Medicare advantage
 

I am turning 65 ands looking at Medicare. Since I have always had PPO's I think I would be looking at Advantage vs Supplement....although it will be more expensive. I am a Florida resident though I spend 5 months up in NYS. I know I must register for Medicare in Florida. Must I get my Medicare Advantage in Florida also? And is there one company better than another. I have always had Blue Cross/ Blue Shield but this is new for me.
Any help is appreciated.

Yes you must get your med adv in fl, you should look at a plan with networks in both places hope this helps

You could go with traditional Medicare (Primary) and BCBS Basic (Secondary).

United Heal h Care offers a medicare advantage plan that has a passport opportunity that allows you to use the plan when you are in another area as long as that area participates. Might want to check that out. Don't know if the other advantage plans offer that. There are 3 stores in The Villages that you go sit down with someone for advice.

I have had Humana Medicare Advantage plan for the last 5 years and have been very happy with it. It is MUCH cheaper than a supplemental plan, many cases there is no premium at all. Switched to the PPO plan in April,2013 since we owned property here and spent more than 6 months in FL. Now we are FL residents and the plan covers us both here and when we go back to Wisconsin, since there is a Humana network there.
So just check if there is a network in your state and if so then you will be covered both places.

thanks. i will check it out.
What is needed besides Medicare....C. D and something like G.
Will check networks for BC/BS, Humana and United.

Our local paper had an article on Medicare on January 26th. The article recommended two websites: http://www.medicare.gov and a Medicare publication on http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Hope they help both of us out!

Stay with United if you want to use The Villages Health care System. (For Advantage Plans). http://www.thevillageshealth.com

You will get plenty of advice on TOTV, and it will be useful if the responders clearly understand all of YOUR needs and YOUR current situation. For example, you said one thing that was confusing to me: "... I think I would be looking at Advantage vs Supplement....although it will be more expensive." I believe a PPO Advantage plan will NOT be more expensive than a Supplement plan.

Anyway, please make an appointment to meet with a SHINE volunteer. You will receive one-on-one advice that I'm sure will be very helpful. And you can follow-up with them if you have more questions.

I have Blue Cross Medicare advantage in NY and it seems to work
OK HERE. Wife and I pay $50 a month each in addition to the company taking the Medicare allotment. Keeps going up. Last year it was 35.00.

You need to meet with a shine voluteer.

There are many factors and plans, in chosing the right plan for you. There is only two basic options.
1. Medicare with a supplement.
2. Medical Advantage Programs witha prescription plan included.


The MA palns are for those who are basically healthy and don't require frequent visits to the family doctor, and or specialists.

Staright medicare with a supplement, is good for people who want to go to any doctor that accepts medicare, and don't want any out of pocket costs.

I have Florida Blue HMO Lifetime HMO that requires referrals from your family doctor, PCP.

Only you can decide what plan, best fits your needs. :smiley:

good tip...i called shine to make an appt.
Thx

What is a Shine Volunteer Is Shine just in Florida? I have BC/BS Federal and I'm confused about what to do!

SHINE is Florida only: SHINE
There is also SHIP, which appears to be national: SHIP

Thanks! I will check out SHIP.