[dbussone]

Originally Posted by rockyisle

Well, here's what I know from someone "in the know". This person was a member of the focus group that met this Spring to discuss the next round of changes to VHS and the possible impact and reaction of those of us who joined the program 3 years ago. Our primary care doctor has confirmed that current plans mean we will be out on January 1st if we don't move over to the VHS HMO plan.



I'm in the process of writing a letter to Jeffrey Lowenkron at the VHS (he's their Chief Medical Officer) protesting this latest move. So much for the Doctor Welby approach to medicine that was advertised by VHS. For whatever reason, it appears that they are not making money on their grand plan - or not making enough money. What I do know is that they have created a program with United Healthcare - much like AARP - that will pay them royalties for everyone who moves over to this new program. The rest of their financial plans are a mystery to me.



So, with that said... I will be very sad to leave VHS as I came over with my doctors from Family Doctors of Belleview (which no longer exists as a private care practice)... It's now part of the VHS system. VHS was very convenient for us and we felt we received great medical care. We will be looking for another primary care doctor who is willing to take the Medicare and United Healthcare Plan F reimbursements.



The curious part of all this (for me) is wondering how they think they will make money on any program only funded through Medicare and out of pocket payments by those who get sick and have to have tests and hospital stays at the VHS hospital. A well balanced family medicare practice relies on - Self Pay, Insurance from those who are still working, and Medicare Supplements. It seems to me that they will be putting all their business eggs into one basket source.. never a good idea. Wondering out loud what they will do when the Feds change the reimbursement program for Medi Gap programs and they get less reimbursements? I know their are Medical Insurance experts who read TOV... Would love to read your thoughts on all of this...



Always grateful that we have TOV to work through life changes in TV....

You asked a question about payment & financing the practices.

The biggest change will be that the practices will no longer rely primarily on insurance fee for service payments. They, and United, will split a direct subsidy per enrollee from Medicare.

[kittygilchrist]

PS, see the bottom right corner of Find a Location | UF Health, University of Florida Health
For the vet school ER. My dog was helped by a dental surgeon called in on a Sunday.

[justjim]

Originally Posted by dbussone

You asked a question about payment & financing the practices.

The biggest change will be that the practices will no longer rely primarily on insurance fee for service payments. They, and United, will split a direct subsidy per enrollee from Medicare.

I recently read an article (can't find it) that United Health Care lost millions with their Obamacare plan . An insurance company is not in business to lose money. Changes will be made to correct this---you can be sure. This could impact The program here in TV but have no way of knowing that to be certain. Money lost is usually made up somewhere.

Disclosure: Wife and I are members United Health Care Advantage PPO but we are not in the Village HMO plan so we can go to any specialist anywhere. If affordable, I recommend the PPO plan.