This is unsettling. The biggest negative for joining UHC Advantage plan vs. a Medicare supplement is that you need "permission" to leave the local network if you are traveling.

This is not appealing to people who often find themselves "out of network." Maybe toward the end of life, it doesn't matter since you're not going to be traveling anyway, but right now it does.

And this is one of the biggest problems in our country today - nobody's word means anything and people are willing to accept that.

Trust no one & check everything. Been happening since the Stone Age.

I have suspected this was going to happen. As I posted previously, when I called to ask about this very specific scenario of being a current patient with them, but not yet 65, they told me that when I reached 65, I am still grandfathered in. I haven't received my letter yet, but I still have several months before 65. And yes, Jomar, they do owe their customers honesty.

There are so many jumping to conclusions based on half-truths and rumors. I'm not yet 65, but I am a patient of TVH and I, like many who have switched or are planning to, will be choosing UHC Medicare Advantage when the time comes. Call one of the centers, ask to speak with a Manager, and ask WHY this is going on. It's very irresponsible to continue to spread nasty rumors.

My suggestion is that anyone concerned should go to the Medicare Store and talk with someone to get correct answers. We are in The Villages Health Program. I asked questions like Could I use Dr Duke in Ocala if I needed a knee replacement. Answe was yes. They will answer all questions

Of course you realize the people at those stores are paid by United Healthcare? The independent source for unbiased information is SHINE!!

I am in a similar situation. What is it exactly about the UHC Medicare Advantage plan that is so unattractive to so many? I've read the plan description and it seems reasonable to me, but I admit to having limited experience in this area as I am fortunate to be in excellent health and rarely need to see a doctor (so far, anyway).
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Bob C

Nasty rumors? The OP said it happened?! That's NOT a rumor. That's a fact.

Hence, the reason I did not quote the OP. My comment was regarding the TVH/UHC situation, in general.

We've been very satisfied with United Health Care. It,s not either/or. Good idea to go to both SHINE and the United Medicare Store. A good friend works for Shine. He is good, but does not have all the info available as the Medicare store.

You have to compare your individual plans. In my case I have PPO not HMO. I do not pay monthly health insurance premiums and my Medicare Part B is reimbursed for me and my spouse. No deductibles, no co-insurance, $10 doctor visit co-pay, coverage when travelling...to name a few differences and that is why United Health is not for me. Your case may be different. The issue here is that United Health and Villages Health are moving to a closed insurance provider system. Right now new patients and Medicare patients have to be with United Health. Others are grandfathered but who knows for how long - United Health needs a certain % of patients to be with them (with Villages Health) in order for them to make money.

Right! It works for me, as well, but it's clearly not for everyone. Folks need to get all the info, both from UHC and from TVH.

I think the main concern is participating specialists and hospitals. I've seen a lot of posts that make no sense. Financially, if you look at the plan and consider that the out of pocket max is the same on the advantage plans as well as the supplements, you do save about $240/month not having say plan F and a part D plan. From a participation aspect, you can go to UHC's website and look at whether or not YOUR specialist is covered, but I don't see where you can bring up a list of participating specialists, so the info is somewhat vague. If you go to the UHC store to get answers, GET IT IN WRITING. Typically, you can ask 3 different agents on 3 different days and get 3 different answers.

So close. It is certainly worthwhile to make a visit and ask your questions. Make up your mind after gathering all facts.