topic Re: Those on Medicare in Community Chat

Those on Medicare

Kalli — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:42:36 GMT

Just looking for responses if you care to do so ...

I always had great health coverage when I worked. After retiring and going on Medicare I've had 2 health issues in the last 6 months which I don't feel were treated promptly or correctly. Both times I was telling the healthcare folks something was wrong and they weren't listening. Both times, I was correct in what I thought was going on and they totally discounted it.

My question is: If you're on Medicare, do you feel you're no longer important enough to be given a timely appt because they don't get enough reimbursement for you as for those who are under 65 and are not on Medicare but have other insurance?? (sorry for the run-on sentence)

**What do you do when you're absolutely desperate for treatment, can't get a timely appt and no one will listen to you?

**What do you do when time goes on and your situation keeps getting worse?

Re: Those on Medicare

deepwaterdotter — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:52:00 GMT

FortunateIy, I haven't had your experience. I would go to urgent care/emergency room if I need immediate treatment.

Re: Those on Medicare

fingerlakesny — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:50:33 GMT

All of my health care providers treat me the same, nothing has changed because I am now on Medicare. The only thing different, is that a couple of my doctors retired and they are having a hard time replacing them. It now takes longer to get appointments because the other doctors had to absorb their patients. I live in a very rural area. Maybe it is different in a city. I don't know.

Re: Those on Medicare

qvcaddition — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:54:47 GMT

I have had to fight for my B12 shots. Because I am elderly, my Dr. said they do not want to give certain test for cancer like colonoscoy and a few others, because at your mine age, you will pass before the cancer gets aggresivive.

I still fight for everything because it's my right. Eventually my Dr. gives in rather than my ranting and raving.

As elderly we are disposable in this country, because I was told we don't contribute anymore.

Well, my test are coming through.

Re: Those on Medicare

FranandZoe — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:02:39 GMT

I can't imagine health care providers treating Medicare patients differently. They choose to accept Medicare.

If you're with the same provider that you had when you were working and you feel you're being treated differently maybe try talking to the dr or office manager. Ask them about it. You can also file a complaint or appeal with Medicare.

Or maybe you need to change doctors.

Re: Those on Medicare

gidgetgh — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:14:17 GMT

I went on Medicare October 2020.

No complaints from me so far. Fortunately, I haven't had to go to the doctor very often at all, but have experienced no difference in scheduling or level of treatment.

In February, 2021, out of nowhere, I got a severe cramp in my leg. I called an orthopedist and they got me in that afternoon. When I got there, before they x-ray'd , I told them I thought it might be a blood clot. They said nah, no way. X-rays were negative for anything bone related.

While they were doing the X-rays, they called an ultrasound facility up the street who got me in right then. Yep, as I suspected, blood clot, a huge one. They sent me to the hospital for admission, I was admitted and treated. Stayed there for 3 nights.

Absolutely no complaints about Medicare from me so far.

Re: Those on Medicare

shoesnbags — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:07:23 GMT

@Kalli

I've been on regular Medicare with a supplement for years now and haven't noticed any difference in how I'm treated.

If I was not getting the care I feel that I need, I would see a different doctor. I definitely wouldn't let it just go on and keep getting worse. But my answer to your question is a definite NO.

Re: Those on Medicare

Shelbelle — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:11:49 GMT

No changes for us. Excellent doctors and care.

Re: Those on Medicare

Kalli — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:13:15 GMT

@deepwaterdotter wrote:
FortunateIy, I haven't had your experience. I would go to urgent care/emergency room if I need immediate treatment.

@deepwaterdotter I did try Urgent Care. They misdiagnosed my situation and consequently it got worse because time ticked by as we sought treatment for what I thought it really was.

It's in the Pet Lovers forum under My Nightmare but I caution you, it's long and not a nice topic to read about.

Re: Those on Medicare

ALRATIBA — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:26:09 GMT

I've been on Medicare for 12 years (primary with a secondary covereage via retiement benefit)

I can just go on "my chart" and make appointments.

A few years ago - my doc referred me to specialist ... I had to wait until specialist came back from vacation. Other than that - no issues whatsoever.

BUT - I'm in NYC - lots of doctors and hospitals. There are walk-in urgent care (Doc-in-a-box) offices that are great for something urgent, that's not an emergency.

Re: Those on Medicare

FranandZoe — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:31:16 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:
I've been on Medicare for 12 years (primary with a secondary covereage via retiement benefit)

I can just go on "my chart" and make appointments.

A few years ago - my doc referred me to specialist ... I had to wait until specialist came back from vacation. Other than that - no issues whatsoever.

BUT - I'm in NYC - lots of doctors and hospitals. There are walk-in urgent care (Doc-in-a-box) offices that are great for something urgent, that's not an emergency.

It's true when you're in a bigger city things are different - I'm close to Pittsburgh - lots of options. Lots of great health care.

Re: Those on Medicare

On It — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:34:17 GMT

The doctor in question may have had his practice purchased by a corporation which is setting parameters for the practice. That includes time in the exam room, increased number of patients, responding to patient phone or email inquiries, and decreasing the length of time between follow up visits. They are emphasizing the bottom line, not patient care.

It happened to my doctor, and we are searching for a better situation.

Re: Those on Medicare

Trailrun23 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:38:20 GMT

I have definitely seen a difference between how those who are on plain Medicare and those who also have a supplement or advantage plan. I had a dr tell me when I was 60 that since I was "so elderly" he would have to change my meds, since I would no longer be able to metabolize them properly. I congratulated him for being the first person to call me "so elderly". He turned beet-red but I think he got my point.
Unfortunately, my dr and DH's pcp both retired after many years of excellent care. It is sI hard finding someone new. Many drs in our area are not even taking new patients right now.

Re: Those on Medicare

Porcelain — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:52:21 GMT

Just be grateful while you still have it. Get as much medical care completed and paid for as you can this year. Have alternate funds ready for your healthcare for the next several years. Bumpy ride ahead for retirees. Please do not be shocked and unprepared later. The unthinkable happens daily these days.

Re: Those on Medicare

Liamsworld — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:53:18 GMT

I understand this completely and I've also felt like this since having to switch to Medicare (and Medicaid) due to an unexpected disability. Like you, I had impeccable health coverage thru an outstanding co I worked for 26+ yrs, I immediately felt some sort of shift. To make it less uncomfortable I've opted to telahealth appts. It's probably nothing and all in my head but I totally understand what you're saying..

Re: Those on Medicare

millieshops — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:55:18 GMT

@qvcaddition Your gastro gave you a different message than mine gave me when he scheduled me for my last colonoscopy. His strong recommendation to me was that because the anesthesia becomes more dangerous and there's increased chances of a puncture wound in an old intestine, he would not chose another ROUTINE screening colonoscopy.

He left it open for my having another one if I developed symptoms. I was 78 when we did the consulting appointment, but 79 for the actual procedure. When he came to the recovery room as I was waking, he immediately assured me I was free of any signs of disease, but he repeated his belief that I shouldn't undergo another unless my body functions changed.

I was insulted and didn't feel he put me out to pasture to eat my way into oblivion.

Re: Those on Medicare

spent2much — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 20:55:29 GMT

@Kalli I'm SO sorry that this has been your experience. I have Medicare and a supplemental plan and I haven't had any problems. I live in CT. If you're able, you might want to switch doctors.

Re: Those on Medicare

FranandZoe — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:03:05 GMT

@millieshops wrote:
@qvcaddition Your gastro gave you a different message than mine gave me when he scheduled me for my last colonoscopy. His strong recommendation to me was that because the anesthesia becomes more dangerous and there's increased chances of a puncture wound in an old intestine, he would not chose another ROUTINE screening colonoscopy.

He left it open for my having another one if I developed symptoms. I was 78 when we did the consulting appointment, but 79 for the actual procedure. When he came to the recovery room as I was waking, he immediately assured me I was free of any signs of disease, but he repeated his belief that I shouldn't undergo another unless my body functions changed.

I was insulted and didn't feel he put me out to pasture to eat my way into oblivion.

Why were you insulted? Sounds like he was really looking out for you.

Re: Those on Medicare

sunshine45 — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:08:09 GMT

my mom is on medicare.

she prefers to see the doctor, but they always give her the nurse practitioner.

she definitely has to fight with them to schedule a DOCTORS appointment.

they are also slow with her prescription refills and she often has to follow up on those when her pharmacy tells her they only sent them 2 prescriptions instead of 3 or more.

Re: Those on Medicare

Carmie — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 21:13:28 GMT

Medicare does not usually pay a lower fee than most insurance companies. The fact is, other health insurers following the Medicare UCR fee allowance.

Of course, there are exceptions for some procedures.

More likely, some doctors just push older people off and can't be bothered. Speak up!