[gmdds]

If you saw the ad in The Daily Sun, on 10/16, by Florida Blue, comparing Advantage plans, be very careful, as it is comparing their 2024 plan. I have found out that Florida Blue has chosen not to renew their contract with Moffitt for 2025. Apparently Moffitt wanted to renew, but Florida Blue didn’t.

It seems pretty deceptive, as the ad came out one day into the enrollment period, but in smaller print states that it is comparing 2024 plans.

[tophcfa]

Good information. That a big reason we decided on a Supplemental plan. Every year when Advantage plans renew everything must be checked very closely for unwanted surprises. Supplemental plans are highly regulated and don’t subject the policy holder to an annual stress test. We get enough of that already when our homeowners and auto policies renew every year (or six months with many auto policies).

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Good information. That a big reason we decided on a Supplemental plan. Every year when Advantage plans renew everything must be checked very closely for unwanted surprises. Supplemental plans are highly regulated and don’t subject the policy holder to an annual stress test. We get enough of that already when our homeowners and auto policies renew every year (or six months with many auto policies).

I wish I could afford supplemental plans. Paying extra on top of the Part A that gets deducted from my social security check won't be an option.

[Thaxxx]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Good information. That a big reason we decided on a Supplemental plan. Every year when Advantage plans renew everything must be checked very closely for unwanted surprises. Supplemental plans are highly regulated and don’t subject the policy holder to an annual stress test. We get enough of that already when our homeowners and auto policies renew every year (or six months with many auto policies).

Great advice!
ALL Advantage plans in general are a crap shoot. The main reason I wouldn't choose one is because I don't want the insurance companie in charge of my medical care. And that's exactly what they are. They dictate where you go and what services are covered. With a supplemental plan, you can go anywhere that Medicare is accepted and you're covered. And you do not need pre approval. It's not cheap, but it gives you peace of mind knowing you can go where you think the best medical care for is, and you're covered.

[Thaxxx]

Part A is Free. You earned it.
It's Part B that is optional. Part B about $175 this year. Whether you get an Advantage Plan or Medicare Supplement you have to have Part B. No one will insure you if you don't have Part B.

[Blueblaze]

Originally Posted by Thaxxx

Great advice!
ALL Advantage plans in general are a crap shoot. The main reason I wouldn't choose one is because I don't want the insurance companie in charge of my medical care. And that's exactly what they are. They dictate where you go and what services are covered. With a supplemental plan, you can go anywhere that Medicare is accepted and you're covered. And you do not need pre approval. It's not cheap, but it gives you peace of mind knowing you can go where you think the best medical care for is, and you're covered.

$400/month (for two) seems a lot, just to be able to go out of network -- compared to FREE. We do a PPO Advantage plan instead. Yes, the in-network choices locally are lousy, but I haven't seen much evidence of better local options for primary care or the usual specialists. If either of us develops a disease where it matters that we hire the best in the world, our PPO gives us the option, along with an out-of-network out-of-pocket maximum, even if the doctor DOESN'T accept medicare. I figure the thousands we'll save will go towards that maximum.

But I have no idea if we've made the right choice. It seems logical, as I read the documents, but I'm no lawyer. If I have to got to Moffit or MD Anderson some day, it wouldn't shock me if they cut me off the moment I hit that maximum, and United points to some fine print legaleze that gets them off the hook.

Everybody's a crook these days, and Heathcare is the worst. It's all a crap shoot. You pay your money and you take your chances.

[Aces4]

Originally Posted by Blueblaze

$400/month (for two) seems a lot, just to be able to go out of network -- compared to FREE. We do a PPO Advantage plan instead. Yes, the in-network choices locally are lousy, but I haven't seen much evidence of better local options for primary care or the usual specialists. If either of us develops a disease where it matters that we hire the best in the world, our PPO gives us the option, along with an out-of-network out-of-pocket maximum, even if the doctor DOESN'T accept medicare. I figure the thousands we'll save will go towards that maximum.

But I have no idea if we've made the right choice. It seems logical, as I read the documents, but I'm no lawyer. If I have to got to Moffit or MD Anderson some day, it wouldn't shock me if they cut me off the moment I hit that maximum, and United points to some fine print legaleze that gets them off the hook.

Everybody's a crook these days, and Heathcare is the worst. It's all a crap shoot. You pay your money and you take your chances.

We personally don't "crapshook" anything and are very aware with aging, health becomes more tenuous and not better. $400. a month is $4,800. a year and do you realize one tiny little medical issue can chew that savings up and spit it out very quickly? Penny wise, pound foolish but people need to choose what makes them happy.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Blueblaze

$400/month (for two) seems a lot, just to be able to go out of network.

Not after we have been paying well over $1,000 per month the last several years through Obamacare for a far inferior plan with a high deductible and max out of pocket and a very limited network. $400 per month for an extensive network, about a $250 per person deductible with 100% of everything covered after that, and no referrals required for specialists, seems like an incredible bargain.

[Michael 61]

These are the kind of stories that have me skeptical to sign on for Medicare advantage in a few years when I turn 65 - if one has traditional Medicare, then it seems less likely that a provider would drop your insurance.

[manaboutown]

A few years ago I got hit by IRMAA and cannot escape its grasp. Yes it angers me. It feels like I am being charged $50 for a $20 meal at a restaurant based on my income. IRMAA is a TAX on income, no doubt about it. Anyway, I looked into going with an advantage plan to save money but IRMAA hits them as well. There is no avoiding it.

I go with Medicare and the top AARP (United Healthcare) supplement which has grown in cost over time. What is nice about it is I can choose MDs at will, as long as they accept Medicare, and rarely am out of pocket at all.

[RICH1]

My Supplemental " F" plan works for me. I can sleep at night knowing I'm covered.. It's called Health Insurance and it's part of life..

[frostola]

I’m in the beginning of my treatment plan at Moffitt that will take me into 2025 and I have Florida Blue. What will happen to me?

[rsmurano]

Why anybody would go with an advantage plan is beyond me. They suck you in saying everything is free and covered until you need the service then it’s not. Hospitals now aren’t accepting advantage plans around the country, advantage plan insurance companies refuse almost 70% of the medical procedures that you dr wants you to have, whereas, Medicare has no requirement of getting a procedure approved or not, but it’s the big way that insurance companies save money. Advantage plan problems have been raised to congress to get them fixed. Supplements are the only way to go even if it costs a couple hundred a month extra.

[Laurawilcox]

If anyone is working with Village’s Health, please check which Advantage plan they will take next year, 2025. I understand they are paring down to one which was shocking when I heard it. I am not on Medicare yet and will not be on Advantage so didn’t recall where I heard it but advisable to check before you lock down next year’s plan.

[Professor]

Would not go for an Advantage plan under any circumstances. I want to be in charge of my medical care and go where I feel the best care will be for the illness involved. Trying to scrimp on the cost of medical insurance just sounds like a bad idea right from the start...