[SteveBressi]

Its ok for medicare people - but not good for us younger folks. The only insurance that they participate in is United Health Care. I think one is better off with a good independent doctor. There are some good practices in the Villages, it just takes some research.

[Sanbo]

Bobby and I have enrolled at Colony this summer. We both have the same doctor and and PA. We have nothing but good things to say about Colony Healthcare and the staff.

[NotGolfer]

Originally Posted by SteveBressi

Its ok for medicare people - but not good for us younger folks. The only insurance that they participate in is United Health Care. I think one is better off with a good independent doctor. There are some good practices in the Villages, it just takes some research.

Not entirely true! We have friends who are in their 50's who go there...don't know their insurance though. I know of other physician's in T.V. who have declined certain insurances so it's not "just" TVHC system.

[Birdie Dreamer]

Originally Posted by SteveBressi

Its ok for medicare people - but not good for us younger folks. The only insurance that they participate in is United Health Care. I think one is better off with a good independent doctor. There are some good practices in the Villages, it just takes some research.

You should contact them to verify, but this is not an accurate statement. They accept many private plans including all of the major plans. I am not on Medicare, but it is my understanding they only accept the United Health Care Medicare supplement plan. Check out their web site for a lengthy list of private plans that are accepted.

[champion6]

Originally Posted by Birdie Dreamer

<snip> but it is my understanding they only accept the United Health Care Medicare supplement plan. <snip>

I believe you mis-typed. The only Medicare advantage plans that they take are two from UnitedHealthcare. They accept many Medicare supplement plans, as wall as most major health insurance plans.

Your advise to contact them is spot on!

[tommy steam]

Time will tell how the villages health care system is working.

[obxgal]

I have Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage and hubby has Highmark Freedom Blue/Medicare insurance. Ours is PPO which may be the difference, but we've both been accepted.

[gomoho]

I am not on medicare and have Blue Cross Blue Shield and they accept my insurance.

[Ohiogirl]

We are still looking for a Villages doctor, both of us less than 2 years away from Medicare. Have Medical Mutual now, and Villages Health Care told me by phone that they accept it. What concerns me is that we don't yet know what we will choose for a supplement or Advantage plan. If we stay healthy, will likely go the Advantage plan route if I understand the choices correctly.

So - I have 2 concerns - we are snowbirds, although Florida residents, and must find a plan that has doctors we like in both places, preferably our current ones in Ohio. The other concern is don't want to start with the Villages Health Plan and then find out there are no doctors in Ohio in the United Health Care Advantage plan - someone here mentioned it is specific to Florida or The Villages? I need to do more homework, don't want to shop for doctors again in less than 2 years.

Another concern is that my husband's choices thru State of Ohio healthcare retirement plan are in flux as well. Used to be your only choice as a retiree was Humana, not sure that will be the case next year. Good thing we are retired and have the time to research all of this!

And, like has happened to others everywhere, the plans switch doctors and vice versa.

[Avista]

I would check with folks at the United Store in Sumter. They can tell you what would work in both Ohio and here.

[LoriAnn]

A few of the Medicare replacement plans pay the vendor (MD) exactly what traditional Medicare pays. However, most pay a greatly reduced payment. As low as 70% of what traditional Medicare pays for the same service. That is why many of the Medicare advantage plans are not accepted by MD's and specialists that are in great demand. When picking a Medicare replacement plan or advantage plan it is important to know how they pay the health care providers if you want access to the most in demand providers, specialists and treatments.

[Cedwards38]

Originally Posted by obxgal

I have Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage and hubby has Highmark Freedom Blue/Medicare insurance. Ours is PPO which may be the difference, but we've both been accepted.

Yes, I have Humana PPO and they take that. With PPO, you can go most anywhere.