Are you happy w/ Villages Health?
 

We arrived here in Sept. and have yet to settle on primary care physicians. Each time I contact one that was listed in our insurance plan's provider directory, I find out they're no longer accepting traditional Medicare or our secondary insurance because they have joined the Villages plan. So, how do you all feel about the Villages Health (United Healthcare Medicare Advantage plan)? Do you like the Drs? What about quality of specialists? Please, give me pros and cons.

Are you happy w/ Villages Health?
 

I would recommend that you contact Angel Tafur, MD He is a very intelligent and patient oriented physician. Just for background, my wife was an RN, and I was in healthcare as well, for 45 years. I've known thousands of MDs during my career. Dr Tafur is direct, and tells you what you need to hear. But all is based on factually based opinions. Just a great doc!

He accepts traditional Medicare, and numerous supplements.

You should also contact SHINE, as they will give you an impartial review of the health care system. Search this site for the word SHINE, and you will get the contact info. I have posted it several times, but do not have it in front of me.

Now to answer your specific question: If you are in GOOD health, you will LOVE the villages Health and the associated ADVANTAGE plan. If you are in POOR health, and need several specialists you may be somewhat disenchanted with Villages Health. My wife had to change doctors, as the ones she had would not accept the "advantage" plan, and we got tired of extended lead times for appointments with the "advantage" plan, especially for specialists. We finally decided, to go with a traditional supplemental plan, which allows us to go to any doctor that accepts Medicare.
You are wise to ask the questions, please contact SHINE, and listen to others that will reply to you post, so you can make an informed decision.

If you decide to go with a United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Program in order to join The Villages Health System stay away from the UHC Villages HMO!!! Go with the UHC PPO. The HMO has a limited specialists network and requires referrals in all cases.

I am happy with The Villages Health System.

Pros
1. Good doctors and PAs.
2. Fantastic facilities.
3. Convenient locations
4. Extremely cordial and customer friendly service.
5. One stop shopping for the most part. (X ray, blood test, etc.)

Cons
1. If you have insurance other than United Healthcare, it could be a problem.

We love the Villages Health. Our family tires of us bragging about them. We have never had such complete care. I'm an RN and am so pleased.

My suggestion would be to go to the Medicare Store (United) in Sumter or other town square. They will help you understand everything. Much better than a few posts here. For one thing there are 2 advantage plans. See which one is a better fit. They will also go through your specialist options--this is much broader than I thought. They told us to call them at any time we have a question.

You will learn so much more from them than from this forum. Shine is also good, but they may not have a complete understanding of Villages Health as it is different than other advantage plans.

In what way is the Village Health different from other Advantage plans? I wasn't aware of that. You don't have to go into great detail just give me one example.

The PROS are, in fact, true.
I don't find the CON to be true. I have coverage with CIGNA as a retiree benefit with my old employer and have had no issues with The Villages Health. My only advice would be when being referred out to specialists be sure THEY are on your plan. I ran in to one that wasn't and simply got another referral.

I love the Villages Health System. I have been with them since day one. I have some health issues and have not had any problem with specialists. I followed the NP there from my Drs. office. She is amazing !!

I agree. We can't belong to it because our insurance doesn't work, but everyone I know that does is very satisfied.

I was lucky to be able to sign up before they stopped allowing patients not old enough for Medicare. I will be allowed to participate until I go on Medicare and get on the advantage plan, which my husband has and is happy with. Unbelievable customer service, no waiting, friendly faces, and they will accommodate you for a last minute appointment due to illness. I am still working and they have later in the day hours that help me. My physician Dr. Giavanelli is wonderful as is her PA and medical assistants.

Thanks for responses
 

All of your responses have been helpful as I explore our options. My questions actually grew out of a visit yesterday to one of the Medicare stores, where I spent several hours with an extremely helpful rep. My husband's United Healthcare Empire Plan worked flawlessly when we lived in NY where it was easy to choose from an extensive list of participating providers both before and after we were on Medicare. Not so much out of state (MD and now FL). Also, to have our disabled son and me on his plan costs him about $2200/yr. and there are huge deductibles (out of pocket expenses) and copays. I'm a bit arthritic, but we are otherwise in very good health and on no meds.
Our NP daughter in NY recommended a Dr here with whom she had once trained up there. He was listed in our Empire Plan directory, but when I called, I found he had switched to the Villages plan last Oct. Several other Drs I tried had done the same. That's what precipitated my visit to the Medicare Store to find out more about the Villages plan. Hearing your feedback is reassuring. I will also contact SHINE to better understand all the insurance nuances. This is an extremely helpful forum!

We moved here almost three years ago now. We joined the Village Health System and loved it. By far the best care that we ever received. I have never seen an office run like that. You will never have a appointment pushed back. If you have an 8:30 you get in by at least 8:30. We would love to stay but unfortunately we turn 65 this year and they only accept Medicare Advantage now. Before you even consider Medicare Advantage I would advise you to do a bunch of research on it. Find a independent agent that deals with multiple insurance company's. This is the best one I have found.

Matthew Claassen
800-847-9680

Good Luck !!

There are specialists listed in their book, but many specialists are available in other areas that are not listed. My friend had knee replacement surgery out of The Villages. When I was at Medicare store asked as an example if I could go to him. She said yes and heard he was very good.

My comparison to other Advantage plans is one doesn't have to stick to local specialists. And the list of local specialists is very extensive.

Couldn't be happier
 

My husband and I both r patients with The Villages Health Care System. We r so pleased and feel very comfortable with our doctors. Fabulous service and excellent knowledge of geriatric care and needs. Good luck and welcome to The Villages :welcome: