[jazzeoneaj]

I am considering switching from VH to BLUE HMO..by comparison..most of the fees are within the same give a few dollars here ..BLUE is $100 cheaper out of pocket (not a big deal) ..only concern is many doctors still don't take Villages Health and not sure if Moffitt facility inTampa or SHANDS came on board with Villages Health. Both are stellar facilities. I don't take any medications and am pretty healthy for the most part.

Any suggestions with FL Blue? I know many have pros and cons on Villages Health as posted throughout TOTV. thanks.

[MSGirl]

Is this a supplement to your Medicare? Also, be careful which Florida Blue HMO you get. There are virtually about a hundred different plans. Not all drs or facilities will take all of the Florida Blue HMO plans I am told.

[JGVillages]

We have had FL Blue Medicare Advantage for 4 years now. Seriously looked at The Villages Healthcare Advantage plans and compared both. All I can tell you is that EVERY YEAR you need to compare your coverage, Dr.'s, Hospitals, and Prescription coverage to see what is best for you. For 2014 we did an extensive comparison between FL Blue and The Villages United Healthcare Advantage plans. They came out fairly even EXCEPT that Moffitt in Tampa dropped United Healthcare Advantage in 2014. That made our decision to FL Blue as they have and still have Moffitt. Now if you are talking SUPPLEMENTAL medicare plans that is a whole different scenario that needs separate evaluation from the Advantage plans.

[jazzeoneaj]

Thank you for your input.

No..Florida Blue won't be a supplemental for me.

I am just looking for a one-stop-shop..Medicare Advantage Plan..HMO and just pay my Medicare Part B each month of $104 or whatatever it is.


Both Villages Health and the Florida Blue HMO are pretty much the same cost wise give or take...like you said BUT BLUE has more accessible doctors and I like the idea of MOFFITT and SHANDS being with BCBS.

I meet with Florida BLUE rep next week. I already looked up my doctors on the 2014 Plan and those NOT with the Villages Health are with BLUE.

Thanks again.

[dillywho]

Personally, I hate HMO's by anybody. I don't like having to get "permission"(Mother, may I...) to see a specialist or be told who I can see. We each have Humana's PPO plan and are very happy with it. Many doctors accept Humana as long as it is not the HMO version. We do have a network and co-pays are higher if you go out-of-network. There is a lower out-of-pocket limit for staying within the network. Total in and out-of-network limit is $10,000 per calendar year; one ride in the ambulance takes çare of that (going out-of-network not the annual limit on in and out. Sorry if I confused you! Medicare Part B covers the premium.

All this being said, we are full time residents, so mightt not work well for seasonal.

[gomoho]

The only reason I can imagine anyone would choose the Villages Health plan is because they want to be part of The Village's health system. Unfortunately United has alienated too many doctors and hospitals.

[rubicon]

Because of the rule changes Obamacare has made concerning health care we were forced from our group plan and had to obtain an individual plan with a subsidy from my employer for the first time ever.

It was very labor intensive and timely ordeal. In the Medicare Advantage Plans you have PPO, HMO PFFS( Private fee for services). Plans have %0 to modest preiums but this is offset by deductibles co-pay, etc. they also have a number of plans available which include RX coverage

You are also offered Medigap Plans (Medicare supplements) that have more expensive premiums but often cover 100% of the costs depending on what you purchase. Since they are designed to fill in the gaps of coverage from medicare they cover what medicare covers and they are available to you nationwide. RX, Dental and Vision Plans are separate coverages.

Happy enrollment

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by gomoho

The only reason I can imagine anyone would choose the Villages Health plan is because they want to be part of The Village's health system. Unfortunately United has alienated too many doctors and hospitals.

It should be noted that The Villages Health accepts other United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans as well (meaning you do not have to get The Villages United Healthcare plan to be able to see Villages Care Center Primary Care Doctors as well as a long list of specialists that do not accept The Villages plan).

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by NYGUY

It should be noted that The Villages Health accepts other United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plans as well (meaning you do not have to get The Villages United Healthcare plan to be able to see Villages Care Center Primary Care Doctors as well as a long list of specialists that do not accept The Villages plan).

That's my point - who accepts The Villages Health insurance other than The Villages Health? I honestly don't know the answer to this, but am curious.