Just called UHC The Villages Medicare Advantage HMO. Shands is now IN Network for us. Some doctors may not be, but the facility is. As a referral is not needed, a simple phone call to UHC (866-627-7806) to see if a specific doctor is covered is advised.

My first exposure to an "Advantage" program was when a friend bought one way back in the 80's. He described how Humana used his Medicare premium and assumed his costs for the year from then on. Six months later they went bust. From that time on, numerous advantage plans failed. The insurance companies must have figured out how to make money from advantage plans over the years. It seemed that about the time Villages Health adopted the UHC Advantage model around 2016, the Federal Gov't. appeared to "bless" Advantage plans. Why not, as they shift the risk to the insurance companies.

Here's hoping the Gov't doesn't disown Original Medicare for us who still use it. I found out that we will save $400/yr by switching to Plan G from Plan F.

For those looking for help with this confusing mess of insurances and which is best for you once you are Medicare eligible, I understand that Craig Morrison is an excellent source in this area for helping you decide which option would best fit your individual needs. He offers free consultations to anyone requesting assistance. His number is 352-317-8992. It did not apply for us, but wanted to pass this on to anyone that it might help out. I do not know him, have never met him, but saw a video from one of the folks that do Villages Youtube segments.

yup, I have it too, called customer service to reverify and YES WE ARE COVERED WITH SHANDS... AND I'M GOING FOR SURGERY THERE... SO yup

Checked with my insurance agent and it is not true, misinformation being shared in a blog.

What is confusing is you can use Shands with UHC, but not some of the doctors that use the hospital, even though they also may be in network. That is what happened to me, everything I stated is true. I was on phone with UHC for 3 hours and they did not understand why a doctor in network would not accept my insurance. Check Dr Kun Xiang and you will see he is in network, but will not take UHC TV advantage plan.

Which Ones Have Access to Real Hospitals
 

I have Tricare for Life and United HC as my supplement. Wondering what other supplement we don't have to pay extra for and actually has access to real hospitals?]

You need to make sure you don’t have the HMO Plan as that is the one most are not on! Or call the offices before you sign up of the doctors you attend! UHC N is a good supplementary plus stay on Medicare and choose wherever and whoever you want! 🤪

Great Selection
 

You will be in great hands with Dr Acevedo!

Just a question....Over and over I see folks saying "The Villages shouldn't dictate where I should go!" Shouldn't it be the insurance companies that are doing that? Last I knew you look at their list (ins. companies) and it will tell you what's covered. As some others on here stated, it's best to talk to an independent broker who doesn't have some adgenda in the decision.....then go from there.

Sometimes the cheapest plan is the most expensive. Especially with HMOs. They are called managed care for a good reason. They manage your care to maximize their profit. If you can afford fee-for-service insurance, it usually offers the best protection.

Electrophysiologist
 

I have been going to one here in the villages who I think is terrific, Dr Vatsal Inamdar who is part of the Heart and Vein Clinic on 441 hwy. He is a electrical heart expert.

Current Part B deductible is $203 annually 2021
 

Where did you get that $400 figure?,
and isn't $203 dollars of that 400 going to go the the Part B deductible, which is covered by Plan F?

As of 01 Oct 2021 Shands Hospital in Gainesville Fl is under United Health Care of the Villages.

Shands Hospital is - not uf doctors

That's ridiculous.

It is, but...
 

It is ridiculous, but not uncommon. Years ago DW had to go into hospital (not in Fla). Dr was covered by insurance. He gave us hospital and we checked her into her room. They wheeled her three doors down hall to x-ray room.
Long story shortened, x-ray tech, separate bill, x-ray equipment belonged to outside co, separate bill, anesthesiologist, separate bill, Dr and hospital, separate bills. Caused havoc with us navigating insurance claims. I want single pay point please, itemized bill.

Independence???
 

Trying to figure out who on the medical team caring for you is or is not an independent contractor, or what rooms and equipment belong to the hospital or other companies while you are suffering is impossible.