[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Thank you for answering a big question of mine about Mayo. We have supplemental plans on top of Medicare that are accepted anywhere in the country. So many people have stated that Mayo does not take Medicare, but I have wondered if you have something other than an advantage plan if you are covered there.

Hi there - Mayo does take Medicare payments, but they do not accept the reimbursement amounts that Medicare pays for their services, so this is passed along to your secondary. In my case all was well because the 'J' plan picked up almost everything, even the final robotic surgery.

But, got to admit it is scary, there is a lot of paperwork you have to fill in and send on to Medicare and your secondary, and thankfully the other half did all that. They also have an excellent financial office who will sit with you and help with ways to pay for your treatment - after all not everyone has Medicare or secondary insurance - I wonder what happens now with the Government health care in place?

I just found this link http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-vi...rance/medicare which is an excellent explanation of how Mayo/Medicare work. This is an even better and easier to understand outline of Mayo and Medicare. http://www.mayoclinic.org/documents/...u/doc-20078770

[llaran]

The answer is to stay on regular medicare and use a suppliment, we have AARP which is processed by UnitedHealth Care. we have Humana for RX.s. My husband also qualified for the VA medical as a back up if need be, he sees the va Dr once a year. I had 6 surgeries last year and everything was paid 100 per cent. It will cost more but you can pick a Dr or hospital anywhere in the US. No Hassel.

[yabbadu]

Originally Posted by pbkmaine

I know some of you have experienced problems with medical providers in The Villages, but I would like to turn that discussion on its head. Who out there has a Medicare Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with primary care providers, specialists and hospitals you think are REALLY GOOD? My husband currently has The Villages UHC Medicare Advantage Plan. He was a bit alarmed when he was told that the ONLY ear, nose and throat physician who would accept his insurance was in Tavares. We have been told this is an issue with specialists in general. So we are exploring alternatives. Recommendations would be most welcome.

I have Medicare and a Blue Cross Medigap Plan C and it works great everywhere I have been. Yes it is more expensive than most advantage plans but for me its worth it. NO restrictions as to where I have treatment. My choice , not dictated by a medical plan.

Have had in access of over $200K in bills and never paid any money other than my premiums. It really depends on you. One caveat..If you join an Advantage plan and become really ill you might not be able to switch to some other coverage later because of the underwriters.

Good Luck!

[dbussone]

Supplements such as BC and AARP/UHC do not restrict access to docs or facilities. If the doc accepts Medicare, and is in Atlanta, Boston, LA or elsewhere you can go to that doc or facility.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by SALYBOW

I have never been told that and mine covers everything I have had done. I have regular medicare and AARP Plan F

Originally Posted by Skip2MySue

This is what I carry also and it's been excellent. No problem finding Dr.'s and I've had 2 surgeries with this coverage and everything has been paid. It's nice to have the peace of mind when you have a problem or need a doctor.
Skip 2

Originally Posted by billethkid;9***46

standard medicare and AARP supplement and have not had to put a hand in my pocket for anything except co-pay on drugs (part D) for the last 14 years!!!!

Another voice for AARP plan F - My wife and I pay $334 per month - I too have had Cadillac corporate plans and this is the best ever.

[manaboutown]

At age 65 I opted for the AARP UHC plan's highest option, whatever that is or was since the options have changed a bit since then. Although I currently take no meds whatsoever except an antibiotic when needed I am paying for the Rx plan as well. One never knows...

When I turned 65 and signed up I could have gotten into excellent somewhat lower cost plans offered by a couple of different professional organizations but opted to go with AARP based on the 'too big to fail' principle.

So far, so good. I want to be able to see a physician of my choice wherever I am as I travel frequently and spend time in several states where I have needed medical attention.

[NYGUY]

Originally Posted by pbkmaine

I know some of you have experienced problems with medical providers in The Villages, but I would like to turn that discussion on its head. Who out there has a Medicare Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with primary care providers, specialists and hospitals you think are REALLY GOOD? My husband currently has The Villages UHC Medicare Advantage Plan. He was a bit alarmed when he was told that the ONLY ear, nose and throat physician who would accept his insurance was in Tavares. We have been told this is an issue with specialists in general. So we are exploring alternatives. Recommendations would be most welcome.

I believe you are describing one of the problems with The Villages United Healthcare Advantage Plan (in-network providers). If you are otherwise happy with UHC, you could switch to one of their other Medicare Advantage plans (which are also accepted by The Villages Health), i.e. AARP Medicare Complete Choice Plan 2. This is a PPO, with a much larger in-network provider base, including specialists (that you do not need a referral for).

[billybye]

Best way to see an estimate of your yearly costs is on the Medicare/gov site and put in your medications.
I am now with Florida Blue, Freedom would give me $62.00 a month back, but my drugs on the Freedom plan would cost me an extra $800.00 a year.
I will probably stay with what I have, but it is very confusing when talking with agents who sell one plan or another. The Medicare site is the easiest way. It's not perfect, but pretty good for a government site.

[jflynn1]

We Use United Healthcare Medicare Advantage, PPO, this allows us to go to any Dr we want. Obamacre has nthing to do with the prices of The Medicare ASdvantage programs. It all depends on the tpe of program you select. In fact The affordable cRae acr subsidixes all medicare advantage programs. We have never had a problem with seeing any specialists in
witihin the Villages community or outside The Villages or any medical Facolities as long as you selct the PPO not the HMO. Good Luck

[jimmy D]

yes

Elder Options, The Mid-Florida Agency on Aging, hosts the Villages Fearless Caregiver Conference at The Grand Oaks Resort and Museum on Thursday, December 11, 2014. A day of support, information and advice for family and professional caregivers from leading aging and disability experts, caregiver advocates and support organizations.

The event is designed as a day of shared wisdom for spousal, grandparent, veteran, adult children and long-distance caregivers, as well as anyone else seeking hands-on advice and support as they care for a loved one.

Limited number of complimentary caregiver tickets are available for the seminar, which runs 8:30am � 2:30pm. Registration includes a sit down luncheon and is available by calling (877) 829-2734 or by going online to Caregiver.com - For caregivers, about caregivers, by caregivers.

[Loudoll]

Originally Posted by pbkmaine

I know some of you have experienced problems with medical providers in The Villages, but I would like to turn that discussion on its head. Who out there has a Medicare Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan with primary care providers, specialists and hospitals you think are REALLY GOOD? My husband currently has The Villages UHC Medicare Advantage Plan. He was a bit alarmed when he was told that the ONLY ear, nose and throat physician who would accept his insurance was in Tavares. We have been told this is an issue with specialists in general. So we are exploring alternatives. Recommendations would be most welcome.

We have Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Teamstar(you have to be a Teamster) for our prescription. Our insurance has been tested to the max and believe me, we could not have done better. Please, please make sure you have a solid plan before disaster strikes which happened to us. I had whined about paying the premiums, etc. but disaster struck and we're covered. Our plans followed us from KY to TV. Since I had nothing going on health-wise I decided to get an advantage plan. Same as you, no ear doctor would accept it...thank God, I was able to get back with Anthem under-the-wire so to speak. i will never ever complain about premiums again. You must get good insurance BEFORE anything bad happens. Good Luck.

[pbkmaine]

Thanks so much to all of you for your replies. My husband decided to go with AARP Medigap Plan F. He likes the fact that he can go anywhere Medicare is accepted and have most of his costs covered.

[manaboutown]

Originally Posted by pbkmaine

Thanks so much to all of you for your replies. My husband decided to go with AARP Medigap Plan F. He likes the fact that he can go anywhere Medicare is accepted and have most of his costs covered.

This is what I have. So far so good. I have used it in three states, go to the physician I want, when and where I want. So it costs me a little more than a plan I might find if I shopped around? I really do not care at this point. I want unquestionable coverage when I need it.

[dbussone]

Originally Posted by pbkmaine

Thanks so much to all of you for your replies. My husband decided to go with AARP Medigap Plan F. He likes the fact that he can go anywhere Medicare is accepted and have most of his costs covered.

He will be pleased with his choice. I've had it for 2 years and am very happy.