The only negative I read here about United Health Care Medical Advantage is not having access to specialty doctors / hospitals like the Mayo clinic. Assuming this is true that personally does not bother me for reasons that could start another thread. So if that's all the difference is I'm staying - I like riding my golf cart to the center right around the corner. I like not waiting a long time to be seen. I like the attention to detail I receive from my doctor and staff. I like electronic access to all my records. I like getting my labs done in the same building. I like the beauty of facilities. I like the clientele I see in the facility. I like how they work with me over the phone and do what they say in a timely fashion. I like how they call my other doctors (even my eye doctor) to get my records from them and review the results with me. Yep - I'm staying based upon the info I've read here.

My PCP says that is not true. He is an honest man, a Christian from Nigeria. I like him and his medical knowledge.

Amen! Great post!

My only complaint re the current situation is that VHS should have told me that eventually UHC Medicare Advantage will be the only insurance they will accept. Now that years passed and gotten used to this system and becoming friendly with the Doctor, we won't be 'grandfathered' at the end of the year. We took supplemental insurance because we were snowbirds. We still use some doctors up north even if we are full time here now. We travel overseas and we have supplement that covers emergency outside of U.S. We are currently in limbo. 😔

I agree in that I feel I was told they would accept my insurance knowing they intended to change that--hoping that people would be so enamored of Villages Health that they would want to switch. I can't and I will tell you they sent a referral once to a neurosurgeon for a herniated disc who never called me. They sent it again, same thing. They finally called me and asked if I wanted referral to one in Ocala. Or they said, "you have BC/BS so you could call the office the neurosurgeon's office yourself and they'd give you an appt." It may be cheaper to use Villages Health, but that's why you buy insurance--just in case you need it for something major.

How much cheaper would it be for you?

Boat crowded
 

We have friends in the same boat. They too are in a "pickle" and I feel bad for them. Just as they got comfortable with the "Dr Welby concept" ---he too retired. Life is just not fair sometimes.

I talked at length with the doctor in charge of Villages Health who was trying to convince me Villages Health was better than what I had as a Federal retiree and he said I'd save a lot. Not sure what the cost of the Advantage Plan is but I pay about $200 for BC/BS and then medicare part B $122 a month.

So if you are enrolled in The Villages health system and like it why wouldn't you research how much savings you could reap by switching for the same services provided ? Wouldn't that be a win win for you ?

Hope im not in line behind you.

Up to 23 now, I will give you a warning....:D:D:D

Or should I bring scotch?

no
 

I could save a lot of money as long as I stay healthy. As I pointed out, one of the Villages Health specialists did not even answer two referral requests from them--why do you think that is? I have hearing aids and my insurance covered the entire cost of them and they can be replaced every 3 years if needed, the Villages plan certainly won't do that.
For me insurance is there in the event you need it--like deductibles on your car. I hope I won't need it but if I do, I'll be covered much better than the advantage plan.

Is there anyone here on this blog that actually has United Health Care Advantage or has earnestly researched it that can share their real life experience / recommendation ?

I'm one of those that has had UHC Advantage even before it was required. I've been happy with the doctors, my care, and my coverage, which has included one major surgery and other fairly typical health issues. Cost has been reasonable IMO also.

We have the Villages Health Advantage Plan and are very satisfied with everything including the quality of care and the convenience.

We've had one major medical event that involved a stay in Villages Hospital and later to Munroe. All was covered very well with the providers in the network. The way care is managed at Villages Hospital if you are in the Villages Advantage Plan is especially nice... your stay is managed by Villages Health doctors, not the hospital's Hospitalist doctors.

Lot's of other smaller things too, but no problem getting them taken care of with in-network providers.

We also had no problem getting permission and coverage to go to an out-of-network provider one time simply because the in-network providers were not conveniently located.

Before we came to The Villages we were in an HMO with limited providers to choose from and references needed and all that. We had a number of major medical events... but never had a problem getting quality services from inside that network either.

So for the past 35 years or so we've only had a limited network of providers and referral requirements. Yes, all that time we've had some worry that this would limit the availability and quality of our health care. But it has never been a issue.