[Dusty_Star]

An interesting article about Medicare Advantage plans. "It's one of those things that people might like them on the front end because of their low to zero premiums and if they are getting a couple of these extra benefits — the vision, dental, that kind of thing," says Christine Huberty, a lead benefit specialist supervising attorney for the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

"But it's when they actually need to use it for these bigger issues," Huberty says, "that's when people realize, 'Oh no, this isn't going to help me at all.'"

Medicare Advantage plans are popular, but some seniors feel trapped when ill : Shots - Health News : NPR

[villagetinker]

AMEN, we were lucky enough to realize the problem and get back to traditional Medicare before the cutoff, and this was years ago.

Remember Medicare is health coverage you are in charge of, Advantage plans are MANAGED plans, and you are no longer in charge of your health care.

[Altavia]

I can tell horror stories of chemo patients where their hospital and Doctors dropped our of their Advantage plan and they had find and switch to someone new.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

An interesting article about Medicare Advantage plans. "It's one of those things that people might like them on the front end because of their low to zero premiums and if they are getting a couple of these extra benefits — the vision, dental, that kind of thing," says Christine Huberty, a lead benefit specialist supervising attorney for the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

"But it's when they actually need to use it for these bigger issues," Huberty says, "that's when people realize, 'Oh no, this isn't going to help me at all.'"

Medicare Advantage plans are popular, but some seniors feel trapped when ill : Shots - Health News : NPR

And that’s exactly why there are stipulations in place that require no medical underwriting when one initially signs up for a supplemental plan, but subjects one to medical underwriting if they later attempt to switch from an advantage plan to a supplemental plan. Otherwise, it would be a no brainer for healthy people to simply select a cheap to no cost advantage plan and then switch to a supplemental plan when their health care needs become costly.

[Michael 61]

Not 65 yet, but doing the homework now - when that time comes I think Original Medicare + Supplement will be the way to go. I’m healthy now, but who knows what the future holds - need to plan long-term. Don’t want my health “managed” by a medical insurance claims adjuster.

[gatorbill1]

Have had advantage plans since I went on Medicare. Various plans. Never had anything denied, and I have had a LOT of stuff done.

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Not 65 yet, but doing the homework now - when that time comes I think Original Medicare + Supplement will be the way to go. I’m healthy now, but who knows what the future holds - need to plan long-term. Don’t want my health “managed” by a medical insurance claims adjuster.

I too did research before I turned 65, visited the library & read books about Medicare. I was really glad I took that approach. When you near 65 the Advantage plans bombard your mail with glossy, sophisticated, entreaties to purchase their plans. Due to my research, I decided on original Medicare with a supplement plan & plan D, the drug plan. I am in good health, & take no medications. But signing up for a plan D is crucial as the government penalizes those who don't sign up & the penalty is lifelong. I felt that without doing the research it would have been really easy to join an Advantage plan, & that would not have been in my long term best interests.
Good luck with your homework 👍

[NotGolfer]

We're on Florida Blue and haven't regretted it once. NO issues with it so far and it's been two years---we're coming up on three. But that's just us!! When we moved here 14 yrs ago it was a nightmare---especially if hospitalized I went in and they'd never heard of my primary. To fill out all the paperwork at each clinic was another issue (for me at least). I like having a patient portal where all my providers have access. Did I mention we're a part of TVH? LOVE that too....

[Danth1980]

My wife and I both have Advantage plans (from different companies), I have had heart and pancreas issues that have plagued me. She has had breast cancer and now lung cancer. These advantage plans have been wonderful for both of us. I was twice in the hospital with pancreas issues $90 bill after all kinds of procedures and test. My wife has had more test than I can count and 3 surgeries in the last 2 years with at least one coming next month an MRI yesterday and another MRI plus a biopsy next week. We have had no problem with doctors and minimal expenses. We are staying with the Advantage Plans.

[RPDaly]

///

[rustyp]

In 2023, 51% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans instead of Original Medicare

[melpetezrinski]

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star

An interesting article about Medicare Advantage plans. "It's one of those things that people might like them on the front end because of their low to zero premiums and if they are getting a couple of these extra benefits — the vision, dental, that kind of thing," says Christine Huberty, a lead benefit specialist supervising attorney for the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources.

"But it's when they actually need to use it for these bigger issues," Huberty says, "that's when people realize, 'Oh no, this isn't going to help me at all.'"

Medicare Advantage plans are popular, but some seniors feel trapped when ill : Shots - Health News : NPR

My father in law has United Health Medicare Advantage and his bill for stays at The Villages Hospital, Shands and two facilities in Ocala totaled over $700,000. This was over the course of a few months for a significant stroke. He also incurred 10's of thousands of additional expenses for treatment. All he had to pay was his out of pocket max of $2,700. At one facility, he tried an experimental, robotic device to help with his walking. Nothing was denied and this is why we just switched my mother in law to an advantage plan. We all live in TV.

[Rainger99]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Remember Medicare is health coverage you are in charge of, Advantage plans are MANAGED plans, and you are no longer in charge of your health care.

So does that mean that Medicare will pay any medical bill - or is there some oversight?

[kkingston57]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

We're on Florida Blue and haven't regretted it once. NO issues with it so far and it's been two years---we're coming up on three. But that's just us!! When we moved here 14 yrs ago it was a nightmare---especially if hospitalized I went in and they'd never heard of my primary. To fill out all the paperwork at each clinic was another issue (for me at least). I like having a patient portal where all my providers have access. Did I mention we're a part of TVH? LOVE that too....

Also have Florida Blue. Was told that I could see any doctor but would have to pay out of network price. Noted that a lot of Advantage plans are paying for unusual items like groceries, These are health insurances.

[Rainger99]

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in 2024 - NerdWallet