[jnieman]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I'm glad that you found a plan that fits your needs, there can be an advantage to advantage plans, but I've just reviewed the Villages plan and like most things, it is not and cannot be a one size fits all arrangement.
I'm happy you like the docs, I only know 2 of them, but that is for 30 years and they are the best. I also doubt either of them would have agreed to participate in a second rate practice. While I cannot speak for any of their other doctors, I have had an inside look at their SYSTEM, and they are building a first class health care delivery model of the future. The developers have poured millions into this enterprise for the benefit of TV residents; no, this is NOT going to a builder for healthcare, the people running VHC know exactly what they are doing.
As far as advantage vs supplements, advantage is cheaper. UHC plan F is 173.25/month and part D another 52.70, total 225.95 or 451.90/ month for a couple (not 700+), but still adds to the cost of living substantially.
The advantage plan, however, has multiple co-pays that can wipe out the savings if you get sick. There is $275 copay for each of the first 6 hospital days. There is a 20% copay on CT/MRI, there is 20% co-pay on radiation oncology, $16 x ray, $13 lab, $30 physical therapy and the list goes on. Out of pocket costs is capped at $4500/year, but the fine prints states no all money out of pocket goes toward this cap, and I see no list of what doesn't count. You also are paying all the prescription co-pays beyond the 4500 and that can add up in a hurry
Bottom line---if you are pretty healthy, on minimal meds, and generally will only consume preventative services and the occasional short term illness/injury, the advantage plan should suit your needs. If you already have a chronic illness that could become complicated, take a lot of meds or need specialized care, I would consider the medicare supplements

Thank you to our resident TOTV doctor for spelling it all out for us. I will be helping my 95 year old mother-in-law choose a plan in the next couple of months and always thought she should have an Advantage plan. She has several illnesses and now I see that a supplement may be the way to go for her.

[Carla B]

JNieman, if the rules are the same now as they were a few years ago, in the case of AARP UHC supplement, there were six health questions that had to be answered in order to be accepted. Can't remember them and don't have their literature any longer, but one had to do with the number of days since being a hospital inpatient, for example. You might want to call AARP and ask about the rules on behalf of your mother-in-law. If a person applies for a supplement within six months of turning 65, admission is guaranteed.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by jnieman

Thank you to our resident TOTV doctor for spelling it all out for us. I will be helping my 95 year old mother-in-law choose a plan in the next couple of months and always thought she should have an Advantage plan. She has several illnesses and now I see that a supplement may be the way to go for her.

Just read the fine print and compare the plans closely, the devil is in the details. Since UHCs website give a pretty good plan summary for each plan, you might be able to look at your Mom's bills from last year and "guestimate" what her costs would be under each of them

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I'm glad that you found a plan that fits your needs, there can be an advantage to advantage plans, but I've just reviewed the Villages plan and like most things, it is not and cannot be a one size fits all arrangement.
I'm happy you like the docs, I only know 2 of them, but that is for 30 years and they are the best. I also doubt either of them would have agreed to participate in a second rate practice. While I cannot speak for any of their other doctors, I have had an inside look at their SYSTEM, and they are building a first class health care delivery model of the future. The developers have poured millions into this enterprise for the benefit of TV residents; no, this is NOT going to a builder for healthcare, the people running VHC know exactly what they are doing.
As far as advantage vs supplements, advantage is cheaper. UHC plan F is 173.25/month and part D another 52.70, total 225.95 or 451.90/ month for a couple (not 700+), but still adds to the cost of living substantially.
The advantage plan, however, has multiple co-pays that can wipe out the savings if you get sick. There is $275 copay for each of the first 6 hospital days. There is a 20% copay on CT/MRI, there is 20% co-pay on radiation oncology, $16 x ray, $13 lab, $30 physical therapy and the list goes on. Out of pocket costs is capped at $4500/year, but the fine prints states no all money out of pocket goes toward this cap, and I see no list of what doesn't count. You also are paying all the prescription co-pays beyond the 4500 and that can add up in a hurry
Bottom line---if you are pretty healthy, on minimal meds, and generally will only consume preventative services and the occasional short term illness/injury, the advantage plan should suit your needs. If you already have a chronic illness that could become complicated, take a lot of meds or need specialized care, I would consider the medicare supplements

And God forbid you should suddenly come down with a catastrophic illness--which remember, life can turn on a dime.

Another thing to consider is how much you travel. Advantage plans are local only, and if you become ill while out of your plan's area, the medical costs that fall to you to pay will go up.

With a supplemental plan, there are no out-of-plan fees. You can see any doctor in the US who takes Medicare.

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by Carla B

JNieman, if the rules are the same now as they were a few years ago, in the case of AARP UHC supplement, there were six health questions that had to be answered in order to be accepted. Can't remember them and don't have their literature any longer, but one had to do with the number of days since being a hospital inpatient, for example. You might want to call AARP and ask about the rules on behalf of your mother-in-law. If a person applies for a supplement within six months of turning 65, admission is guaranteed.

Thanks Carla that is good to know.

[jnieman]

Originally Posted by CFrance

And God forbid you should suddenly come down with a catastrophic illness--which remember, life can turn on a dime.

Another thing to consider is how much you travel. Advantage plans are local only, and if you become ill while out of your plan's area, the medical costs that fall to you to pay will go up.

With a supplemental plan, there are no out-of-plan fees. You can see any doctor in the US who takes Medicare.

I definitely have some homework to do. Thanks for the info.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

<snip> As far as advantage vs supplements, advantage is cheaper. UHC plan F is 173.25/month and part D another 52.70, total 225.95 or 451.90/ month for a couple (not 700+), but still adds to the cost of living substantially. <snip>

You forgot about your $104.90 Medicare Part B premium. So your monthly total is $330.85 or $661.70/month for a couple.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by champion6

You forgot about your $104.90 Medicare Part B premium. So your monthly total is $330.85 or $661.70/month for a couple.

Yes, but you have to pay that anyway, even with an advantage plan, so I was referring to the difference in cost