[shcisamax]

We have had AARP for a gap insurance but Shands is out of network as is the Mayo. We have been disappointed with The Village hospital and found, for serious issues, it is severely lacking. Also, in our opinion, Shands doctors are, in general, superior to those in the village system. We will be revisiting our insurance options for the coming year.

[OBXNana]

Originally Posted by rubicon

I soured on AARP because of their political agenda which leans heavily liberal and because they threw seniors under the bus to gain advantage in the ObamIacare . Also they exist to sell insurance claiming discounts but by inserting themselves in the process only increase premiums since their costs are added on to premiums. People would do better shopping their own insurance

They have a history of voting against the wishes of seniors when it fits their political aspirations. Like any lobbyist group they do more harm than good and are an impediment for individual citizen to exercise their Constitutional rights.

I only express an opinion and do not invite argument

No argument here. Once again rubicon has given me an education. We use our AARP card for discounts at Hilton brand hotels where we get points. We may begin using our AAA card instead. We will further educate ourselves on AARP.

[2BNTV]

Will not re-up my membership as I don't use their services any longer. I don't even have time to read their magazine.

It is a business. IMHO They constantly send me literature to buy their products. I'm sure when my membership expires, I will get the same offers for their life insurance, etc,

[Cedwards38]

I thought their "agenda" was to support retired persons in whatever way possible. What exactly is in their agenda that you find objectionable?

[SALYBOW]

Originally Posted by onslowe

I am a member and I also have the AARP Medicare supplement. I have no way of knowing how many Villagers carry it. I do know that in the summer of 2013, I had a triple by-pass, with related nursing home rehab, two melanoma surgeries (one at Ocala) and a nineteen day stay at TVRH for an intestinal disorder. Massive medical bills, and with AARP, I paid nothing. No hassles, no fights, just insurance.

I have AARP Plan F and when I was in the hospital for 7 weeks and had many procedures afterwards, we have nevr had to pay anything. I love it.

[mulligan]

Their agenda is to sell insurance. They are owned by Hartford Insurance.

[carol_piirto]

Use it at hotels

[getdul981]

We also have the Medicare Supplemental insurance and it has proven to be very good...........so far.

We are also no longer members of AARP.

This may be a better alternative: https://amac.us/join-amac/?campaign=email-newsletter

[MikeV]

Originally Posted by getdul981

We also have the Medicare Supplemental insurance and it has proven to be very good...........so far.



We are also no longer members of AARP.



This may be a better alternative: https://amac.us/join-amac/?campaign=email-newsletter

I totally agree. I would never join AARP.

[Ohiogirl]

Our membership just lapsed and I have not renewed, not sure if I will or not.

Just went to a meeting on our Medicare options when we reach 65 (about another year). Appears all medigap plans (supplements) pay everything if you are using doctors and hospitals, etc. in the network (appears $200-300 mo. from 65-70, then goes up from 70-75, maybe one more price increase at 75 and over).

Advantage plans are either free or very cheap, but you have co-pays and co-insurance (out of pocket expenses). You can switch to different ones every year if you wish. It's a gamble, but not a huge one. You'll save about $3,000 in premiums every year but could pay more in years you pay out of pocket up to policy limit (maybe $7,500 annually).

I know couples where one (the older one or the one with more health issues) have one with an Advantage plan and one with a medigap plan. You could also go with the Advantage plan for say the 1st 5 years and then apply for a medigap - which you could get if you are still healthy. It's a gamble, if you get a serious chronic disease at say 70.

Drug plans are separate, said you should review every year which best for you.

If you do not get a supplement plan at 65, when first eligible, you are subject to underwriting (meaning they review your medical history and can reject you or charge you a higher premium). I think that if you have a supplement up north, and then become a Florida resident, you can change supplement plans (once) with no underwriting review - moving is a "life event."

I hope I finally have this right. Snowbirds, like us, need to be extra careful to make sure you have the right networks in both places.

What I am not sure of is what happens if the networks change providers and hospitals if you are enrolled in a supplement plan (medigap). That's a question I need to remember to ask before we choose a plan.

[Carla B]

We enrolled in an AARP Medigap plan belatedly. There is NO network, the plan benefits are established by law. You are free to use any doctor or facility in the United States that accepts Medicare. Yes, you must enroll in Medigap within six months after you become 65 to be guaranteed acceptance, or you must be able to answer certain health questions satisfactorily if you decide to enroll later.

We finally decided to ditch my husband's union PPO plan where we usually ended up with extra bills. Also the union renegotiated contracts with insurers every two years and it was frustrating.

So we had to time our applications to AARP Medigap in order to satisfactorily answer the health questions before quitting the union plan. If the plan had gone out of business or terminated us involuntarily, we wouldn't have had to answer the questions.

I also suspect, but don't know for sure, that doctors prefer dealing with Original Medicare+Medigap plans set by law, over Advantage plans where they have to negotiate contracts. Maybe that's why patients often hear their doctors no longer accept XYZ Advantage plan.

I didn't know that you could drop your AARP membership and still continue your United Health Care Medigap plan. Our policy card carries the AARP membership number. Do you keep the same number?

Anyway, we are happy with AARP/Medigap, even though the premiums are more expensive. We've never received a bill from a provider.

[eweissenbach]

Have belonged to AARP for 18 years and like their magazine, newsletter, and discounts. I have their United Healthcare medicare sup, plan F, and have never been charged a nickel, including back surgery. I find most of their positions on elder issues to be very positive, and will continue to support the organization.

[Dana1949]

AARP or AMAC, My wife and I choose to stay with AARP, this being a political decision AARP has lobbied successfully for SENIORS so far. With the disruption in Washington and the seemingly endless fight of Paul Ryan and (Conservatives) AMAC WORKING WHAT SEEMS TO BE A POLITICAL AGENDA TOGETHER, to continually suggest that Social Security and medicare are entitlements. I have worked for 42+ years and paid into both Social Security and Medicare they are not ENTITLEMENTS.

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl

What I am not sure of is what happens if the networks change providers and hospitals if you are enrolled in a supplement plan (medigap). That's a question I need to remember to ask before we choose a plan.

I thought that with the medigap (supplement) plans, you could go to any Dr that accepts medicare in the US????

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by suediff

That was my biggest concern. I have GPM Life for my Medicare gap and don't know if that will be accepted when we move down. I think I have read on the forum that United Healthcare is the "gap" of choice in TV. Is that true?

By "gap," do you mean advantage plan or supplemental? A supplemental is accepted anywhere. Advantage plans are more regional.