but thank goodness we have not need to use them. We also investigated both insurance companies at the time (my spouse is a retired health care professional and educator) and FL-Blue was rated better (last year). Had no problem with UHC and have no problems with FL-Blue, but are continuing with FL-Blue because of their stable of facilities. Our primary is retiring and we were able to pick the replacement we wanted from about 6 Drs that are taking new patients. Our experience has been that the VH DRs are on time with appointments (save an unusal emergency), unlike our experience outside of the Village Health System.

Ditto, our experience with UHC VH has been very positive. :a040:

[Kilmacowen]

It is true. You might be out of network, but worldwide emergency coverage is indeed a feature of the plan.

He was not referring to worldwide emergency coverage. In fact for any emergency care out of network several people have said that you need a credit card for payment and then you have to collect from your insurance. Is this true in all circumstances, I don't know.

[RErmer]

I have had UHC for almost 4 years and use The Villages Health system. I have been very pleased. My primary care doc has changed, but that’s OK because I like the new one as well as I liked the old one. I did the online (Medicare.gov) comparison between the Villages UHC plan and the Blue Cross plan they take, and I didn’t see enough differences/savings to entice me to make the switch.

[Mrprez]

He was not referring to worldwide emergency coverage. In fact for any emergency care out of network several people have said that you need a credit card for payment and then you have to collect from your insurance. Is this true in all circumstances, I don't know.

When I am in EBF Egypt, emergency care would be my only concern.

[Villages Kahuna]

I forget to mention—an IMPORTANT difference—Florida Blue includes almost all the top hospitals and the doctors who have privileges at them “in network”. That includes UF Shands in Gainesville, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General, Baptist Miami and all the Advent hospitals in Orlando. The only one I’m uncertain of is Mayo Jacksonville.

United Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage plan accepted by Villages Health does NOT include Shands, Moffitt, Tampa General, Baptist or Mayo, or any of their on-staff doctors in their network. Remember, even though you may be a patient of Villages Health, you do not need a referral to see any specialist in the network of your insurance policy. In fact, you can switch to another primary care physician with no constraints if you so choose.

If you ever need access to top specialists—cancer, orthopedics, hematology, etc.—in Florida, that difference alone makes Florida Blue the better choice.

[Villages Kahuna]

i don't believe there is much difference in the two offerings if any, since coverage is mostly regulated...
wrong!

[Viperguy]

Think plans are similar. Just a few different doctors and preferred providers. For one case, UHC does not take Moffit cancer or Shands, but you can still go out of network. At least that's my understanding.

[New Englander]

I have had UHC for almost 4 years and use The Villages Health system. I have been very pleased. My primary care doc has changed, but that’s OK because I like the new one as well as I liked the old one. I did the online (Medicare.gov) comparison between the Villages UHC plan and the Blue Cross plan they take, and I didn’t see enough differences/savings to entice me to make the switch.

:agree: