Medicare Premium Increases

[tjdmlhw]

In 2018 when I first retired and started using Medicare, my Medicare supplement plan with Humana was $141 a month. On the anniversary month in 2019, it increased 5%. Every year since then it has increased 10% and now my premium is $211. A 50% increase over 5 years.

I'm curious as to what others are seeing. Is this normal?

[Keefelane66]

In 2018 when I first retired and started using Medicare, my Medicare supplement plan with Humana was $141 a month. On the anniversary month in 2019, it increased 5%. Every year since then it has increased 10% and now my premium is $211. A 50% increase over 5 years.

I'm curious as to what others are seeing. Is this normal?
We have UHC PLAN F, $212.36 paid by my employer thru retirement benefit it also increases with age.
Which supplement plan do you have?

[tophcfa]

What I’m seeing is that Medicare is in my future soon and I can’t wait. The premiums you are stating are a small fraction of what I am currently paying for a very high deductible and maximum out of pocket policy through Obamacare. Furthermore, Medicare has a national network so we will be in network at both our Villages home and our home up north which is the last obstacle that will allow me to establish Florida residency and stop paying state income taxes and qualify for the Florida homestead exemption. Bring it on!

[tuccillo]

Which Medicare Supplemental Plan (lettered plan) do you have? If you have Plan F then take a look at Plan G. The only difference is Plan F includes the Medicare Part B deductible ($226 per year) and Plan G doesn't. When I say "includes the Part B deductibe" I mean you don't pay it. You may find that the difference between the Plan F annual premiums and the Plan G annual premiums is greater than $226 per year, in which case you should switch to Plan G. The only issue should be whether you can pass the underwriting to change plans. Also, Plan N may be even lower cost than Plan G but you may pay up to $20 co-pays and any excess charges but those are generally pretty rare. As with Plan G, it does not include the Part B $226 deductible. There are also some high-deductible plans. Also, Medicare Advantage Plans typically have $0 premiums (but numerous differences from Supplemental Plans).

In 2018 when I first retired and started using Medicare, my Medicare supplement plan with Humana was $141 a month. On the anniversary month in 2019, it increased 5%. Every year since then it has increased 10% and now my premium is $211. A 50% increase over 5 years.

I'm curious as to what others are seeing. Is this normal?

[tjdmlhw]

We have UHC PLAN F, $212.36 paid by my employer thru retirement benefit it also increases with age.
Which supplement plan do you have?

I have G.

[Michael 61]

What I’m seeing is that Medicare is in my future soon and I can’t wait. The premiums you are stating are a small fraction of what I am currently paying for a very high deductible and maximum out of pocket policy through Obamacare. Furthermore, Medicare has a national network so we will be in network at both our Villages home and our home up north which is the last obstacle that will allow me to establish Florida residency and stop paying state income taxes and qualify for the Florida homestead exemption. Bring it on!

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.

[tjdmlhw]

What I’m seeing is that Medicare is in my future soon and I can’t wait. The premiums you are stating are a small fraction of what I am currently paying for a very high deductible and maximum out of pocket policy through Obamacare. Furthermore, Medicare has a national network so we will be in network at both our Villages home and our home up north which is the last obstacle that will allow me to establish Florida residency and stop paying state income taxes and qualify for the Florida homestead exemption. Bring it on!

Don't get me wrong, I think Medicare is great. Even when you add the cost of Medicare to the cost of the Supplement, it's still less than half of the price of my wifes insurance which we get through my ex-employer.

This thread was questioning the 10% per year increase I've been seeing over the last 4 years. From what I'm seeing from the few replies I've received so far, $211 isn't that high.

[Stu from NYC]

Very happy with our medicare advantage plan,

[bagboy]

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.

I recently turned 65, and also was thankful to be rid of Obama care. I concluded my best option was traditional Medicare, a Plan G supplement thru Florida Blue, and prescription insurance through WellCare (online mail order CareMark). So far so good. Good luck when the time comes.

[justjim]

Medicare premiums are also based on your income which can increase with RMD’S (required minimum distributions) from your IRA’s, 401K’s, etc. Those increases may significantly increase your Medicare premiums.

[njbchbum]

Our Medicare cost increases every time our Social Security allowance increases. Never tracked it - it is what it is - we just adjust!

[tophcfa]

I recently turned 65, and also was thankful to be rid of Obama care. I concluded my best option was traditional Medicare, a Plan G supplement thru Florida Blue, and prescription insurance through WellCare (online mail order CareMark). So far so good. Good luck when the time comes.

Does the plan G supplement through Florida Blue limit you to a local network of Florida Blue approved health care providers? I need to wade through the quagmire of alphabet soup supplement options and find the best choice that will allow us to be in network at both our Florida and Massachusetts homes. I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who have navigated the best Medicare and supplement options that allow a national network of health care providers.

[Stu from NYC]

Does the plan G supplement through Florida Blue limit you to a local network of Florida Blue approved health care providers? I need to wade through the quagmire of alphabet soup supplement options and find the best choice that will allow us to be in network at both our Florida and Massachusetts homes. I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who have navigated the best Medicare and supplement options that allow a national network of health care providers.

Talk to Shine they are the experts

[tuccillo]

No, you can go anywhere that accepts Medicare. The supplemental plans pick up the costs, after deductible, that Medicare doesn't cover. All supplemental plans from the different providers are the same (a Plan G is a Plan G is a Plan G). Only the premiums differ.

Does the plan G supplement through Florida Blue limit you to a local network of Florida Blue approved health care providers? I need to wade through the quagmire of alphabet soup supplement options and find the best choice that will allow us to be in network at both our Florida and Massachusetts homes. I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who have navigated the best Medicare and supplement options that allow a national network of health care providers.

[Foxtrot]

Switch to United Health Care AARP Plan G. It hasn't gone up for me.

[Caymus]

Does the plan G supplement through Florida Blue limit you to a local network of Florida Blue approved health care providers? I need to wade through the quagmire of alphabet soup supplement options and find the best choice that will allow us to be in network at both our Florida and Massachusetts homes. I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who have navigated the best Medicare and supplement options that allow a national network of health care providers.

Do you know if it would reduce the chance of a snowbird to claim Florida residency if you chose a Massachusetts Supplement Plan? I read that some states check medical usage to force residents to continue to pay state income taxes.

[bagboy]

Does the plan G supplement through Florida Blue limit you to a local network of Florida Blue approved health care providers? I need to wade through the quagmire of alphabet soup supplement options and find the best choice that will allow us to be in network at both our Florida and Massachusetts homes. I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who have navigated the best Medicare and supplement options that allow a national network of health care providers.

I'm not limited to a network anywhere. I suggest contacting Ken Laws with Benco Insurance, a Florida Blue representative. He is a straight up guy, super nice, and very informative.
Ken Laws BENCO INSURANCE, LEESBURG, FL contact, rating, reviews, and quotes... (https://www.insurancelevel.com/fl/137220/ken-laws.cfm)

[tophcfa]

Do you know if it would reduce the chance of a snowbird to claim Florida residency if you chose a Massachusetts Supplement Plan? I read that some states check medical usage to force residents to continue to pay state income taxes.

My sister in law is a financial advisor for high net worth individuals and has clients who have been put through extremely extensive audits by high income tax states trying to continue to pry state income taxes from them despite claiming Florida as their primary residence. They pull things like cell phone records, credit card purchase records, medical records etc….. If/when states go to putting devices in automobiles to track mileage for tax purposes that will be another hook they try to put into people. That being said, I’m not overly worried about being audited given the size of our retirement income as I doubt I will be a high priority on their radar. Plus, my intention is to spend over 50% of the year in the Villages, get a Florida drivers license, get the Florida homestead exemption, have a car registered in Florida, and register to vote in Florida. They can pull my credit card records and phone records and it will show where I spend over 50% of the year. We still intend to have a residency up north so using northern medical providers should not be an issue, especially given the HUGE difference in the quality of health care between Massachusetts and the greater Villages area. Plus, I am hoping to find a Florida supplemental plan that has a national network so I can use my existing providers up north and still be in network. That’s what I am currently trying to figure out given all the various supplemental plan options.

[melpetezrinski]

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.

Why are you "stuck" with Obamacare? Don't you have other choices for health insurance?

[tophcfa]

Why are you "stuck" with Obamacare? Don't you have other choices for health insurance?

If a person is not eligible for Medicare and doesn’t have insurance through an employer or a business they own, you are pretty much stuck with Obamacare. You don’t necessarily have to buy your insurance through a state exchange, but the law requires all policies to be priced based on Obamacare, so what’s the difference?

[tophcfa]

I'm not limited to a network anywhere. I suggest contacting Ken Laws with Benco Insurance, a Florida Blue representative. He is a straight up guy, super nice, and very informative.
Ken Laws BENCO INSURANCE, LEESBURG, FL contact, rating, reviews, and quotes... (https://www.insurancelevel.com/fl/137220/ken-laws.cfm)

Thanks : )

[mtdjed]

Your Medicare cost is somewhat set. It is added coverage that you can manage by alternatives. One option is to select a Medicare Advantage program which might be next to zero in some cases. But you have to study details. Limited networks of providers is typically one issue. As you enter the Medicare system your health may be great. But things change over time for some of us. The supplement plans definitely will cost more, but as described in posts there is some flexibility to choose options.

Another consideration is possible benefits that you obtained from your employer.

In my case, my former employer pays $1000 per year toward my insurance. So, if I have an Advantage plan at no cost, no payment.

Also, some Advantage plans and supplement plans offer some incentives such as Health Club dues. My wife and I both use Genesis which used to cost $55 per month for each of us. That cost went away when United Health care picked it up.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm nervous about leaving ACA. My deductible is insane $9100 per person - but the premium is only $185/month because we are a modest-income household. Plus Florida Blue gives us those silly rewards so I actually only pay around $50/month averaged out. That's for the two of us. We have co-pays, but they're mostly negligible. I pay less than $5/month combined, for three different prescriptions that I take daily.

We'll have to pay the part B cost no matter which route we take, and that'll mean paying monthly more than triple what we're paying now. Yes we won't have to pay IF we have this or that medical need. But with no medical needs at all, it might be more than we can afford.

[blueash]

If a person is not eligible for Medicare and doesn’t have insurance through an employer or a business they own, you are pretty much stuck with Obamacare. You don’t necessarily have to buy your insurance through a state exchange, but the law requires all policies to be priced based on Obamacare, so what’s the difference?

That is inaccurate. The law you refer to as ObamaCare established that qualifying health care coverage had to provide certain minimum benefits and importantly, very importantly could NOT USE your health care status in setting premiums. You can go outside this huge benefit to you and pay based on your age and after the insurance company gets all your lab work and your doctor's notes to underwrite you individually.

Can I buy health insurance outside of the Marketplace that meets all ACA standards? | KFF (https://www.kff.org/faqs/faqs-health-insurance-marketplace-and-the-aca/can-i-buy-health-insurance-outside-of-the-marketplace-that-meets-all-aca-standards/)

Security check (https://help.ihealthagents.com/hc/en-us/articles/222885248-What-Does-An-Off-Exchange-Plan-Mean-)

[Bridget Staunton]

Thank you I am glad you hit on RMD which is based on your income. Hurts especially when your single

[bowlingal]

I don't care how expensive the F plan is. It is still better than the Medicare Advantage Plan. I don't pay for a freaking thing with the F plan.

[msilagy]

There is a simple answer - CHANGE plans - they all have the same coverages according to the Letter, example G, H, but have different premiums. I have gone from Mutual of Omaha, to World Life Omaha (to reduce premiums) and finally now I'm with Aetna. My premium is $161.00 plan G per month. I work thru a broker and when the premium gets to high he switches me to the same Plan G, just with a cheaper premium. I am 75.

[Rzepecki]

Does the plan G supplement through Florida Blue limit you to a local network of Florida Blue approved health care providers? I need to wade through the quagmire of alphabet soup supplement options and find the best choice that will allow us to be in network at both our Florida and Massachusetts homes. I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who have navigated the best Medicare and supplement options that allow a national network of health care providers.

Contact SHINE and get unbiased insurance information from their volunteers. They visit rec centers on a regular basis.

[westernrider75]

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.

Unfortunately, my health insurance coverage dramatically increased when I retired. I guess I should have appreciated those $127 per month premiums I paid while working.

[Wondering]

In 2018 when I first retired and started using Medicare, my Medicare supplement plan with Humana was $141 a month. On the anniversary month in 2019, it increased 5%. Every year since then it has increased 10% and now my premium is $211. A 50% increase over 5 years.

I'm curious as to what others are seeing. Is this normal?
Switch to a Medicare Advantage plan and get a discount off the premium.

[SusanStCatherine]

I recently turned 65, and also was thankful to be rid of Obama care. I concluded my best option was traditional Medicare, a Plan G supplement thru Florida Blue, and prescription insurance through WellCare (online mail order CareMark). So far so good. Good luck when the time comes.

We are too young for Medicare and have an ACA Florida Blue plan off Healthcare.gov. It is amazing how many local providers I have called that do not take it. One provider recently dropped Florida Blue - they must have been reimbursing too low. I wonder if Florida Blue is better when it is a Medicare policy. Also our mail order Pharmacy is Amazon Prime Pharmacy.

[mrf0151]

Our Medicare UHC F Plan Supplement is currently $220.00 each. Yes, it does increase every year, just like everything else it seems.

[merrymini]

I could not wait to be 65. My husband retired early and my son went to work so my husband eventually was able to get medicare and my son had his insurance through his job. My coverage alone was over 20 k a year in premiums with a 10 k deductible. I could not use urgent care, only an emergency, or they would not pay. The obamacare thing was horrible and could only get limited insurance because I was in NJ and could only get regular care in NJ and PA. I was able to get medicare, with coverage everywhere when I was eligible and the f plan, which is no longer offered, I believe. The medical care in this country is all screwed up!

[Whitley]

What I’m seeing is that Medicare is in my future soon and I can’t wait. The premiums you are stating are a small fraction of what I am currently paying for a very high deductible and maximum out of pocket policy through Obamacare. Furthermore, Medicare has a national network so we will be in network at both our Villages home and our home up north which is the last obstacle that will allow me to establish Florida residency and stop paying state income taxes and qualify for the Florida homestead exemption. Bring it on!

I had obamacare for a couple of years. I paid for a plan with a 10,000 deductible. It was only a bronze plan. The Gov't agent advised me if I worked fewer hours to lower my income he could get me a gold plan for a lower premium. That, and charging people 6-700 dollars penalty if they could not afford health insurance turned me off to the gov't policies.

[Whitley]

I could not wait to be 65. My husband retired early and my son went to work so my husband eventually was able to get medicare and my son had his insurance through his job. My coverage alone was over 20 k a year in premiums with a 10 k deductible. I could not use urgent care, only an emergency, or they would not pay. The obamacare thing was horrible and could only get limited insurance because I was in NJ and could only get regular care in NJ and PA. I was able to get medicare, with coverage everywhere when I was eligible and the f plan, which is no longer offered, I believe. The medical care in this country is all screwed up!

Go to the ER with chest pains and if you are not admitted, there was a 1,200.00 penalty. That and charging people who could not afford insurance a penalty for not having it.

[maistocars]

The 5% increase seems reasonable but the 10% is on the high side. We have Plan G and couldn't be happier after getting off the horrendous and expensive Medicare Advantage after first year. Luckily there is a thing called trial right which allows you to switch from Advantage to the Medicare Supplement G without having to pass their test questions during the first year.

[hrenner]

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.

Obamacare is optional. You are probably on it because nothing else better is available. Why did you sign up for it if it is so bad?

[tuccillo]

I'm assuming you are referring to Florida Blue as a Medicare Supplemental Plan. If so, if the medical provider accepts Medicare then your Supplemental Plan is accepted, regardless of the insurance company providing the Supplemental Plan.

We are too young for Medicare and have an ACA Florida Blue plan off Healthcare.gov. It is amazing how many local providers I have called that do not take it. One provider recently dropped Florida Blue - they must have been reimbursing too low. I wonder if Florida Blue is better when it is a Medicare policy. Also our mail order Pharmacy is Amazon Prime Pharmacy.

[Bwanajim]

I have Mutual Of Omaha plan G. Last year I had a shoulder replacement and three new discs in my neck. Not counting prescriptions & a couple office visits. My total out of pocket for the year was $1200! Can’t beat it!

[maistocars]

Do you know if it would reduce the chance of a snowbird to claim Florida residency if you chose a Massachusetts Supplement Plan? I read that some states check medical usage to force residents to continue to pay state income taxes.
When you move to Florida, file a Declaration of Domicile with the State/County and you should be good. You must advise your helath insurer that you moved as they may not cover that state or the premiums may be different.

[Chi-Town]

I get a kick out if those who despise Obamacare (ACA) but enjoy its benefits. Kind of like the politicians who boast about the infrastructure bill but voted against it.

[Villagesgal]

Premiums are age based, so yes, you will see an increase every year, but a small one. Your employer health insurance went up every year too when you were a part of their plan. As long as meducal costs continue to rise, so will your health insurance costs..

[ChrisTee]

Yes. Increasing healthcare costs continue - there doesn't seem to be an end. Healthcare costs and healthcare premiums have increased annually at rates higher than overall inflation (CPU/CPI) for many years. Our "leaders" (all parties) continue to let this insanity go on at our cost. I'd plan for continued significant increases in your healthcare costs during retirement - if you end up spending less over time great, but you're better off planning for it. That means your Medicare premium may double again in 5 years. Let your elected leaders know you're sick of this.

[ChrisTee]

I get a kick out if those who dispise Obamacare (ACA) but enjoy its benefits. Kind of like the politicians who boast about the infrastructure bill but voted against it.

Right! ACA was not tweaked nor improved - it was just pulled apart and fought over by nearly every politician involved. * All parties failed us - not just 1.* So now we're worse off than ever and holy cow have you seen the amount of $$ we're all paying?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Very happy with our medicare advantage plan,

as long as you stay healthy, only incur health accidents which are routinely fixable, such as broken bones, etc, and don't require specialty drugs / procedures to live, you will be fine.

medicare advantage plans get finicky is when you require expensive drugs/ medical care to live. . that scenario creates hits to the budgeted profit growth, and they can get finicky about coverage at that point. . . which is the uncertainty about the advantage plan as you age. . .

The insurance companies are predicting / expecting healthy living and average payouts per year per population age and risk pool

former finance guy

[Gigi3000]

Very happy with our medicare advantage plan,

Sorry OP, off topic i know. Aren't there problems with the medicare advantage plans in FL? In my mind, i've ruled them out but i can't remember why?

[retiredguy123]

When you move to Florida, file a Declaration of Domicile with the State/County and you should be good. You must advise your helath insurer that you moved as they may not cover that state or the premiums may be different.
If Massachusetts can prove that you spend more than 183 days in their state, they can tax you as a resident. It doesn't matter what form you filed in Florida.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Go to the ER with chest pains and if you are not admitted, there was a 1,200.00 penalty. That and charging people who could not afford insurance a penalty for not having it.

That "fine" was never implemented. It never happened, no one ever had to pay it.

With Medicare, if you have social security, $165/month (or whatever the current Part B cost is) is automatically deducted from your SS check to cover the portion for part B. If you fail to sign up for it in time, and realize after the fact that you need health care coverage afterall, you'll pay a monthly penalty, until you die.

You don't have to sign up for Medicare at all if you don't want to, but that means you'll have to pay the full premium price for whatever health care you choose. For most insurance companies, that's generally around $1500-2000 per month, plus deductible, any co-pays, and out of pocket expenses. Or you can just pay as you go, but you'd need to be insanely wealthy to risk that - cancer treatment alone is more than the average homeowner's house AND savings are worth, combined.

A trip to ER, paying in cash with no health insurance discounts or contributions, will set you back over $4000. And that's just for ambulance, paramedic, intake services, testing, and a few bags of fluids to treat dehydration.

A yearly physical costs several hundred dollars. A mammogram, the same. Colonoscopy? Same.

The ACA (commonly known as Obamacare) covers all the yearly routine stuff for just the cost of the monthly premium, which is based on a sliding scale depending on your income.

[Karmanng]

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.

Try contacting UHC they have a 3 year short term plan that is very affordable I will never do obumercare as the cost is worse than what I am paying now.......

[Emkay56]

We have a zero premium plan with Humana. Not sure why you're paying so much. I've never had a plan with a monthly premium.

In 2018 when I first retired and started using Medicare, my Medicare supplement plan with Humana was $141 a month. On the anniversary month in 2019, it increased 5%. Every year since then it has increased 10% and now my premium is $211. A 50% increase over 5 years.

I'm curious as to what others are seeing. Is this normal?

[Marsha11]

Focal Insurance agency lady Lake they don't charge you anything for United Health Care. They retrieve what you automatically pay through social security check shandra at focal is your contact no more of yours for sure

[Indy-Guy]

Below is a link to a video that may answer many of the questions you may have.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pWQ5vwt8nE&list=WL&index=27

[Emkay56]

I retired young so I had to get my own insurance till I went on Medicare. I had a fabulous agent here in WI and I had what is called catastrophic insurance. In other words, I am perfectly healthy and only go to the dr once a year for a physical so I could get away with that for if insurance. If I had to go to the dr for something like a sinus infection or step throat, I simply told them I was paying on my own and they automatically gave a 40% discount off your bill. I did this for 8 years and it saved me a lot of high monthly insurance premiums. I opted for a plan that had a low monthly premium and a high deductible since I wasn't really using it.

If a person is not eligible for Medicare and doesn’t have insurance through an employer or a business they own, you are pretty much stuck with Obamacare. You don’t necessarily have to buy your insurance through a state exchange, but the law requires all policies to be priced based on Obamacare, so what’s the difference?

[Boilerman]

as long as you stay healthy, only incur health accidents which are routinely fixable, such as broken bones, etc, and don't require specialty drugs / procedures to live, you will be fine.

medicare advantage plans get finicky is when you require expensive drugs/ medical care to live. . that scenario creates hits to the budgeted profit growth, and they can get finicky about coverage at that point. . . which is the uncertainty about the advantage plan as you age. . .

The insurance companies are predicting / expecting healthy living and average payouts per year per population age and risk pool

former finance guy

We’ve been delighted with our UHC advantage plan. No premium, several expensive surgeries (back fusion, neck fusion, total knee replacement), no referrals needed to see specialists and combined we are on a dozen prescription medications. Each surgery cost $250 co-pay total, $40 co-pay for specialists and we see doctors in network in both the Villages and up north. Any doctor we’ve wanted to see have been in network. Not sure why everyone hates advantage plans.

[tophcfa]

I get a kick out if those who dispise Obamacare (ACA) but enjoy its benefits. Kind of like the politicians who boast about the infrastructure bill but voted against it.

In general, people who like Obamacare are those with lower incomes who get either free or substantially subsidized insurance depending on their level of income relative to the national poverty level. People who typically despise Obamacare are those whose income is above 400% of the national poverty level. Those people aren’t eligible for subsidies and have to pay outrageously high premiums because someone has to pay for the people who are getting the subsidies. Before Obamacare, I was paying less than $300 a month for great insurance (not through an employer) with both a low deductible and max out of pocket. After Obamacare, my insurance went up over 400% for an inferior plan with a much higher deductible and max out of pocket. Who in their right mind would not despise that?

[Stu from NYC]

Sorry OP, off topic i know. Aren't there problems with the medicare advantage plans in FL? In my mind, i've ruled them out but i can't remember why?

We had a Humana plan in Va and was happy with it and when we moved here met someone who recommended a physician and they took Humana Gold so we switched to it.

Only disadvantage is physician acts as gatekeeper and must approve referral to specialist. Been happy with our doc and the referrals they found for us.

Has saved us a lot of money and so far so good.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We’ve been delighted with our UHC advantage plan. No premium, several expensive surgeries (back fusion, neck fusion, total knee replacement), no referrals needed to see specialists and combined we are on a dozen prescription medications. Each surgery cost $250 co-pay total, $40 co-pay for specialists and we see doctors in network in both the Villages and up north. Any doctor we’ve wanted to see have been in network. Not sure why everyone hates advantage plans.

At one point in the Villages, there was only one Advantage plan option. And they decided they weren't going to participate the next year so everyone whose doctor was with that plan, were out of luck unless they paid extra for a Medicare plan their doctor did participate in. Not all doctors accept Advantage plans, and you can't just go to any doctor. If you need a hip replacement, you might discover that there's only one choice of surgeon offered to you and he's booked solid for another 8 months.

[Glewellen]

SHINE is a great group of volunteers to explain all the options. They aren't selling anything. Numerous personal meeting sites in The Villages. SHINE - Home (https://www.floridashine.org/)

[Boilerman]

At one point in the Villages, there was only one Advantage plan option. And they decided they weren't going to participate the next year so everyone whose doctor was with that plan, were out of luck unless they paid extra for a Medicare plan their doctor did participate in. Not all doctors accept Advantage plans, and you can't just go to any doctor. If you need a hip replacement, you might discover that there's only one choice of surgeon offered to you and he's booked solid for another 8 months.

I understand that’s possible but that’s not been our experience. Every doctor recommended to us by friends and neighbors have been in network.

[Stu from NYC]

I understand that’s possible but that’s not been our experience. Every doctor recommended to us by friends and neighbors have been in network.

Your lucky, lots are not

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I understand that’s possible but that’s not been our experience. Every doctor recommended to us by friends and neighbors have been in network.

The question was "why don't people like Advantage plans?" I gave one answer. My answer was factual. The risk of NOT being able to get non-life-saving but necessary surgery due to limited access to available specialists is a bonafide, valid, very real, and not uncommon reason.

[SusanStCatherine]

Please everyone get answers from knowledgeable sources. Visit SHINE. Call doctors offices and see what they take - they can change over time. Use responses here as a starting place for your questions. I appreciate all the responses here so I know what to ask about when I need to select. Everyone is different and has different needs. Seems like I would not like an Advantage plan, but I know people who have one and love it. At least I know more now about what questions to ask. Thanks y'all.

[joshgun]

AAarp United healthcare supplement. No network no preapproval. No geographic limitations. They pay for items not included in Medicare. I needed a planter fasciitis splint. Podiatrist said not covered by Medicare. Supplement paid for it.

[Boilerman]

The question was "why don't people like Advantage plans?" I gave one answer. My answer was factual. The risk of NOT being able to get non-life-saving but necessary surgery due to limited access to available specialists is a bonafide, valid, very real, and not uncommon reason.

I’m not saying your answer is wrong. I’m saying that our experience has been very different, which I think is important for others to know.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I’m not saying your answer is wrong. I’m saying that our experience has been very different, which I think is important for others to know.

But your experience is a sample size 1, there are hundreds of samples out in the real world. . and any individual experience works until it doesn't work. .

The problem with most everything in life is that whatever works until whatever doesn't work and most humans blame the whatever not working on something else other than an insignificant sample size. .

Kind of like do black swans exist if you have never seen one?

[Boilerman]

But your experience is a sample size 1, there are hundreds of samples out in the real world. . and any individual experience works until it doesn't work. .

The problem with most everything in life is that whatever works until whatever doesn't work and most humans blame the whatever not working on something else other than an insignificant sample size. .

Kind of like do black swans exist if you have never seen one?

And I didn’t claim my experience was anything other than my own

[Robnlaura]

I’m still several years away from qualifying for Medicare - until then, I am also stuck with the horrible and expensive Obamacare. From the research I’m starting do, I think I will be going with traditional Medicare and add a supplement when the time comes, vs having my medical managed by an insurance company through an “advantage plan” - Will be great to get off of Obamacare and see my monthly medical premiums dramatically reduced when I turn 65.
I can’t complain with my Obamacare plan through blue cross blue shield about $250 a month but an excellent medical plan .. they spent 3 million last year on my care.. can’t complain at all..

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Please everyone get answers from knowledgeable sources. Visit SHINE. Call doctors offices and see what they take - they can change over time. Use responses here as a starting place for your questions. I appreciate all the responses here so I know what to ask about when I need to select. Everyone is different and has different needs. Seems like I would not like an Advantage plan, but I know people who have one and love it. At least I know more now about what questions to ask. Thanks y'all.

Yes I know folks here who have an Advantage plan with UHC and are very happy with it. I also know two in particular who are not very happy with it. One says she had to change her doctor because he didn't accept Advantage plans, and she felt the free gym membership was a waste because she never goes. Another needed a specialist and had to wait two months just for a consultation. Both of them thought the "free" medical supplies every month or quarter or whatever it is, is incredibly wasteful. They end up buying things their neighbors need and give the stuff to them. They'd rather see their premiums reduced, instead of getting credit for things they don't need.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’m not saying your answer is wrong. I’m saying that our experience has been very different, which I think is important for others to know.

It's great that your experience has been very different. But it isn't applicable to the question. Again - the poster wanted to know why people might NOT like Advantage. Not why they DO like it.

[Boilerman]

It's great that your experience has been very different. But it isn't applicable to the question. Again - the poster wanted to know why people might NOT like Advantage. Not why they DO like it.

Try re-reading the original post. The question was about the rising cost of supplemental plans, nothing to do with advantage plans.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Sorry OP, off topic i know. Aren't there problems with the medicare advantage plans in FL? In my mind, i've ruled them out but i can't remember why?

We’ve been delighted with our UHC advantage plan. No premium, several expensive surgeries (back fusion, neck fusion, total knee replacement), no referrals needed to see specialists and combined we are on a dozen prescription medications. Each surgery cost $250 co-pay total, $40 co-pay for specialists and we see doctors in network in both the Villages and up north. Any doctor we’ve wanted to see have been in network. Not sure why everyone hates advantage plans.

Try re-reading the original post. The question was about the rising cost of supplemental plans, nothing to do with advantage plans.

Try re-reading your own post. I bolded and underlined the part where you comment that you don't know why people hate advantage plans. I also included a previous post from gigi asking outright what the problem was with advantage plans in Florida.

[Boilerman]

Try re-reading your own post. I bolded and underlined the part where you comment that you don't know why people hate advantage plans. I also included a previous post from gigi asking outright what the problem was with advantage plans in Florida.

As I said, the original post was about the cost of supplemental plans.