[quinnpd]

My wife and I have been on traditional medicare plus United Health Care supplemental plan F for the past 8 years with no problems with health and/or seeing doctors whether here in Florida or "up north". Each year we visit SHINE and they tell us to stay were we are, that we have best plan as long as we are comfortable with the monthly premium that we pay (and we are). For the past 3 years we have visited with United Health Care sales reps in The Villages and each year they tell us that we have best plan and they cannot recommend that we change?? The last time we talked with them was last November during the signup period for 2016. So here we are, being told not to switch to an Advantage Plan and then being told that we had to switch if we wanted to stay with VHC?? What to do, what to do.

[champion6]

It's time to begin your search for a new Primary Care Physician here in Florida. There are many to choose from.

[billethkid]

Easy. Do what you have heard many times...keep what you have if you are happy with it.

What we like is the covereage is not restricted to any specific doctors or specialists or hospitals.

We looked at the "Marcus Welby" approach when it was first offered here in TV...too restrictive for us and no added value to change.

To each his own. If you like what you have....no need to switch!

[golfing eagles]

There are a lot of posts complaining about how "restrictive" the UHC advantage plan is. I went to their website an pulled the list of participating providers----it is 135 pages long. Perhaps it's not all that restrictive

[gerryann]

Stick with what you have. The Villages health plan is way too restrictive. Just look for another Dr.
Villages health is nothing more than a HMO. If the insurance payments that you have been paying are doable for you.....don't change.

[CritterLover]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

There are a lot of posts complaining about how "restrictive" the UHC advantage plan is. I went to their website an pulled the list of participating providers----it is 135 pages long. Perhaps it's not all that restrictive

YES!! Why is it so hard for folks to just get all the facts rather than run with bits and pieces of very managed news? The list is HUGE!

[Fredster]

Originally Posted by CritterLover

YES!! Why is it so hard for folks to just get all the facts rather than run with bits and pieces of very managed news? The list is HUGE!

Question....the list may be long, but is it a requirement of VHC to have to go through a gate keeper doctor to see a specialist?

[CritterLover]

Originally Posted by Fredster

Question....the list may be long, but is it a requirement of VHC to have to go through a gate keeper doctor to see a specialist?

In my experience, it depended on the type of specialist. Saw a dermatologist on my own, but needed a referral from my doctor for cardiology. Seemed sensible enough to me.

[Fredster]

Originally Posted by CritterLover

In my experience, it depended on the type of specialist. Saw a dermatologist on my own, but needed a referral from my doctor for cardiology. Seemed sensible enough to me.

Thank you!

[2BNTV]

OP should stay with the plan that best works for them.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Everyone has to decide what plan best suits their needs based on facts. The only variable is, if one has a MA plan, trying to project one future needs, if they think they are going to start being unhealthy, may want to switch to original Medicare with a supplemental plan.

Someone mentioned to me that if I have had an MA plan for several years, switching to original Medicare with a supplement will be denied. Hmmmmmmmmmmm....... need to check the info out more closely going forward.

[Sonny39]

The Villages advantage HMO and PPO plans do not require a referral from your PC;P.

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by Fredster

Question....the list may be long, but is it a requirement of VHC to have to go through a gate keeper doctor to see a specialist?

It depends on the type of United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan you have. If it's the HMO, you need a referral. If you have the PPO, you don't need a referral.

[spuds51]

Originally Posted by quinnpd

My wife and I have been on traditional medicare plus United Health Care supplemental plan F for the past 8 years with no problems with health and/or seeing doctors whether here in Florida or "up north". Each year we visit SHINE and they tell us to stay were we are, that we have best plan as long as we are comfortable with the monthly premium that we pay (and we are). For the past 3 years we have visited with United Health Care sales reps in The Villages and each year they tell us that we have best plan and they cannot recommend that we change?? The last time we talked with them was last November during the signup period for 2016. So here we are, being told not to switch to an Advantage Plan and then being told that we had to switch if we wanted to stay with VHC?? What to do, what to do.

It doesn't get much better than what you have. The only drawback is that from what I read they are going to discontinue the plan F in 2020. You'll still be able to keep it but noone else can get on it...which means it probably will start getting expensive.

[gerryh1943]

Went today to see a new Dr.,I also pay for my own insurance which is BCBS, which I have had and also went to TVH since they open. Have a wonderful Dr. that I like but there has to be another one that can suit me. Today went to one which is call Lady lake Family Medicine, they were RollingAcres Rd. and 466 Dr. John Burress. Phone 352-259-7994 they are taking appointments for now you can go check it out with your insurance you an go were you want. I also have plan F.go anywhere you want. Start your search now before October when everyone else starts looking

[gerryh1943]

I Also have Blue Cross Blue Shield plan F today I went to a new A new doctor on rolling acres and 466 made appointment last week, before the rush. Lady Lake Family Medicine Dr Burress phone #352-259-7994. Very clean office which I like about the VH. I like then very much they are all American so know problem understanding anyone. Check them out I am going with them. I would have stayed with the village health but they made their choice. I Am not going to give my freedom up.