[dstege]

Kathy,

Everyone who has given you advice regarding Medicare Supplement plans are all correct. Supplement plans have a monthly premium, and are accepted by all doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare throughout the country. You'll have no copays for doctors and hospitals, etc. (The Villages Health Primary Care do not accept Supps, but The Villages Specialists do). If you run a comparison on Medicare.gov it will give you a list of companies in our area, and the premium costs. You'll find AARP Medicare Supplement is the least expensive now. Because you are leaving your husband's plan, you would have a guarantee issue, so you don't have to worry about any health problems. I am an independent agent, specializing in Medicare plans since 2005, and would be happy to talk to you any time. 352-350-7135 Donna

[Mrprez]

Originally Posted by dstege

Kathy,

Everyone who has given you advice regarding Medicare Supplement plans are all correct. Supplement plans have a monthly premium, and are accepted by all doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare throughout the country. You'll have no copays for doctors and hospitals, etc. (The Villages Health Primary Care do not accept Supps, but The Villages Specialists do). If you run a comparison on Medicare.gov it will give you a list of companies in our area, and the premium costs. You'll find AARP Medicare Supplement is the least expensive now. Because you are leaving your husband's plan, you would have a guarantee issue, so you don't have to worry about any health problems. I am an independent agent, specializing in Medicare plans since 2005, and would be happy to talk to you any time. 352-350-7135 Donna

When I tried to leave my wife’s FEPBlue plan for a Medigap plan F, I was denied due to underwriting. I have high BP and was prediabetic. This was in TN. I am not currently on any meds and have both issues under control. Would it be worth it to try again?

[Neils]

My advice. Go w medicare and good supplement (g is best)

Only limit in TV is on many primary care docs being locked in to the advantage deal. Specialists take reg medicare.
Plenty of primary care docs on perimeter of TV. Leesburg, Ocala. Not a big issue

[jblum315]

I got in trouble about 4 years ago by signing up for a medigap plan. I had to cancel my old Medicare supplement plan F in order to switch to new plan. Then I found that none of my present doctors would accept the new plan. It took me nearly 4 months to get back to the original plan, during that time I had no medical coverage at all. You have to be very careful in switching

[pkfavreau2]

I am starting Medicare today with plan G coverage (PPO) and WellCare for prescriptions. My friends who have it love it. I asked my doctors what they preferred and they all liked this one, widely accepted. $198 medical deductible then I should see no bills after the $435 deductible. Overall a great cost reduction for me. I went with the PPO, I just like the large network coverage in and out of state and no referrals required.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by Carla B

Your hesitation is that you're afraid a doctor won't accept Medicare + supplemental. Have had Original Medicare + AARP for many years and have never encountered a practice that does not accept it, especially in Florida. Usually, when leaving the appointment, they say "You're good to go." No paperwork, no co-pay, you check in and walk out. Different than an Advantage plan.

There may be exceptions: I have the impression that Mayo Clinic may not accept Medicare plus supplemental as full payment, but I may be wrong about that. Maybe someone will clarify.

i can clarify a bit--i was taking my husband to mayo every other month. they will accept Medicare, but you will have to pay your portion promptly. they don't accept advantage plans, but his dr recommended a dr @ shands & another in ocala, both were covered.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by toeser

I suspect you will have plenty of choices, but the doctor I wanted for primary care would not accept new patients on Medicare, even though I had a referral from one of his patients who is a doctor also.

i have heard this too, but only when i lived in Ct., have not heard that down here,...yet

[Carla B]

Originally Posted by jblum315

I got in trouble about 4 years ago by signing up for a medigap plan. I had to cancel my old Medicare supplement plan F in order to switch to new plan. Then I found that none of my present doctors would accept the new plan. It took me nearly 4 months to get back to the original plan, during that time I had no medical coverage at all. You have to be very careful in switching

Did you mean to say you switched by signing up for an Advantage plan? Because Medigap plans are "supplement" plans (A, C, F, G, etc.) In other words, they pay the 20% difference between the 80% that Medicare pays and what you owe the doctor. I could see where you'd have trouble being reinstated to Plan F (Medigap) from an Advantage plan. That would be scary to have no insurance for four months at this age!

[dougjb]

For the best, unbiased info, go to SHINE. They have frequent meetings in The Villages (presumably virtual now). They are well worth your time and effort. Super knowledgeable!!

[dstege]

Originally Posted by Mrprez

When I tried to leave my wife’s FEPBlue plan for a Medigap plan F, I was denied due to underwriting. I have high BP and was prediabetic. This was in TN. I am not currently on any meds and have both issues under control. Would it be worth it to try again?

Yes, Florida underwriting is not as extensive as other states. Plan F is no longer available. Plan G is the most benefit rich now. I can email you the Underwriting questions just to make sure. Just call and leave your email on my voicemail. If all the questions are "no", I would be happy to come to your home and meet with you all. 352-350-7135

[epoch]

Originally Posted by Mrprez

When I tried to leave my wife’s FEPBlue plan for a Medigap plan F

you would rather have a supplement than FEHB?

[Mrprez]

Originally Posted by epoch

you would rather have a supplement than FEHB?

The premiums are going up quite a bit. On a Self plus 1 plan, it costs me $271 a month to be the plus 1. Her cost is $175 a month. Then you add in Medicare Part B premiums times 2 and it all starts to add up quickly. We are both in excellent health and rarely go to a doctor.

[billethkid]

We have had traditional medicare plus a AARP supplement and have not had to reach in our pocket for anything other the premiums for over 20 years!!
Totally and complete satisfaction.

The ability to choose any doctors or specialists without approval or referrals is a very huge factor.

Coverage has been accepted anywhere and every where we have ever traveled to/from.