[Schmitth]

Hello,

I plan to retire sometime in the future, and hopefully make the big move down to The Villages soon after.
I will be eligible for Medicare, and look to purchase supplemental medical insurance as well.
I heard somewhere that there is a supplemental insurance that’s preferred for the medical facilities in The Villages. Can anyone explain what this supplement is, and any tips for a smoother transition into Medicare itself.

[villagetinker]

Schmitth, first, the villages health system (VHS) accepts ONLY 4 ADVANTAGE plans, they do not accept Medicare and supplemental.
If you go with Medicare and supplemental you will still have access to VHS specialists, the VHS hospital, all of the outside doctors, etc. I strongly suggest you contact Florida SHINE, SHINE - Home as they will provide UNBIASED health care info. If you decide to go with an advantage plan, and then decide you want to go back to Medicare, THERE IS A TIME LIMIT, keep this in mind. We loved the VHS system, but had to drop out when they decided to drop Medicare patients, we now have a Primary Care doctor about 20 miles away in Leesburg.
SHINE was a great help in getting us the correct information so we could make an informed decision.

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Schmitth, first, the villages health system (VHS) accepts ONLY 4 ADVANTAGE plans, they do not accept Medicare and supplemental.
If you go with Medicare and supplemental you will still have access to VHS specialists, the VHS hospital, all of the outside doctors, etc. I strongly suggest you contact Florida SHINE, SHINE - Home as they will provide UNBIASED health care info. If you decide to go with an advantage plan, and then decide you want to go back to Medicare, THERE IS A TIME LIMIT, keep this in mind. We loved the VHS system, but had to drop out when they decided to drop Medicare patients, we now have a Primary Care doctor about 20 miles away in Leesburg.
SHINE was a great help in getting us the correct information so we could make an informed decision.

Please stop saying there's a time limit without telling the audience what it is. You continue to make it sound like a finite decision - it is not. You can go back to Medicare from an Advantage Plan every single year at enrollment time at a minimum. There are other extenuating circumstances like what's called change of life one can also go back.

[Carla B]

Originally Posted by rustyp

Please stop saying there's a time limit without telling the audience what it is. You continue to make it sound like a finite decision - it is not. You can go back to Medicare from an Advantage Plan every single year at enrollment time at a minimum. There are other extenuating circumstances like what's called change of life one can also go back.

When we voluntarily left an employer-sponsored plan in favor of Original Medicare, our acceptance depended on being able to answer certain health questions satisfactorily. And I suspect we had to pay a higher rate than if we enrolled at age 65. That was in 2011. In other words, it was not automatic. Maybe something has changed?

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Carla B

When we voluntarily left an employer-sponsored plan in favor of Original Medicare, our acceptance depended on being able to answer certain health questions satisfactorily. And I suspect we had to pay a higher rate than if we enrolled at age 65. That was in 2011. In other words, it was not automatic. Maybe something has changed?

That sounds like it would have been a violation of the Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010.

[villagetinker]

We were told after 50 weeks, you may have difficulty getting back to Medicare and supplemental IF (yes this is a BIG IF) you have pre-existing conditions, you could be subjected to underwriting, or you may not be able to get a supplemental plan, sorry for the confusion. This was about 4 years ago, I do not think the rules have changed but they may have so please check.

[John_W]

Go to one the Medicare advisors inside a Villages Care Center and sign up for United Health Villages Medicare Plan. There is no premiums and you can go to one of the eight Villages Medical Centers, I go to Brownwood which was just built two years ago and see Dr. Raquet. It also includes free membership in the MVP Health Club, which is a $65 a month value. If you see a specialist there is a $40 co-pay.

Medicare Resources - The Villages Health

Welcome To Brownwood Care Center - The Villages Health

Brownwood Care Center



Dr. Raquet

[rustyp]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

We were told after 50 weeks, you may have difficulty getting back to Medicare and supplemental IF (yes this is a BIG IF) you have pre-existing conditions, you could be subjected to underwriting, or you may not be able to get a supplemental plan, sorry for the confusion. This was about 4 years ago, I do not think the rules have changed but they may have so please check.

You are close to being correct. You can get back into Medicare and can not be refused. The supplemental does have the option of charging you more at the new time of entry Vs if you originally got in and protected by cost of living type increase. However my point is everytime you post you make the statement you can't get back into Medicare - entirely not true.

[JimJohnson]

I recommend you stay clear of United healthcare.

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

I recommend you stay clear of United healthcare.

United healthcare advantage is trying to muscle in and dominate health care in The Villages Florida. There are numerous healthcare supplements available that are not receiving kickback for the developers. There are many qualified drs that are not in the pockets of the developers.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by Schmitth

Hello,...I heard somewhere that there is a supplemental insurance that’s preferred for the medical facilities in The Villages.

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

I recommend you stay clear of United healthcare.

The OP is obviously interested in the Villages Medicare Plan and it's health facilities and you made the biggest mistake anyone can ever do on a message board. Figure it out and then get back to us.

[John_W]

Originally Posted by JimJohnson

United healthcare advantage is trying to muscle in and dominate health care in The Villages Florida. There are numerous healthcare supplements available that are not receiving kickback for the developers. There are many qualified drs that are not in the pockets of the developers.

If the health care they providing is good and reliable, then what is the problem. You're obviously someone who has a dislike of the developer, someone who is against corporations and big business. I wonder where you got those ideas? Of course there are many other doctors outside the system. My wife went to Premier for five years, they're a mismanaged zoo. She came over to TV plan and loves it.

[JimJohnson]

Originally Posted by John_W

If the health care they providing is good and reliable, then what is the problem. You're obviously someone who has a dislike of the developer, someone who is against corporations and big business. I wonder where you got those ideas? Of course there are many other doctors outside the system. My wife went to Premier for five years, they're a mismanaged zoo. She came over to TV plan and loves it.

And they are providing healthcare; however, at a cost much higher than other like advantage plans. Taking advantage of seniors is the American way, but I find it wrong when it comes to medical issues.

[rustyp]

For all you naysayers about Villages Health - did you know they offer classes on over 25 health subjects free of charge to anyone. You do not need to be in the system or have any insurance. What does your system offer ? Call 352 308 1664 for info. By far the best health care system I have been in and I unfortunately have a long trail of experience . The total resentment as I see it in the majority of cases is the patients reluctance to give their existing retirement perk and except in blind faith they can't beat it because of the "once you leave you can't get back in". Do your homework folks. You need to explore what they are really giving you Vs what you can get before you except that principal.

[Nucky]

Originally Posted by Schmitth

Hello,

I plan to retire sometime in the future, and hopefully make the big move down to The Villages soon after.
I will be eligible for Medicare, and look to purchase supplemental medical insurance as well.
I heard somewhere that there is a supplemental insurance that’s preferred for the medical facilities in The Villages. Can anyone explain what this supplement is, and any tips for a smoother transition into Medicare itself.

UnitedHealthcare The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan has worked out beautifully for us so far. Our primary Doctor is fantastic but busy sometime so we see Nurse Practitioners which are very good also. They will do their best to help you out any way they can. We swear by them and are grateful to have them.

For a full explanation you should call 1-866-627-7806 and ask about anything you have on your mind. We found the customer service to be great. Good Luck & Welcome.

[ankeny]

I did a lot of research of Medicare before I turned 65. As part of my research I contact Florida SHINE as they provided unbiased information. The choice you make is very important and should not be made until you understand all the options and decide what options will work best for you now and in the future.

Remember what works great for one person may not be right for you.

Good Luck