Shine
 

I went to talk to the folks at Shine this morning. What a great group of volunteers, who provide such invaluable information regarding Medicare.

I’m still a few years away from Medicare age - but doing my research now. Shine verified that the information I’ve researched on my own is correct, and also provided me with additional information.

Going traditional medicare vs advantage plans is such a major decision, and I encourage everyone to do the necessary homework and research, so you can make an informed, educated decision when the time comes to turn 65.

From my talk with Shine, it appears most people fall into one of two camps as to what mostly influences their decision whether to go traditional medicare or advantage plans: Access to quality health care vs costs and “freebies”.

I’m relatively healthy now, but I want to make this decision looking down the road 20 and 25 years from now, as to which type of coverage would be best for me in old age — not just looking at my current state of health. I look to my parents who were both relatively healthy in their 60s, but faced severe health issues in their 80s.

I highly encourage everyone under 65 to meet with Shine, and decide which coverage would be best to fit your needs as you age.

Great organization

Hate to be annoying, but do you really mean traditional vs advantage? From the context, I think you are talking about SUPPLEMENTS vs advantage.
Hint, try googling What is traditional medicare.

I agree SHINE saved us from making very big and expensive mistake several years ago, this was back when The Villages Health kicked out original Medicare patients. With their help we were able to get back to original Medicare WITHOUT incurring underwriting penalty. At the time we were having significant problems with the Medicare Advantage plan, never again.

Can you elaborate what SHINE's message was re this highlighted statement.

Just be aware IF you have ChampVA or supplement from VA, SHINE can’t help you. There is zero knowledge from the entire group, about how ChampVA works with any Medicare product.

Call your ChampVA for accurate information on Medicare, and how it works.

When I was about to become Medicare eligible, I spent a few meetings with SHINE in The Villages. They were incredibly helpful especially in pointing out that I could claim any one of several locations as my home (since I am a snowbird with multiple homes). Upon further research, I found that Medicare Supplement plans available as my home base varied not just by a little bit, but by multiples. One location was twice as much as another location for the exact same Medigap policy. What an eye opener!

I swear by SHINE. They are remarkable volunteers who do not operate from a profit motive. Their mission is to provide unbiased Medicare information, whether one goes with an Advantage plan or whether one goes with a traditional plan with a Medigap policy.

We met with SHINE 2+ years ago, when I was getting close to Medicare age.

After talking to them, and settled on Regular Medicare and AARP United Health Care.

I've had some significant health issues over the past 18 months and the coverage has been stellar...

We also did much research and gathering of information on what is best for our lifestyle. Most think what they choose is the best, but you need to think what is (best) for you. Pay me now or later. Good luck.

I agree completely. My meetings with them were very helpful in deciding what was best for us.

I haven't met with Shine and hope they are more honest than a similar organization which I attended one of their meetings outside of TV. This other organization gets paid by insurers of Medicare Advantage plans, and seemed to me were gently pushing everyone towards a Medicare Advantage plan. I presume Shine gets paid the same way, and hopefully they disclose how they get paid up front.

SHINE is all volunteers and totally unbiased. We met with them after doing a ton of research when we were getting close to retiring.
After all of our research and talking with them we chose UHC Advantage because it was the best fit for us. Cost was secondary. We're very happy with our choice.

But Medicare is not a one size fits all as some like to preach. Choice is a good thing. Do the research and make an informed decision.

This is true… Florida supplements on traditional Medicare is much higher then many other States. Since we started Medicare when we were not yet residents in Florida we kept the supplement company from out of State and are paying Far Less than any company here in Florida.

You selected a medicare advantage plan NOT original medicare. Villages Health only accepts specific Medicare Advantage plans.

It seems if your heathy Advantage works good, if you have health issues than traditional Medicare is best. Read an article in AARP and other places, a lot of places are dropping Advantage plans because of the hassle of getting reimbursed.

VOLUNTEERS! They do not get paid!

Great Advice, what type of information does one need to bring to Shine when discussing options?

Where are they located and phone number?

Google is your friend!

SHINE - Home

If you are residents now can you have coverage from another State?

No I didn't. I have traditional Medicare and AARP UHC as my secondary insurance.

Nowhere in my post did I state, nor imply, that I had ANY care @ The Villages Health...

Where is Shine in The Villages and what is the contact number

Me too. This appears to be something a lot of folks don't know and they change when they become Florida residents , not realizing you can keep what you had if you signed up in another state and at that price which in my case was $70 less a month!

Yes, Call Champ VA, they told me do not get Medicare (D) or you will not get prescriptions from Champ VA

If Medicare enrollees have the option to change plans during the Open Enrollment period near the end of each year -- why would anyone choose a plan at age 65, and in good or decent health, based on what their health might be like 15 or 20 years down the road?

Especially if choosing a plan that might be better if one is later sickly but, is much more costly now? Thanks...

Once you get past 65 1/2, you are out of the “must issue” time frame. Meaning that you are guaranteed coverage in a Medigap plan with no health questions. Once you get past that age, you are subject to underwriting where they can deny coverage depending on your health. Medicare Advantage plans have no such qualifications and you can switch plans during open enrollment.

Waiting until you are older with potential health issues will pretty much guarantee that you will be denied coverage under any Medigap plan.

Mrprez - I have tried to post a reply, twice, and both times it has been vaporized. I do not understand why. No links, etc. were included.

Moderator: Care to chime in here?

Floridashine.org

They meet at several Rec centers, several times/month.

It states "walk ins welcome", but it's best to make an appointment to ensure you'll be seen...

SHINE ?)was very helpful
 

I agree that the people who work (volunteer?) with SHINE were helpful and very friendly as well. We had questions about Part D drug plans and coverage for very specific drugs that can be pricey, and the person we met with was able to answer all our questions and provide phone contacts for setting up our coverage. I'm glad we took the time to meet with them.