[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

OP, I am assuming that you were very careful reviewing traditional supplemental plans versus advantage plans, not just on cost basis. If you have not done this contact SHINE for an impartial review of the plans available. We had advantage plans and were able to go back to supplemental plans and Medicare due to significant lack of specialists that we required in the VHS system. We loved our PC in the VHS system but had to give him up. Make you look at all of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan. There have been many discussions on this subject on this site.

I sent you a PM.

[ohiosbestus]

I personally have Florida Blue also known as Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They have everything that I want and need. Talk to them.

[FenneyGuy]

Originally Posted by ohiosbestus

I personally have Florida Blue also known as Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They have everything that I want and need. Talk to them.

I currently have a Florida Blue Advantage PPO plan. It has worked well for me but for 2019, I am looking at a Florida Blue Medigap Plan F.

My experience with out of country healthcare has been you pay out of pocket for services and then claim once you return. I ALWAYS buy travel insurance.

[biker1]

Agree. Florida Blue has an office just off of 466. You can call to make an appointment to go in and talk to them. Very helpful folks and it will save you a lot of time.

Originally Posted by ohiosbestus

I personally have Florida Blue also known as Blue Cross/Blue Shield. They have everything that I want and need. Talk to them.

[FenneyGuy]

Originally Posted by biker1

Agree. Florida Blue has an office just off of 466. You can call to make an appointment to go in and talk to them. Very helpful folks and it will save you a lot of time.

I am working with Mid Florida Agencies (agent for FL Blue):

Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medical Insurance for Bellview, Eustis, Ocala

[biker1]

Yes, the same folks. I have been to their office on Rt 101 off of 466.

Originally Posted by FenneyGuy

I am working with Mid Florida Agencies (agent for FL Blue):

Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medical Insurance for Bellview, Eustis, Ocala

[rivaridger1]

The University of Florida Gainesville has the premier teaching hospital in Central FL, Shands. It is an hour from here north on I-75. UF Health has a department of physician specialists for about every medical specialty which exists. If you want to use it for primary care and do not mind the drive that option is available as well. Through a network of affiliations they can also access other teaching institutions which might have more knowledge about an unusual medical condition. Recently, they referred a problem of mine to the Cleveland Clinic for a consultation. My decision was to buy Supplemental Medicare coverage to maintain my ability to access UF Health for good reason as it turned out. When it comes to your health, you are quite literally " betting the Bank ". Investigate any Advantage Plan and its network of approved providers carefully.

[capecoralbill]

Be careful if you sign up an Advantage plan, then decide you would like to go back to Original Medicare. you may find that you are UNable to get a supplemental plan, in attempting to go back to Medicare . Or if you can, you may find the premiums for the Medigap / supplemental will be extremely high .

[wendyquat]

Originally Posted by capecoralbill

Be careful if you sign up an Advantage plan, then decide you would like to go back to Original Medicare. you may find that you are UNable to get a supplemental plan, in attempting to go back to Medicare . Or if you can, you may find the premiums for the Medigap / supplemental will be extremely high .

I am assuming you know this to be fact and I thank you. I have pre-existing conditions and I’ve not been able to get anyone to answer that question for me! The advantage plan seems too good to be true but I was considering trying it but so afraid of having to go back to original Medicare and not being able to afford the supplement. Thanks again.