[pbkmaine]

I know some of you have experienced problems with medical providers in The Villages, but I would like to turn that discussion on its head. Who out there has a Medicare Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with primary care providers, specialists and hospitals you think are REALLY GOOD? My husband currently has The Villages UHC Medicare Advantage Plan. He was a bit alarmed when he was told that the ONLY ear, nose and throat physician who would accept his insurance was in Tavares. We have been told this is an issue with specialists in general. So we are exploring alternatives. Recommendations would be most welcome.

[SALYBOW]

I have never been told that and mine covers everything I have had done. I have regular medicare and AARP Plan F

[Barryb46]

Check out SHINE (Serving Health Needs Of Elders) at SHINE - Home. The have times at the rec centers that you can go for individual counseling based on your needs. Very helpful. Staffed by volunteers and there is no charge.

[JGVillages]

Unfortunately each provider and the physicians and specialists they have in their network varies and changes from year to year. We have the Florida Blue Advantage plan and were considering changing to the United Healthcare Advantage plan. 2 1/2 years ago my wife had a successful bout with cancer and our hospital and surgeon was Moffitt Cancer Hospital in Tampa. At the end of 2013 when deciding what to do we found that Moffitt dropped United Healthcare as a provider. The reason we were given was UHC was not willing to pay the fees for procedures that Moffitt wanted. We stayed with Florida Blue as my wife continues to have follow up tests that we need covered. This annual change that providers, facilities, and physicians will continue to hop-scotch with, along with premiums, co-pays etc. will see no end soon. If you don't mind paying hundreds of dollars per month for a medicare supplement plan, that will "at this time" allow you to see most any Doctor of your choice, is another option. Just be mindful of the fact that big big bucks are being taken out of medicare funding to help fund Obama Care. This fact alone will have Advantage Plans and Supplemental Plans increasing premiums and adjusting coverage to make up for this loss of revenue. What this all means is every fall during the "enrollment period" you will need to review your specific plan and medical needs to be assured your coverage is where you want it to be.

[Skip2MySue]

Originally Posted by SALYBOW

I have never been told that and mine covers everything I have had done. I have regular medicare and AARP Plan F

This is what I carry also and it's been excellent. No problem finding Dr.'s and I've had 2 surgeries with this coverage and everything has been paid. It's nice to have the peace of mind when you have a problem or need a doctor.
Skip 2

[delima2000]

I have aarp plan n and I have had three surgeries and everything has been covered. They also pay my gym membership at anytime fitness on 466. Every specialist I have seen takes this and all of the doctors are here in the villages.

[DDoug]

I have Humana PPO just had a hip replaced cost me 300.00 thought that was pretty good.

[billethkid]

standard medicare and AARP supplement and have not had to put a hand in my pocket for anything except co-pay on drugs (part D) for the last 14 years!!!!

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by billethkid;9***46

standard medicare and AARP supplement and have not had to put a hand in my pocket for anything except co-pay on drugs (part D) for the last 14 years!!!!

I know standard medicare pays 80% and the supplement picks up the rest. What drug plan or what supplement do you have that covers drugs? ( with a co-pay)

[alanmcdonald]

Is the AARP plan through United Healthcare and will it work with The Villages Medical Centers?

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by billethkid;9***46

standard medicare and AARP supplement and have not had to put a hand in my pocket for anything except co-pay on drugs (part D) for the last 14 years!!!!

IMHO, after 40 years in Healthcare, your post says it all. And the cost is less out of my pocket than when I had a fabulous corporate Heath plan.

[JGVillages]

The Florida Blue Advantage Plan has a prescription drug plan that has a $5 and up co-pay for tier 1 drugs and it goes up from there depending on the drug and tier it is in. As I stated earlier the best way to find what plan is best for you is to go directly to the providers (FL Blue/United Healthcare/etc) during the 2015 enrollment period from 10/15-12/7/2014. Get all the information and do your due diligence by comparing the plans. You can go to Shine meetings as I did but all they will do is explain the basics of what the Advantage Plans do, not what the different plans specific benefits are. Back to school. Homework!

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by gerryann;9***63

I know standard medicare pays 80% and the supplement picks up the rest. What drug plan or what supplement do you have that covers drugs? ( with a co-pay)

My drug plan is AARP through UnitedHealthcare. They have a number of plans that they can recommend depending upon your needs and wishes.

[2BNTV]

Medicare plus a supplemental plan and drug coverage will cost approximately $300/month, (just a guess as I don't have this plan). You have piece of mind but are paying $3600 per year. for all of your medical needs. If one is constantly sick or has a known expensive condition, that is the way to go.

If one is reasonably healthy, a Medical Advantage cost is $104.90 per month that includes drug coverage. One will have to put their hand in their pocket but not to the tune of $3600/year. Out of pocket maximum is $4400 for the year, with Fl Blue HMO plan, (worst case scenario).

If one feels they will be needing to switch to Medicare, you only get one bite at the apple. You cannot switch back and forth between straight Medicare and Medical Advantage Plans.

Everyone has to decide what is best for them.

[shcisamax]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

If one feels they will be needing to switch to Medicare, you only get one bite at the apple. You cannot switch back and forth between straight Medicare and Medical Advantage Plans.

Everyone has to decide what is best for them.

What do you mean you can't switch back? Do you mean if you take an advantage plan you are stuck for the rest of your life with it? You can't change it during the yearly open enrollment?