[PTennismom0202]

I have Medicare B and TFL, but got the boot when I turned 65. I think if you are already "in" with TFL you are being grandfathered.

[bunnyhop]

Originally Posted by goingtothevillages

My wife and I are 2 of the over 10,000 villagers being kicked-out of the Villages Health Care system. Health Insurance is part of our retirement benefits and we can't afford to pay additional funds for something that won't provide any additional benefits. So, we are now looking for a new Internist or General Practitioner before December 31. Does anyone have any suggestions of a good internist or general practitioner? Thanks

A VERY GOOD DOCTOR
We had the same situation -- healthcare coverage through a retirement benefit. I was able to find an excellent doctor in Belleview -- Dr. James Brown. He told me that his practice is starting to get very, very busy because of the changes to The Villages Healthcare System. Good luck finding a good one!

[outlaw]

[QUOTE=PTennismom0202;1295728]I have Medicare B and TFL, but got the boot when I turned 65. I think if you are already "in" with TFL you are being grandfathered.[/QUOTE]

Not unless you switch to medicare advantage.

[Mikeod]

[QUOTE=outlaw;1295770]

Originally Posted by PTennismom0202

I have Medicare B and TFL, but got the boot when I turned 65. I think if you are already "in" with TFL you are being grandfathered.[/QUOTE]

Not unless you switch to medicare advantage.

Not true. We have Medicare and TFL and we are OK without UHC through 2017. We'll see what happens after that, though.

[outlaw]

It seems like many/most of the doctors recommended are graduates of low ranked or foreign medical schools. The typical comments are "He listens", or "He spends a lot of time with me", He's always on time, I never wait more than 10 minutes." Does anyone bother to check these doctors credentials? One of the highly recommended doctors graduated from Nigeria medical school. Others are from from schools in Peru, India, Mexico, etc. One doctor (a couple of posts up) graduated from a school ranked 167 out of 174! I'm not impressed with the quality of doctors' credentials in this area. Lots of DOs versus MDs. BTW, many of the lower ranked schools are DO schools (with corresponding low median MCAT scores). But my previous doctor in north Florida did warn me about central Florida. So far, I have found ONE doctor in this area from a top three school (Johns Hopkins). But no one mentioned him.

[sharonga]

When we first moved here 4 years ago, we started with Dr. Paiano.we changed to Village Health Care. Since we got "kicked out" we went back to him. He is very thorough. My husbands specialists stayed the same.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by outlaw

It seems like many/most of the doctors recommended are graduates of low ranked or foreign medical schools. The typical comments are "He listens", or "He spends a lot of time with me", He's always on time, I never wait more than 10 minutes." Does anyone bother to check these doctors credentials? One of the highly recommended doctors graduated from Nigeria medical school. Others are from from schools in Peru, India, Mexico, etc. One doctor (a couple of posts up) graduated from a school ranked 167 out of 174! I'm not impressed with the quality of doctors' credentials in this area. Lots of DOs versus MDs. BTW, many of the lower ranked schools are DO schools (with corresponding low median MCAT scores). But my previous doctor in north Florida did warn me about central Florida. So far, I have found ONE doctor in this area from a top three school (Johns Hopkins). But no one mentioned him.

Actually, yes, we did check ours out. He passed, on all counts, just not being a nice guy.

[outlaw]

[QUOTE=Mikeod;1295783]

Originally Posted by outlaw

Not true. We have Medicare and TFL and we are OK without UHC through 2017. We'll see what happens after that, though.

You are correct. You were already on medicare. In my case, I get the boot Dec 31 2016, because I became medicare eligible during 2016. Those who were already on medicare when the decision came down in 2015 get to stay until dec 31 2017.

[Vladimir]

Originally Posted by outlaw

It seems like many/most of the doctors recommended are graduates of low ranked or foreign medical schools. The typical comments are "He listens", or "He spends a lot of time with me", He's always on time, I never wait more than 10 minutes." Does anyone bother to check these doctors credentials? One of the highly recommended doctors graduated from Nigeria medical school. Others are from from schools in Peru, India, Mexico, etc. One doctor (a couple of posts up) graduated from a school ranked 167 out of 174! I'm not impressed with the quality of doctors' credentials in this area. Lots of DOs versus MDs. BTW, many of the lower ranked schools are DO schools (with corresponding low median MCAT scores). But my previous doctor in north Florida did warn me about central Florida. So far, I have found ONE doctor in this area from a top three school (Johns Hopkins). But no one mentioned him.

You are so right. I am not concerned about the bed side manners as much as I am about the credentials and his skills.

[gap2415]

It takes us 20 minutes but we found a wonderful well versed doctor in Tavaras, Dr. C. Onyon. Glad now we made the switch. Also, he is connected with TV hospital, Leesburg and Florida hospital so you don't have to go to TV hospital if you don't like or need it.

[arickis]

Why not just get the Medicare Advantage plan from United. There is no extra charge other than the SS deduction that all Medicare people pay, and the doctors are great in The Villages Health Care System.

[NavyVet]

First of all, having Tricare for Life is the holy grail of insurance plans. We would never give that up for an HMO with no advantage and plenty of restrictions. We've had numerous medical sources and Veterans Services Officers assure us that what we have is far superior.
Second, why should we "switch" when we EARNED our coverage by serving our country?
My hubby is on Tricare Standard and he got his 'dumped by TVH' letter because he doesn't get Medicare/Tricare for Life until after DEC 31. He has already found and seen his new pcp and he likes him.
I already have Medicare and Tricare for Life and my letter stated that I don't have to change anything. So, I'm 'safe' for now. However, it's only a matter of time before we TFL people get dumped as well and I'm not waiting around. I also have lined up a new pcp already.
If hubby isn't good enough for TVH, then I don't want to stay there either. It was nice while it lasted, but we are moving on. We know we'll be covered whenever we travel and we get to choose our doctors and specialists. No preauthorization required.
My advice for folks who have TFL and use TVH; run, don't walk, in the opposite direction.
Hope this helps clarify a few things.
Sorry if I ranted. I thank my lucky stars for our benefits and for the VA, who has always treated me very well. Peace.

[rodway120@aol.com]

Disgraceful action on part of The Villages Health. No longer a beautiful day in the Villages. Now a SAD DAY IN THE VILLAGES .
Lets all start answering our phone with ITS A SAD DAY IN THE VILLAGES, or ITS A TERRIBLE DAY IN THE VILLAGES.
When people ask us about The Villages lets focus on this huge negative.

Time they published the peer review study that shows The VIllages are the healthiest home town or stopped using the phrase.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by arickis

Why not just get the Medicare Advantage plan from United. There is no extra charge other than the SS deduction that all Medicare people pay, and the doctors are great in The Villages Health Care System.

Some refer to it as the Medicare Disadvantage plan...that's why not.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Actually, yes, we did check ours out. He passed, on all counts, just not being a nice guy.

Great! Please share with your fellow TVers.