Medicare Advantage

[ComingfromCT]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.

[Jayhawk]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.

I have The Villages United Health Care Advantage and couldn't be happier. You don't need a PCP referral to see any specialist and you can get in the same day at the VHC medical center for serious issues. May see a PA but you will get in. Highly recommend.

[PugMom]

WELCOME! so glad you made it down. :pepper2:

[villagetinker]

Contact SHINE, for unbiased information on original medicare and supplemental and medicare advantage plans.
Website: SHINE - Home (https://floridashine.org/), and they have local ono on one meetings, typically advertised in the Daily Sun.
We have found them to be very useful.

[Michael G.]

I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc.


Go to The Village Hospital and get educated really fast.

[ComingfromCT]

Thanks so much. I put an email out to them! : )

[Nucky]

UHC = A total winner for us. Give them a call. 866-627-7806

[PurvisT]

suggest you contact Ron Heath at Guided Medicare, office is on route 44 near Brownwood, phone 352-446-1455, very simple when working with Ron, extremely helpful.

[bowlingal]

comingfromct...go see a SHINE ( Servicing Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representative at a several rec centers ( Eisenhower, Lake Miona for example). They are medicare specialists ( NOT insurance people). THEY will guide you to the plan best for you. The advantage plan is good as long as you are healthy. BUT, who knows how long that will be? I can go to any doc, no co-pay, no deductible, no referral ANYWHERE in the country....YOU cannot.

[Marcojb]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.


Why are you losing Aetna? I have Aenta Massachusetts PPO and have had no issues.

[jcreason5616]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.
So far no problems

[Rande]

Thru the advice of our Medicare Advisor in NJ, my husband is in an Aetna PPO plan. My husband has always had an advantage plan. He advised me to stay with my supplement which is Transamerica. I have no medical issues. A supplement still offers the best coverage in the event something happens. Easier to maneuver thru. I have WellCare prescription plan. He is licensed to NJ and Fla.
Its important to use an unbiased advisor.

[skyking]

Freedom Medicare Advantage. Zero premium. Covers everything. Dental, vision, medical and pharmacy. Plus you receive $50 each month toward over the counter medications and vitamins.

I spent entire career in health care in Ohio. We never had anything that compares.

[kayakerlee]

Former AETNA employee, in same boat, similar good health. contact me directly if you need more info.
Bottom line for me: UHC Med Advantage, thru a broker; there are several good ones down here, you pay nothing directly for their services...there ARE several UHCare Med Advantage plans however: choose one specific to your needs (I could elaborate further).
recommending you contact: Cheri Harper-Tate (352) 516-1910 / I'd like to talk to you though... so reach me.

[airstreamingypsy]

I live here and I have Aetna, as my Medicare supplement. I think the fact that it's CT Aetna is the problem, since you no longer live in CT. I get it through Continental Life in Brentwood, TN.

[kayakerlee]

there is SO LITTLE information in that statement "Go to The Village Hospital and get educated really fast", as to be useless to someone who has not read the past history. I won't elaborate here, as it requires a small book for a glimpse of the past stories, some even factual.

[Michael 61]

Not Medicare age yet, but researching and doing homework in advance of turning 65 in a few years. My take is “advantage is great until it isn’t’. The supplement monthly premiums are reasonable in my opinion, and the flexibility of doctors, and not fearing a procedure will be denied makes it a no-brainer for me. Currently I am in a PPO and hate it. My doctor insists I need injections for spinal degeneration that is causing pain. Insurance company says no - wants me in a very expensive (at my cost) physical therapy regiment for a year first. These things are common when an insurance adjuster, and not a doctor is guiding your healthcare.

[Roron123]

Aetna has Advantage plans here check with them and United Health care have advantage plans also Good Luck

[sowtime444]

Go to a Villages Health site near you and take a tour. If you like the facility, most sites also have an on-site insurance specialist that you can make an appointment with and will talk you through the options.

There are five advantage plans that Villages Health takes, and there are 9 Villages Health sites for your PCP, lab work, and other small things outside of emergencies and specialists. See Health care Providers - The Villages Health (https://thevillageshealth.com/) for details.

The five plans that Villages Health takes are:
AARP
Humana
FloridaBlue (Blue Cross)
United Villages Advantage
United Villages Focus

United Villages Advantage was the first available, then they added the others. United Villages Focus is brand new this year. There are slightly less doctors in network with Focus. ("Focus" plan's Provider Directory is only 752 pages long, vs 790 pages for the United Villages Advantage plan). You might not want Focus if you go back and forth to Connecticut I believe - someone told me that United Villages Advantage is better for being covered by any United doctor country-wide.

We recently dropped FloridaBlue for my father-in-law because the Skilled Nursing Facility near him only took the United plans, and dental coverage was poor. He is now with Focus.

You mentioned $45 per quarter at CVS.

The "Focus" plan is $230/quarter, and not just CVS but multiple places including Walmart!! AND a $500/year pre-paid card for glasses and dental work.
The regular United Villages Advantage is $75/quarter and no additional pre-paid card for vision/dental.

However, with Focus you need referrals for specialists, but this is not a big deal. My father-in-law writes an quick note on the Patient Portal saying "I would like an appointment with a urologist" and they schedule him one.

Medicare.gov is good for researching and comparing all plans available in your new zip code. The site will tell you how much money you will pay with each plan, given your specific medications. Once you decide on a few plans, I would advise downloading the "Evidence of Coverage" document for the ones you are comparing, and make a line-by-line comparison.

[Stu from NYC]

We have a Humana gold plan which we are happy with.

Best bet go visit Shine for very unbiased info.

[Tvflguy]

Freedom Medicare Advantage. Zero premium. Covers everything. Dental, vision, medical and pharmacy. Plus you receive $50 each month toward over the counter medications and vitamins.

I spent entire career in health care in Ohio. We never had anything that compares.

++++ re Freedom. Have it for 7 years now. Zero issues. Great benefits and huge savings. Never let me down. Excellent phone service with any questions. They are headquarter in FL. At least check them out.

[gatorbill1]

UHC Advantage has been great - no need for a referral for a specialist. I have never had anything turned down as far as tests or procedures, and there have been a lot of those.

[kendi]

Freedom Medicare Advantage. Zero premium. Covers everything. Dental, vision, medical and pharmacy. Plus you receive $50 each month toward over the counter medications and vitamins.

I spent entire career in health care in Ohio. We never had anything that compares.

Question is, will this plan cover you outside of the area. If not this is not a good plan for many. I haven’t seen any advantage plans yet that do.

[MSGirl]

comingfromct...go see a SHINE ( Servicing Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representative at a several rec centers ( Eisenhower, Lake Miona for example). They are medicare specialists ( NOT insurance people). THEY will guide you to the plan best for you. The advantage plan is good as long as you are healthy. BUT, who knows how long that will be? I can go to any doc, no co-pay, no deductible, no referral ANYWHERE in the country....YOU cannot.
False information. With UHC, you can go to any dr in the country that accepts Medicare and UHC. Medicare Advantage plans have an out of pocket cap. There are Medicare advantage plans in the villages that do not require pre authorization! And you get Part D included, dental, OTC drugs and gym membership.
Traditional Medicare-pay at the front end
Medicare Advantage-pay at the back end

[Hardlyworking]

Question is, will this plan cover you outside of the area. If not this is not a good plan for many. I haven’t seen any advantage plans yet that do.

Florida Blue has worldwide emergency coverage. If you don’t know about something, you really shouldn’t be spreading misinformation.

[rustyp]

Not Medicare age yet, but researching and doing homework in advance of turning 65 in a few years. My take is “advantage is great until it isn’t’. The supplement monthly premiums are reasonable in my opinion, and the flexibility of doctors, and not fearing a procedure will be denied makes it a no-brainer for me. Currently I am in a PPO and hate it. My doctor insists I need injections for spinal degeneration that is causing pain. Insurance company says no - wants me in a very expensive (at my cost) physical therapy regiment for a year first. These things are common when an insurance adjuster, and not a doctor is guiding your healthcare.

If you were on Medicare with a supplement would the injections be carte blanche ?

[MSGirl]

Not Medicare age yet, but researching and doing homework in advance of turning 65 in a few years. My take is “advantage is great until it isn’t’. The supplement monthly premiums are reasonable in my opinion, and the flexibility of doctors, and not fearing a procedure will be denied makes it a no-brainer for me. Currently I am in a PPO and hate it. My doctor insists I need injections for spinal degeneration that is causing pain. Insurance company says no - wants me in a very expensive (at my cost) physical therapy regiment for a year first. These things are common when an insurance adjuster, and not a doctor is guiding your healthcare.
Then wait until you get Medicare. Whether it’s traditional Medicare or an Advantage plan, Medicare becomes your primary and dictates what is acceptable and what is not!

[Pgcacace]

We chose UHC Adv. Villages plan.There is an office at LSL for all your questions. There are non village Drs. on the plan. $75 quarterly non RX credit. Just show your ins. card. $2,000 allowance for dental. We are very pleased w the plan. No referrals needed.

[Pgcacace]

We are from CT. Welcome to the Villages.😊

[PugMom]

Why are you losing Aetna? I have Aenta Massachusetts PPO and have had no issues.

Aetna has been in a steady downward spiral for almost a decade. while we still lived in Ct., the major office building in the industrial park off 72 in Cromwell was shut down, leaving many jobless. the office in Hartford was cutting back to bare essentials, & 1 of my buddies was forced to work from home. i'm surprised it's still standing, lol. @ 1 time it was the best coverage a person could get, i loved it-but the economy caught up with them & this is what we have now

[ComingfromCT]

Why are you losing Aetna? I have Aenta Massachusetts PPO and have had no issues.

Aetna found that I was moving and told me I had until Apr 1 to choose another plan with them or I would no longer be covered. Obviously, since I moved I can choose anyone but will lose my present coverage by Apr 1.

[Just jimmy]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc,

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated..
I have Florida blue Medicare advantage. Dental. Vision. Hearing. No copay for primary care. 20$ copay specialists. It is an hmo so I do need authorization to go to specialist but I have had no problem getting those. They usually give 6 at a time good for 6 months. 2700$ out of pocket max.

[tombpot]

You may be healthy now that usually changes the older we get. If you want the insurance company to manage your health care get an advantage plan. If you don’t t believe me then ask the people in the doctors office if your insurance company oks everything

[Michael G.]

. If you don’t t believe me then ask the people in the doctors office if your insurance company oks everything

And don't ask "if they take your insurance" (they all take insurance) ask "are they in your net work."

[Karmanng]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.

Original medicare with a supp you will be better off overall numerous agents have repeatly told me this.........

[Karmanng]

there is SO LITTLE information in that statement "Go to The Village Hospital and get educated really fast", as to be useless to someone who has not read the past history. I won't elaborate here, as it requires a small book for a glimpse of the past stories, some even factual.


YES Lots of utube channels out there to explaining things most agents I talked with said original is the way too go you cant always get off a advantage plan all that easy most times you are stuck with them

[Karmanng]

Not Medicare age yet, but researching and doing homework in advance of turning 65 in a few years. My take is “advantage is great until it isn’t’. The supplement monthly premiums are reasonable in my opinion, and the flexibility of doctors, and not fearing a procedure will be denied makes it a no-brainer for me. Currently I am in a PPO and hate it. My doctor insists I need injections for spinal degeneration that is causing pain. Insurance company says no - wants me in a very expensive (at my cost) physical therapy regiment for a year first. These things are common when an insurance adjuster, and not a doctor is guiding your healthcare.


SOOO TRUE !!!! I am a year out most agents actually ALL the agents have told me to NOT go in advantage plans........they will be in control of you if something goes wrong. You need surgery and they just might deny you stating you need therapy first........also it can be harder in other states to get coverage........they also can change DRS on you for no reason already saw that happen with my own folks plans............NOPE original for me it will be PLUS you are able to go to MAYO clinic in Jacksonville they only take original NO ADVANTAGE plans same with MOFFITT center in Florida just a FYI

[Karmanng]

Question is, will this plan cover you outside of the area. If not this is not a good plan for many. I haven’t seen any advantage plans yet that do.

YOU are CORRECT

[Hardlyworking]

YES Lots of utube channels out there to explaining things most agents I talked with said original is the way too go you cant always get off a advantage plan all that easy most times you are stuck with them

That is not true. You can always go back to regular Medicare. The problem will be getting a supplement plan.

[chrissy2231]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.
FL BL MED ADVANTAGE. $0 for premier HMO. $75 free OTC quarterly. Dental & Vision. The Villages Health Care System has the best doctors & all doctors (specialists) are networked so all your information is in one place. I also bought inexpensive 2 yr Delta Dental for crowns, etc.

[chrissy2231]

If you were on Medicare with a supplement would the injections be carte blanche ?
Shingrix free on FL BL MED ADVANTAGE

[Hardlyworking]

FL BL MED ADVANTAGE. $0 for premier HMO. $75 free OTC quarterly. Dental & Vision. The Villages Health Care System has the best doctors & all doctors (specialists) are networked so all your information is in one place. I also bought inexpensive 2 yr Delta Dental for crowns, etc.

It’s now $100/quarter!

[chrissy2231]

It’s now $100/quarter!
Request Rejected (https://www.cigna.com/knowledge-center/types-of-dental-insurance)
neither are insurance. look at discount prices to procedures

[bsloan1960]

comingfromct...go see a SHINE ( Servicing Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representative at a several rec centers ( Eisenhower, Lake Miona for example). They are medicare specialists ( NOT insurance people). THEY will guide you to the plan best for you. The advantage plan is good as long as you are healthy. BUT, who knows how long that will be? I can go to any doc, no co-pay, no deductible, no referral ANYWHERE in the country....YOU cannot.

You noted: "The advantage plan is good as long as you are healthy". Novice here- what happens once you are not healthy? Is there a different plan for people who have health conditions, and are on several medications?

[bsloan1960]

Freedom Medicare Advantage. Zero premium. Covers everything. Dental, vision, medical and pharmacy. Plus you receive $50 each month toward over the counter medications and vitamins.

I spent entire career in health care in Ohio. We never had anything that compares.

How can there be No Premium??? I'll soon go on Part B which is something like $175 per month. So are you saying there are plans that include Part B, but somehow the company bundling the Parts offers it for nothing? How is this possible? If it is, I want in. Thanks

[Hardlyworking]

How can there be No Premium??? I'll soon go on Part B which is something like $175 per month. So are you saying there are plans that include Part B, but somehow the company bundling the Parts offers it for nothing? How is this possible? If it is, I want in. Thanks

I’d be sure to read the fine print.

[Jayhawk]

NO ADVANTAGE plans same with MOFFITT center in Florida just a FYI

Really?

"Moffitt Cancer Center and Moffitt Medical Group accept both types of plans"

Differences Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage | Moffitt (https://moffitt.org/patient-family/insurance-financial-information/medicare-coverage/differences-between-original-medicare-and-medicare-advantage/)

[Michael 61]

You may be healthy now that usually changes the older we get. If you want the insurance company to manage your health care get an advantage plan. If you don’t t believe me then ask the people in the doctors office if your insurance company oks everything

This is my point - people that love the advantage plan are not being long-sited in my opinion. Advantage is great when your healthy. What happens in a few years when:
1) you have multiple specialists and you are limited to those that are in network.
2) your health takes a turn, and now you have a large deductible /copay to meet.
3) your favorite doctor has left or been booted from network, and now you are forced to find another.
4) a necessary procedure that your doctor prescribes is denied by the advantage claims adjuster

All the above scenarios have occurred! And it is near-impossible to go back to regular Medicare once your forefiet it. That is why those slick advantage commercials play one’s desire to pay nothing for a supplement, and they give you a bunch of freebies to entice you - if you want to roll with the dice with your health, believing you will stay perfectly healthy, and then just drop dead one day, then advantage may work out for you financially. Too much of a risk for me.

[rustyp]

A complete overabundance of misleading to outright false information about advantage plans being posted here. Let's clarify one of the biggest fallacies - you can't go back to Medicare. You can always go back to Medicare in the fall at enrollment time. No questions asked. Supplemental is a different story. Pay attention to the overwhelming majority of doomsday reporters of Advantage Plans. They never had one. Unlike many advantage plans enrollees had Medicare first and switched. Go to SHINE and get the straight story. 48% of Medicare eligible seniors are on Advantage plans. That percentage is increasing year over year.

[chrissy2231]

Original medicare with a supp you will be better off overall numerous agents have repeatly told me this.........
cuz they make more money.

[Regorp]

Just arrived at our new home! : )
Just found out that I will lose my CT Medicare Advantage plan with Aetna on Apr 1.
So, I need to figure out what I am going to do fairly quickly and my head is spinning from our move. No furniture until Wed etc, etc.

Maybe a crazy question to ask but ......... I am healthy, take no prescriptions and in CT it was best to get a Medicare Advantage plan. Got extra dental benefits, $45 of goods from CVS for free each quarter. .........

Any suggestions what Medicare plan to choose here in the Villages. I have no idea about any of the hospitals, who our doctors will be etc. I feel very lost and am still dealing with the move and a number of other things that we need to accomplish right away.

Any help would be really appreciated.

We came down from CT with an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan that was awesome, but not for Florida. Switched to Florida Blue Advantage that was similar and have no complaints. But meeting with Shine is very helpful to get the right direction to another plan. Welcome to TV!!

[PugMom]

You noted: "The advantage plan is good as long as you are healthy". Novice here- what happens once you are not healthy? Is there a different plan for people who have health conditions, and are on several medications?

i've had no problem, my meds have no to low co-pay. i can see my dr's., & if a specialist isn't in network, they will find me one. i may have to drive to orlando or clermont, but i can be seen & treated. Village doctors have gone out of their way to help me, no complaints here

[RPDaly]

///

[rustyp]

Health insurance at $0 a month premium.
As the old saying goes- If it sounds to good to be true then it probably isn't.
Insurance companies are not in it to be nice to you.

It is not $0 premium. Medicare pays the insurance company the $174 taken out of your social security check each month. When one refers to 0 premium it means you pay no extra beyond the $174 / month for the plan. Not all plans are $0 beyond the $174 / month either. Price seems to have a strong correlation to geographic area of residence.

[aldo28701]

I have Aetna Medicare PPO so I can travel back/forth to NC. You need to do some investigation if you want to keep it.

[RPDaly]

///

[keepsake]

"Health insurance at $0 a month premium."

With medicare the $0 premium outfits get $800+ from the feds for your care. Even the advantage plans that you get $160 back a month from are reaping the $800 a month from the feds.

[rustyp]

Is it not zero dollar premium for Part B (Medical Insurance) of Medicare and the $174 they take from your check covers only Part A (Hospital Insurance)?
I opted for a supplement plan instead - it covers Part A. That cost me a certain amount each month while Medicare still takes their portion from my check to cover Part A (Hospital Insurance). So you are saying a Advantage plan gives you both parts of Medicare for the same amount in most cases AND drug coverage too. And that is not to good to be true? Again insurance companies are not in it to be nice to you.

Your response is not quite clear to me - no offense. For a person on Medicare, Part A has no premium. It is paid from the Medicare trust fund. Part A is the hospital part. Part A is the part you paid for from your paycheck before retirement. Part B was $174 in 2022. That is the part the gov pulls out of your social security check per month. This is the part you are paying for during retirement.

[chrissy2231]

Health insurance at $0 a month premium.
As the old saying goes- If it sounds to good to be true then it probably isn't.
Insurance companies are not in it to be nice to you.
absolutely true!

[chrissy2231]

How can there be No Premium??? I'll soon go on Part B which is something like $175 per month. So are you saying there are plans that include Part B, but somehow the company bundling the Parts offers it for nothing? How is this possible? If it is, I want in. Thanks
$0 month to FL BL monthly; not what comes out of SS

[retiredguy123]

Your response is not quite clear to me - no offense. For a person on Medicare Part A has no premium. It is paid from the Medicare trust fund. Part A is the hospital part. Part A is the part you paid for from your paycheck before retirement. Part B was $174 in 2022. That is the part the gov pulls out of your social security check per month. This is the part you are paying for during retirement.
Correct, there is no monthly premium for Part A. But, a supplemental plan will cover the copay part of a Part A claim. The premium for Part B is based on your income level, and it can range from $164.90 to $560.50 per month for higher income groups.

[jump4]

suggest you contact Ron Heath at Guided Medicare, office is on route 44 near Brownwood, phone 352-446-1455, very simple when working with Ron, extremely helpful.

Beware Ron and all other health insurance sales people. They are biased!

Contact SHINE.

Note that after your health inevitably declines you may not be allowed to switch back to original medicare with a supplement. SHINE can explain all that.

[Hardlyworking]

There’s no need to go back to Medicare and a supplement.

[epoch]

Even the advantage plans that you get $160 back a month from are reaping the $800 a month from the feds.


How are the reviews of the rebate plans? Is there an offsetting downside, like higher copays, higher drug costs?

[rjm1cc]

Go to Welcome to Medicare | Medicare (https://www.medicare.gov/) to compare local plans. Then meet with Shine as suggested above.

[Aces4]

A complete overabundance of misleading to outright false information about advantage plans being posted here. Let's clarify one of the biggest fallacies - you can't go back to Medicare. You can always go back to Medicare in the fall at enrollment time. No questions asked. Supplemental is a different story. Pay attention to the overwhelming majority of doomsday reporters of Advantage Plans. They never had one. Unlike many advantage plans enrollees had Medicare first and switched. Go to SHINE and get the straight story. 48% of Medicare eligible seniors are on Advantage plans. That percentage is increasing year over year.


Before one gets too excited about how wonderful Medicare Advantage is, they may want to perform an online search how $307 billion has been moved away from Medicare Advantage and is to be used to fund other “special projects”. Cuts to Medicare Advantage may be coming.

Announced in January, a new “advance notice rule” proposing to cut funds for Medicare Advantage in a move that could cost seniors up to $540 per year in benefits.

[chrissy2231]

Before one gets too excited about how wonderful Medicare Advantage is, they may want to perform an online search how $307 billion has been moved away from Medicare Advantage and is to be used to fund other “special projects”. Cuts to Medicare Advantage may be coming.

Announced in January, a new “advance notice rule” proposing to cut funds for Medicare Advantage in a move that could cost seniors up to $540 per year in benefits.
2023 FL BL plan has more perks than ever & lowered tier 3 drugs from $125 to $105

[rustyp]

Before one gets too excited about how wonderful Medicare Advantage is, they may want to perform an online search how $307 billion has been moved away from Medicare Advantage and is to be used to fund other “special projects”. Cuts to Medicare Advantage may be coming.

Announced in January, a new “advance notice rule” proposing to cut funds for Medicare Advantage in a move that could cost seniors up to $540 per year in benefits.

I did the online search trying to get as close to a reliable source as possible. From HHS.gov published Feb 17 2023:

"Despite industry-funded reporting indicating otherwise, the (current) Administration is not proposing cuts to Medicare Advantage. In fact, the Administration is proposing to increase Medicare Advantage payments this year by 1%, on top of an 8.5% increase in Medicare Advantage payments last year. The Administration also announced efforts to strengthen Medicare and hold industry accountable. This year, it will start recovering improper payments made to insurance companies in Medicare Advantage through audits. Recovering these improper payments and returning this money to the Medicare Trust Funds will protect the fiscal sustainability of Medicare and allow the program to better serve seniors and people with disabilities, today and in the future."

[Aces4]

I did the online search trying to get as close to a reliable source as possible. From HHS.gov published Feb 17 2023:

"Despite industry-funded reporting indicating otherwise, the (current) Administration is not proposing cuts to Medicare Advantage. In fact, the Administration is proposing to increase Medicare Advantage payments this year by 1%, on top of an 8.5% increase in Medicare Advantage payments last year. The Administration also announced efforts to strengthen Medicare and hold industry accountable. This year, it will start recovering improper payments made to insurance companies in Medicare Advantage through audits. Recovering these improper payments and returning this money to the Medicare Trust Funds will protect the fiscal sustainability of Medicare and allow the program to better serve seniors and people with disabilities, today and in the future."

We’ve been seeing ads stating don’t let the proposed changes to Medicare Advantage happen. It’s a slight of hand thing, IMHO, tightening of codes for coverage and going after patients who they feel shouldn’t have received coverage for certain procedures. Remember if insurance coverage is removed for a procedure, the patient is on the hook.

The diverted money will go for pet projects. Search under KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) and search if there are proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage in 2023.