[gerryann]

Originally Posted by katyk

Hi: I too am considering PUP because of the Medicare premium return. but the agent I spoke with said that there was a possibility they will not be covering Sumter and Marion counties come February so that could put some people at risk of not having a plan any longer. Has anyone else heard anything about Pup in that respect?

That sounds kinda weird. If they are enrolling people now for jan 2014.....it is a one year contract. They wouldn't drop folks in February.......but, nowadays....who knows????? I had heard last month that the plan was not going to be offered at all for 2014....but since then I heard that folks have been signing up......so I guess we won't know anything until it happens.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by katyk

Hi: I too am considering PUP because of the Medicare premium return. but the agent I spoke with said that there was a possibility they will not be covering Sumter and Marion counties come February so that could put some people at risk of not having a plan any longer. Has anyone else heard anything about Pup in that respect?

Agents are putting all sorts of scares into people over PUP 'cause they can't write the policy 'cause there is no commission for them. So they are trying to convince people it's a bad idea. Shame on them - it is perfect for some - not all. Do your homework and if that plan meets your needs take advantage of the $90 rebate 'cause it may be the last year for that. You have to call PUP and enroll over the phone. If for some bizarre reason they were no longer in business in 2014 you would be allowed to enroll in another Medicare plan through a special enrollment period.

[shcisamax]

Where, when and how is SHINE?

[katyk]

Thanks for your responses about PUP. I thought my agent's information was a little "off". I suspected she may be putting me off because of her commission. Now I am pretty much convinced. She is the same agent who told me that I would qualify for a Special Needs Plan with Freedom because high cholesterol is considered a "vascular " condition. I told her my arteries are not clogged yet so am pretty sure high cholesterol (borderline) at that would not qualify me. I need the $90.00 rebate and PUP fits my needs all around so am going to go with them.
Thanks you again for your help. This forum is invaluable.

[gerryann]

I will be very curious to find out what happens with the pup plan. My agent not only told me that pup is almost out the door, but that HE has pup and is concerned himself. I hadn't at the time thought that he was telling me this due to commission...but now I'm starting to think...hmmmmm.....

On the other hand however, I went and spoke to a BLue cross agent yesterday regarding the Blue cross advantage plan and when I asked him what he thought of the pup plan, he said it's the ONLY other plan other than his, that he would recommend. Although...he said to be cautious because it may not be around forever.

[twiceis]

Optimum which is Freedom. Still gives $39 back, has Silver Sneakers & gives you over the counter perks as well

[2BNTV]

Maybe I am wrong as I frequently am but:

1. I thought all Medical Advantage Plans do not allow a supplemental plan to be purchased.

2. You can only get a supplemental plan if you are on straight Medicare. The monthly payment will be higher but there are no surprises, and you can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.

3. If you still retain some form of coverage thru an employer/union, that will pay bills after Medicare and Medical Advantage Plans have paid out their reimbursement.

[Hky01]

From UHC The Villages online book:

"Even though your PCP is trained to handle the majority of common health care needs, there may be a
time when you feel that you need to see a network specialist. YOU DO NOT NEED A REFERRAL FROM YOUR
PCP TO SEE A NETWORK SPECIALIST OR BEHAVIORAL/MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER. Although you do not need a
referral from your PCP to see a network specialist, your PCP can recommend an appropriate"

I am not using UHCTV they are two expense on drugs going with Blue/Cross HMO

[jazzeoneaj]

Originally Posted by Bill.Florida

A Medicare Supplement Plan G or N are great alternatives to a Medicare Advantage/HMO/PPO.

No network. Can go to any doctor or hospital in any state that you want. The benefits can't change from year to year like on a Medicare Advantage. Max out of pocket costs are way less. No referrals needed. You budget for a monthly premium and don't have to worry about surprises later.

Working with an independent agent is the best way to go if you want unbiased advice on carriers and plans. Plus having a contact to manage it going forward.

Bill

But what is the Cost..thats the key. Many of us need a 'package'..many of the supplements are high cost..PLUS you have to pay the Part B of Medicare.

[jebartle]

Donna was all you promised and more....Great gal, we highly recommend anyone contacting Donna for their insurance needs...
p.s. we would like some weed removal also,

Originally Posted by juneroses

For those who are still undecided as to which Medicare Plan to choose for 2014, I highly recommend contacting Donna Stegmeier, a Villages resident, who is also a representative for many of the plans available to us.

I'd done my homework and knew which plan my husband and I wanted. We made an appointment with Donna to make our decision official. Instead of just signing us up and going on her way, however, she made a suggestion for a different plan for one of us because of an existing medical condition. That plan also saved us money.

She then pointed out some subtle differences in plans for the other of us, which led to a better choice.

It ended up that neither of the plans we've officially signed onto are the plan that I had thought we would chose.

I'm grateful to Donna for her knowledge of the various plans nuances and her guidance in choosing ones that were best for us individually.

If you'd appreciate the same type of individual attention, consider giving her a call at 352-350-7135. There's no cost to you.

June

P.S. I realize this sounds like an ad, but I promise this is TOTALLY unsolicited. I'm just so doggone pleased with Donna's input that I want to spread the word. She has NOT promised to weed my garden or do ironing in exchange. However, Donna, if you're reading this, you do know my address, so if you see a weed…

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by Hky01

From UHC The Villages online book:

"Even though your PCP is trained to handle the majority of common health care needs, there may be a
time when you feel that you need to see a network specialist. YOU DO NOT NEED A REFERRAL FROM YOUR
PCP TO SEE A NETWORK SPECIALIST OR BEHAVIORAL/MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER. Although you do not need a
referral from your PCP to see a network specialist, your PCP can recommend an appropriate"

I am not using UHCTV they are two expense on drugs going with Blue/Cross HMO

I want to see the doctors I feel comfortable with, and not have to start over. FL Blue HMO Lifetime for me. Their website is very easy to navigate unlike UHC. UHC reps have informed incorrectly on providers that were suppossed to be in network. They need to update their network more frequently or maybe their dropping doctors that don't submit to their reduced rate of payment schedule. One doctor complained to me there is nothing left for him, after UHC receives a service notice, and the corresponding reimbursement.

Just sayin......

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

I want to see the doctors I feel comfortable with, and not have to start over. FL Blue HMO Lifetime for me. Their website is very easy to navigate unlike UHC. UHC reps have informed incorrectly on providers that were suppossed to be in network. They need to update their network more frequently or maybe their dropping doctors that don't submit to their reduced rate of payment schedule. One doctor complained to me there is nothing left for him, after UHC receives a service notice, and the corresponding reimbursement.

Just sayin......

Please understand - doctors renegotiate their contracts annually with the insurance companies - so they can come and go anytime of the year. There is no guarantee you will always be able to see the doctor of your choice unless you have a supplement which allows you to see any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by gomoho

Please understand - doctors renegotiate their contracts annually with the insurance companies - so they can come and go anytime of the year. There is no guarantee you will always be able to see the doctor of your choice unless you have a supplement which allows you to see any doctor in the country that accepts Medicare.

Very good point as this same doctor said he was dropping from Florida Blue in February 2014, as the result of litlle reimbursement. Maybe I need to reconsider going, to Original Medicare with a supplement assuming I can get accepted, as SHINE informed me that you only get one bite at the apple if you have been on a medical advantage plan for more than 12 months and have been to a doctor for a well documented condition that might get one rejected. ARGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!

Selecting a plan will keep anyone mentally sharp, as they are so many things to consider. They should make it easier for us older folks, and not have to consider so many alternatives

[BigJohn]

I am a Villager who happens to be a Medicare Advantage sales agent. If you would like to know more about the Plans available here in the Villages, just send me a "Private Reply". There is a bit of inaccurate info on this thread.