United healthcare has been excellent. All claims paid promptly

I’m in the same boat you, turning 65 soon. I have a habit of researching the hell out of things I deem important, and making the correct Medicare decisions was high on my list. I have recently read two updated books from highly regarded sources on making the best Medicare decisions and have also concluded that selecting original Medicare with a supplemental Medigap plan is the best way to go. I’m planning on getting a Part G Supplement plan and a Part D prescription plan. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of pocket for dental, vision, and hearing unless original Medicare is someday revised to include those. There is no way I want to go with an Advantage plan and be constrained by a limited network of providers, be out of network when at one of our two homes, have to get referrals to see a specialist, and deal with deductible and co-pays every time I go to the doctors. For me, the decision is a no brainer.

Totally agree

Traditional Medicare with CareFirst supplement and Part D was our decision as well. We need all the freedom possible as we are in the old years when things deteriorate if they haven't already!

NO, you or your doctor will contact Medicare if there is an unusual treatment required, many treatments are typical and are covered. my previous point was there are situations where Medicare would be covered, but an advantage plan MAY require additional reviews and possible delays.

They're not "paying for" those items. If you qualify due to being low-income and a senior, they provide you with a modest stipend intended to help you pay for food. Many low-income seniors eat less in order to keep their heat on in the winter and AC running in the summer. It's a pretty big deal in this country. Nutrition is a health matter, and the insurance companies want their members to be healthy. The healthier the member is, the less likely the member will need expensive care that the insurance has to cover.

It's cheaper to let a low-income senior buy a bag of groceries every month courtesy of the insurance company, than it is to treat the senior for illnesses caused by malnutrition.

If you've had cataract surgery, Medicare/supplemental will cover annual checkups with the ophthalmologist.

If you have chronic conditions, you should consider a Medicare supplement, if you are able to afford it. I do not have chronic conditions and will be selecting a Medicare Advantage plan when I turn 65. The Villages Health system does not accept traditional medicare. They do accept certain advantage plans. And I want to use the Villages Health system.

There is oversight. Your advantage plan would need to pre-approve certain procedures. You might need referral to go to specialists.

Medicare Advantage plans must cover whatever regular Medicare covers - no exceptions

Can you imagine that - As us north country boys say driving in a snowstorm - hold my beer and watch this !

Regarding the groceries, our plan does not specifically pay for groceries in particular. For example, incentives can be earned monthly (it's a very small AMT but nonetheless) for completing exercise programs and such. Members can "spend" the earned money at Publix, Walgreens, Walmart or other participating vendors.

I agree completely, but (big but) you must use THEIR doctors and you must go by their schedule. Under the heading of been there done that, this did not work for us. Remember, yes you are covered, BUT under their schedule, this is a managed care system. This woks for a lot of people, but IMHO you need to see more than one specialist you may want to consider regular Medicare, this also applies if you already have a specialist and want to stay with the doctor.

Absolutely agree, and Advantage plans have their managed care networks limited to a specific geographic region. Original Medicare, with a Medigap Supplemental plan, are accepted throughout the USA without the need for a referral. This is extremely important for those who travel frequently or have two homes in different states.

For some people it may truly an economical decision to get the Advantage program. For those who can afford a supplement, congratulations if you make the decision treat yourself to the best you can afford.