[FromDC]

First of all let me say that having a health care system in a huge retirement community while not accepting original Medicare is ludicrous!

Starting in January 2017, The Villages Health will only see patients that have purchased their Advantage Plan, have Tricare For Life, or have their own commercial health insurance policy if under the age of 65. The Villages Health hopes to lure the 65 and under crowd to buy their Advantage Plan once they become age eligible. This group is seen as a potential revenue generator, but The Villages Health has no idea if this group will buy into it or jump ship.

If you want to read unbiased news about The Villages, don't read The Daily Sun. For example, this Tampa Bay Times article is dated 2014. It shows how important the Advantage Plan sales are to the viability of the health care business. The article states that the University of South Florida pulled out of The Villages due to lower than expected sales of the Advantage Plan. It was clear that there were big monetary issues and losses. Now fast forward to 2016 and the story remains the same. The Villages Health needs to ramp up their Advantage Plan sales to keep afloat. According to a **************.com report, the Developer has kicked in a substantial amount of money to help balance the books.

USF pulls out of its $4 million specialty care clinic at the Villages | Tampa Bay Times

If you are happy with The Villages Health, then stick with them. They want you to believe their plan is all about YOU, according to The Daily Sun. It is actually about their revenue and bottom line. Just remember they can rewrite their rules on a whim and you must conform during open enrollment or you must get out. Remember rule changes are based on the almighty dollar and not your best interest. Buyer beware. Will there be an Advantage Plan the following year? Let's wait and see.

[Villageswimmer]

Wonder why they decided to accept TFL?

[John_W]

My wife had a United Health medigap plan that was costing $184 a month and a Humana drug plan that was $20 a month and required using Walmart Pharmacy. She received her medical care from Premier Medical at Lake Sumter Landing.

Last open season she switched to the United Medicare Advantage plan. First off, by using their drug plan combined with the premiums she use to pay, she is now $204 a month ahead. She now gets her drugs from Walgreens, which is much more convenient, and every drug she has received has been cheaper. Also certain drugs such as Sibrinza eye drops, they have in stock while Walmart had to order them everytime. Her care at the Villages Pinellas Office from Dr. Helene Aisenstat has been way more comprehensive and she is very happy.

Myself, I turned 65 last July and have the same Medicare Advantage and also use Pinellas. In the past I used the VA Medical Facility at The Villages and still do, but now as a back up. For example, last April I became very sick and went to my VA doctor. He spent a total of 10 seconds with me and listened to my chest and said you have some Bronchitis and gave me a Z-Pack (anti-biotics) and told me to go home and rest and I'll be like new in 5 days.

Five days later I was twice as sick and could hardly get out of bed. I then saw Dr. Aisenstat and first she ordered a chest X-Ray, it indicated I had pneumonia. I received an injection right then, and got two more prescriptions and went home and was well in about 5 days.

Previously I had a skin problem and had made a total of three trips to the VA Dermatologist in Gainesville and had biopsies taken in two locations. The VA was never able to properly diagnose my problems. Under Dr. Aisenstate I was referred to Dr. Casper, a dermatologist on CR466. Within two minutes of seeing me and with no biopsy, the doctor dignosed both of my problems and was correct. Overall I have been more than happy with The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan, and I'm grateful they have it right here in The Villages. You're right it's about the money, it has saved us a lot.

[Buckeyephan]

I suspect they will continue to take Tricare because Washington said you cannot refuse to accept the plan they provide for the military. Welcome to all of you who have joined me in the land of the rejects. I got my letter last December. It isn't about taking an advantage plan. It's about taking THEIR advantage plan. I have Aetna and they booted me after 2 years of having me as a patient. I will continue to wrap my garbage in the part of the Sunday paper they devote to the joys of The Villages Health System.

[ColdNoMore]

Originally Posted by Buckeyephan

I will continue to wrap my garbage in the part of the Sunday paper they devote to the joys of The Villages Health System.

OK, that made me laugh out loud.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by FromDC

First of all let me say that having a health care system in a huge retirement community while not accepting original Medicare is ludicrous!

Starting in January 2017, The Villages Health will only see patients that have purchased their Advantage Plan, have Tricare For Life, or have their own commercial health insurance policy if under the age of 65. The Villages Health hopes to lure the 65 and under crowd to buy their Advantage Plan once they become age eligible. This group is seen as a potential revenue generator, but The Villages Health has no idea if this group will buy into it or jump ship.

If you want to read unbiased news about The Villages, don't read The Daily Sun. For example, this Tampa Bay Times article is dated 2014. It shows how important the Advantage Plan sales are to the viability of the health care business. The article states that the University of South Florida pulled out of The Villages due to lower than expected sales of the Advantage Plan. It was clear that there were big monetary issues and losses. Now fast forward to 2016 and the story remains the same. The Villages Health needs to ramp up their Advantage Plan sales to keep afloat. According to a **************.com report, the Developer has kicked in a substantial amount of money to help balance the books.

USF pulls out of its $4 million specialty care clinic at the Villages | Tampa Bay Times

If you are happy with The Villages Health, then stick with them. They want you to believe their plan is all about YOU, according to The Daily Sun. It is actually about their revenue and bottom line. Just remember they can rewrite their rules on a whim and you must conform during open enrollment or you must get out. Remember rule changes are based on the almighty dollar and not your best interest. Buyer beware. Will there be an Advantage Plan the following year? Let's wait and see.

So, according to YOUR OWN WORDS, they need to do this to remain viable and stay afloat. Isn't staying in business in the patient's best interests as well?????

[Avista]

Originally Posted by John_W

My wife had a United Health medigap plan that was costing $184 a month and a Humana drug plan that was $20 a month and required using Walmart Pharmacy. She received her medical care from Premier Medical at Lake Sumter Landing.

Last open season she switched to the United Medicare Advantage plan. First off, by using their drug plan combined with the premiums she use to pay, she is now $204 a month ahead. She now gets her drugs from Walgreens, which is much more convenient, and every drug she has received has been cheaper. Also certain drugs such as Sibrinza eye drops, they have in stock while Walmart had to order them everytime. Her care at the Villages Pinellas Office from Dr. Helene Aisenstat has been way more comprehensive and she is very happy.



Myself, I turned 65 last July and have the same Medicare Advantage and also use Pinellas. In the past I used the VA Medical Facility at The Villages and still do, but now as a back up. For example, last April I became very sick and went to my VA doctor. He spent a total of 10 seconds with me and listened to my chest





and said you have some Bronchitis and gave me a Z-Pack (anti-biotics) and told me to go home and rest and I'll be like new in 5 days.


Five days later I was twice as sick and could hardly get out of bed. I then saw Dr. Aisenstat and first she ordered a chest X-Ray, it indicated I had pneumonia. I received an injection right then, and got two more prescriptions and went home and was well in about 5 days.


Previously I had a skin problem and had made a total of three trips to the VA Dermatologist in Gainesville and had biopsies taken in two locations. The VA was never able to properly diagnose my problems. Under Dr. Aisenstate I was referred to Dr. Casper, a dermatologist on CR466. Within two minutes of seeing me and with no biopsy, the doctor dignosed both of my problems and was correct. Overall I have been more than happy with The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan, and I'm grateful they have it right here in The Villages. You're right it's about the money, it has saved us a lot.

Agree 100%. Great Post. We have received excellent care also.

[Paper1]

Originally Posted by Villageswimmer

Wonder why they decided to accept TFL?

I believe the phrase is political expediency.

[kansasr]

Originally Posted by Villageswimmer

Wonder why they decided to accept TFL?

Bad publicity, turning out veterans!

[tedquick]

While I had heard some horror stories about the Advantage Plan, my wife and I, after a lengthy discussion with our insurance agent, switched to it and have been quite happy. We also saved a substantial amount of money, that is so far we have. If and when something serious happens and it tends to as we age, that might present us with a whole new picture but for now we are both very pleased with the plan.

[JoMar]

I agree.....but there will always be those that want it all and feel any changes are aimed at them. I have the Advantage Plan and am happy with it, my wife will need to change doctors since she has a supplemental and doesn't want to change due to the lack of good cancer hospitals under the Advantage plan. We all have our resons for decisions but nobody is taking away your benefits, they are just giving you choices. Their perogative.

[msm1948]

Just pray you don't get ill.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by msm1948

Just pray you don't get ill.

You mean you should only pray for good health if you have certain health plans? Hmmm.

[wendyquat]

It's their prerogative! If our current Medicare plus supplement is so bad, I guess we'll have a hard time finding another doctor that will accept it! The health care in TV has been our biggest disappointment! I guess the doctors educated in the USA don't want to be stuck in this area trying to make a living wage treating Medicare patients!

[RedChariot]

Originally Posted by John_W

My wife had a United Health medigap plan that was costing $184 a month and a Humana drug plan that was $20 a month and required using Walmart Pharmacy. She received her medical care from Premier Medical at Lake Sumter Landing.

Last open season she switched to the United Medicare Advantage plan. First off, by using their drug plan combined with the premiums she use to pay, she is now $204 a month ahead. She now gets her drugs from Walgreens, which is much more convenient, and every drug she has received has been cheaper. Also certain drugs such as Sibrinza eye drops, they have in stock while Walmart had to order them everytime. Her care at the Villages Pinellas Office from Dr. Helene Aisenstat has been way more comprehensive and she is very happy.

Myself, I turned 65 last July and have the same Medicare Advantage and also use Pinellas. In the past I used the VA Medical Facility at The Villages and still do, but now as a back up. For example, last April I became very sick and went to my VA doctor. He spent a total of 10 seconds with me and listened to my chest and said you have some Bronchitis and gave me a Z-Pack (anti-biotics) and told me to go home and rest and I'll be like new in 5 days.

Five days later I was twice as sick and could hardly get out of bed. I then saw Dr. Aisenstat and first she ordered a chest X-Ray, it indicated I had pneumonia. I received an injection right then, and got two more prescriptions and went home and was well in about 5 days.

Previously I had a skin problem and had made a total of three trips to the VA Dermatologist in Gainesville and had biopsies taken in two locations. The VA was never able to properly diagnose my problems. Under Dr. Aisenstate I was referred to Dr. Casper, a dermatologist on CR466. Within two minutes of seeing me and with no biopsy, the doctor dignosed both of my problems and was correct. Overall I have been more than happy with The Villages Medicare Advantage Plan, and I'm grateful they have it right here in The Villages. You're right it's about the money, it has saved us a lot.

Your good care was driven by Dr Helen Aisenstat, also my physician. BUT SHE IS GONE. This doctor was so thorough in her exams. I wish she would open her own practice. I now will have to start shopping around.