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Without having a copy of their local operations financials in front of me, I would not want to conclude that UHC is losing money here. It may be that they want to focus on the most profitable product at this time.

I'm familiar with UHC operations in other parts of the country. They will morph as necessary to achieve their goals.

It happened to me also. I have been seeing a doctor in the Villages Health Care System with my regular insurance and all is well. Going on Medicare and not choosing the UHC so I am not going to be able to see the doctor I have been seeing previously. I won't choose this doctor because I go to out of network doctors for some things and it doesn't work for me with ALL my doctors and I travel. So I am forced to find a new doctor. Oh well...

In the same boat
 

I too am turning 65 this year. I too was told the only insurance they would accept was Medicare Advantage UHC. I was also more than a little surprised how they seemed to be pushing it. My wife's doctor even suggested she go with Advantage plan. Remember, that if you go with the Advantage Plan the health insurance makes the decisions on what treatments you receive not your doctors. I'm going to try to add a link. Not sure if it will let me. United Healthcare Oxford Medicare Advantage Denies Coverage - YouTube
You may have to copy and paste it. This was done by Good Morning America. It tells of one woman's experience with Medicare Advantage UHC.

Not losing money
 

[QUOTE=dbussone;1206020]Without having a copy of their local operations financials in front of me, I would not want to conclude that UHC is losing money here. It may be that they want to focus on the most profitable product at this time.

I'm familiar with UHC operations in other parts of the country. They will morph as necessary to achieve their goals.[/QUOT








You may have copy and paste this. It won't let me add a link

answer
 

The single biggest difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage is with the Advantage plan your doctor does not decide what care you receive, the insurance company does. I have myself seen the words not medically necessary. My doctor prescribed a treatment and the insurance company denied it. I can tell you that there is no more helpless feeling.
With Original Medicare your doctor and YOU decide what care you need, not someone setting miles away that has never seen you.
If you decide to go with the Advantage plan I hope your health remains excellent.

I'm from Ohio
 

I'm going to give you a number of a Independent agent who deals in Medicare. He will explain the difference between the two plans.

Matthew Clasasen
800-847-9680

Talk to this guy, he is the most knowledgeable person I have talked to on the subject. He has been at it since 1984 and his wife works in Medicare billing.

Based on your comment, I'm not sure the link is the one you intended to post.

But "4.1 billion in profits last year"??? The video was uploaded on Dec 27, 2007. They may still be making money, but this source is outdated.

You're right
 

You're right. I did not notice the date. I'm guessing they are doing alright tho. The biggest point I wanted to make was the difference between the Medicare programs. People that are considering Medicare Advantage should know that it won't be the doctors and you that decide what health procedures you need, the insurance company will.

I removed the link. You're right the info was outdated.

I have Florida Blue right now but will turn 65 later this year. I SUPPOSE this will screw everything up for me.
I have a terminal illness and can't afford to keep changing doctors all the time. But then I guess they just don't give a toot's hoot.

If you go with traditional Medicare, and have FL Blue as a supplement, consider Angel Tafur, MD as your primary doc. I would discourage you from converting to a Medicare Advantage policy with a "terminal illness.". Your out of pocket costs will be quite expensive.

My wife has MS, and uses traditional Medicare, with a FLBLUE supplement and FLBLUE drug plan. She hits the ceiling every year, but our out of pocket costs would be much greater if she had an Advantage Plan.

And don't take what I say as gospel - talk to an insurance consultant. Call AARP, United Healthcare, and FLBLUE at a minimum. Please!

Get Medicare A and B along with Florida Blue Cross Blue Shield supplemenr F. Also sign up for Medicare prescription drug plan D. You should be fine.

Received my The Villages Health notice last week
 

Good advice. A concise summary of my suggestion.

That's my plan too