Community Chat

[TW]

I just got a letter from the only comprehensive Medical Center in our State that has  a level 1 Trauma Unit.  United has asked them to reduce their fees over 40%.  They are trying to negotiate a new contract but if they are not successful they will no longer have United as 'In Network' and costs for patients will increase dramatically.  Specifically Medicare Advantage was mentioned.  So Buyer beware.  What really makes me mad is the fact that United spends Millions on TV Commercials yet asks Hospitals for that reduction during a Pandemic?  The letter also mentioned the huge profits United made last year.  It's disgusting that as a patient we are at the mercy of these greedy insurance companies.  Time for patients to speak up.  I am sure if they are dropped as an insurance provider they would come to their senses.  I am so sick of these money grabbers determening life or death in this country.  The only reason they get away with this is because people don't speak up.

[BLH]

Don't get a medicare advantage plan.  If you have regular medicare and a supplement, you can go to any doctor or hospital in this country.  

[proudlyfromNJ]

I have an advantage plan. I've had no problem finding a doctor.

[Puppy Lips]

Our healthcare system is a mess and there is no easy fix.

[deepwaterdotter]

My primary physician advised me to stay away from Medicare Advantage plans if possible.  I have supplemental insurance.  I am happy with my coverage so far.

[gidgetgh]

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@BLH wrote:

Don't get a medicare advantage plan.  If you have regular medicare and a supplement, you can go to any doctor or hospital in this country.  

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@BLH - any doctor that accepts Medicare. 

[meallen616]

@BLH,

I too have regular Medicare and a supplement, and, do just fine all year long with doctors and hospitals. I am very happy with both!

I was told Medicare Advantage is no advantage at all, at least for me! 

[Love my grandkids]

@TW Just wondering what state you are in?

[Bookplate]

Agreed.  You may be interested in this organization, which is attempting to curb the private insurance,  profit-making, "Advantage" plans which Congress previously authorized.

Home - Protect Medicare

[On It]

United Healthcare has some big merger in the works that is going to give them a great deal more power and control. I do not know the details, but I recall reading that the merger was thought to be problematic.

In the meantime I was forced by the Teacher Retirement System of Texas to go on a United Healthcare Medicare Advantage program. When I first retired I had traditional Medicare and Aetna as a supplement. Then we received a letter saying that we would be using a Humana Medicare Advantage program. Any retiree who withdrew to maintain their independent Medicare could not rejoin the TRS retirement insurance plan. Last year we were shifted to United Healthcare Advantage.

As part of being a teacher in Texas in my younger days, we were promised we would be provided healthcare by the state if our school district did not offer it. As retired teachers TRS was to continue offering insurance coverage. I am afraid to withdraw from the program in case Medicare is defunded. TRS is supposed to pick up our coverage. Whether they will or not is another matter. This is frightening.

I much preferred having Medicare with a supplemental policy.