[fraurauch]

I do not have Medicare Advantage and I have NOT received a notice from The Villages Healthcare that they are dropping me.

[rubicon]

goodtimesintv;1219864]Like AARP receiving royalities from United Healthcare for use of the AARP name, The Villages, Inc. is receiving royalties for intellectual property (brand name recognition) from United Healthcare.

Here is the page to access the four Advantage plans accepted at TV Health (I put in Sumer County and Zip 32162). And the fine print says it.

The Villages Health Landing Page

"Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. UnitedHealthcare pays royalty fees to Holding Company of The Villages, Inc. (The Villages) for the use of its intellectual property. The Villages and its affiliates are not insurers."


UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions | AARP Medicare Supplement Plans

"The AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans carry the AARP name and UnitedHealthcare pays a royalty fee to AARP for use of the AARP intellectual property. Amounts paid are used for the general purpose of AARP and its members. Neither AARP nor its affiliate is the insurer."

It seems to me that "the playing field is being leveled" by giving AARP some competition. In terms of these two entities reinvesting in our community here in TV, I would much rather have such revenues go to The Villages, Inc., than AARP.

[/QUOTE]

goodtimesintv: your spot on about AARP . And because they supported Obamacare I dropped my membership and for a number of years they attempted to get me back and well while I do not swear the notes I sent back were short and to the point.

AARP has always made money sponsoring insurance policies of all sorts. AARP claim savings for members but if AARP is getting part of the action how do you suppose a member saves money?

Obamacare has had an effect on all insurance companies one way or another.

I have maintained my insurance with BSBC Plan F because in the long run I believe it fits my needs better. I also associated my medical needs with Munroe System and those docs who associate with Munroe Hospital.

What concerns me as much if not more than the negative effect Obamacare has had on both insurance and medicine is what the FED/OBAMA economic policies are doing to seniors income. The federal spending , deficits, debt has kept interests rates extremely low worse yet there is a threat of negative interest rates. Its sad that seniors are losing income because of lack of interest but if the madness in Washington continues then soon people will be paying banks to hold their cash. In turn people will buy federal securities and of course that is what the FED wants in order to eliminate the debt. Its all maddening to me

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by trichard

Can anyone confirm that The Villages Health will no longer accept patients who were so called "grandfathered" with their original Medicare Insurance? Starting next year you either change to Medicare Advantage or seek care elsewhere.

It's really quite simple. If you were on MEDICARE with a supplemental prior to this new policy, you are grandfathered in. If you were NOT YET on medicare (under 65, no disability), you WILL receive the letter approximately 3 months before your 65th birthday. They will continue to provide service to you until you are eligible for medicare and 90 days after. Then you must sign up to one of their advantage plans or seek other medical providers.

[trichard]

Originally Posted by outlaw

It's really quite simple. If you were on MEDICARE with a supplemental prior to this new policy, you are grandfathered in. If you were NOT YET on medicare (under 65, no disability), you WILL receive the letter approximately 3 months before your 65th birthday. They will continue to provide service to you until you are eligible for medicare and 90 days after. Then you must sign up to one of their advantage plans or seek other medical providers.

That's the current policy which is about to change.

[PTennismom0202]

If you have Tricare for Life, expect to lose your Tricare pharmacy benefit when you go with United Healthcare Advantage.

[Villager Joyce]

Originally Posted by trichard

That's the current policy which is about to change.

Change to what?

[trichard]

Originally Posted by Villager Joyce

Change to what?

Effective January 1st, 2017 The Villages Health will no longer accept original Medicare. If you want to stay with The Villages Health you will be required to change to UHC Medicare Advantage Insurance or seek care elsewhere. The so-called "grandfathering" will end.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by trichard

Effective January 1st, 2017 The Villages Health will no longer accept original Medicare. If you want to stay with The Villages Health you will be required to change to UHC Medicare Advantage Insurance or seek care elsewhere. The so-called "grandfathering" will end.

This should be interesting.

[Carla B]

Originally Posted by trichard

Effective January 1st, 2017 The Villages Health will no longer accept original Medicare. If you want to stay with The Villages Health you will be required to change to UHC Medicare Advantage Insurance or seek care elsewhere. The so-called "grandfathering" will end.

Wish you would post this information in a new thread. That would get a lot of attention on this forum.

[mrbgull]

I agree with all the above. I have established a great relationship with my Dr J over the last two years. I also will be effected by "the event" and had to make a most difficult choice . I do not want anyone to take away my earned rights of choice. Very,very sad I left.

[Rgstarnes]

Based on the level of care I received in TV, I was pleased to go to Ocala and Belleview to get treatment. Much higher level of care there, with better professionals.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by Rgstarnes

Based on the level of care I received in TV, I was pleased to go to Ocala and Belleview to get treatment. Much higher level of care there, with better professionals.

Can you recommend a primary care physician in Belleview?

[dadspet]

My 2 cents

The Villages Health System = convenient, cost effective and good choice when healthy. As health issues / problems develop (and they will) you may have restricted medical options or options that are expensive. The advertising in local paper explaining how wonderful TVHS is, is included in the cost of the newspaper at minimal cost to you. Perhaps a Good cost effective option for Frogs (here till you croke ) but not Snow birds (up to 3 months) or Snow Flakes (not full time but more than 3 months and going back when there is no chance of snow).

Medicare Supplement Plan = more expensive but includes the option to get the best medical treatment (where ever) if needed and desired. The more issues you have or don't know about yet, travel, the more this plan seems to makes sense.

If I had the choice I would opt for not having any significant medical issues - unfortunately neither of the above plans offers me that option.

Right or wrong Got that off my chest so now I can take my nap

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by dadspet

My 2 cents

The Villages Health System = convenient, cost effective and good choice when healthy. As health issues / problems develop (and they will) you may have restricted medical options or options that are expensive. The advertising in local paper explaining how wonderful TVHS is, is included in the cost of the newspaper at minimal cost to you. Perhaps a Good cost effective option for Frogs (here till you croke ) but not Snow birds (up to 3 months) or Snow Flakes (not full time but more than 3 months and going back when there is no chance of snow).

Medicare Supplement Plan = more expensive but includes the option to get the best medical treatment (where ever) if needed and desired. The more issues you have or don't know about yet, travel, the more this plan seems to makes sense.

If I had the choice I would opt for not having any significant medical issues - unfortunately neither of the above plans offers me that option.

Right or wrong Got that off my chest so now I can take my nap

That summary is worth way more than 2 cents.

[bob&Gail]

I too was told to go. There are drs. In the villages that are not in the village care system. I found Arbor Health in Laurel Manor