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Valued Contributor
Posts: 696
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Thinking of changing health insurance.  I have Medicare with a supplement through husband's employer.  I'm looking into something else.  Can anyone recommend United Healthcare and which Plan.  My current through the employer is expensive.  

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,355
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

It really depends what your medical needs are at the time that you select the plan. No one can make that decision for you.

 

When I selected a supplement for my mother who was in her 90s I took the one that covered everything 100%. Of course it was the most expensive plan but there were no deductibles and copays. She lived to be 101, was in and out of the hospital and had 2 hip replacements. This was an excellent plan for her as she paid nothing for her medical care other than her premiums. 

 

  • For me I have a plan that covers all but 10% and I have to meet a small deductible. I am in good health and do not have any medical conditions so I am very happy with this plan and I have had it for 6 years. If my health was to change I would consider changing my supplement to meet my needs. 

 

We met with an insurance broker who specializes in Medicare . There was no charge for his services and he helped us to make our decisions. We all have or had United Healthcare and I have been pleased with them. Just know that whatever plan you select can be changed at a later date. Hope this helps!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,206
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: HEALTH PLANS

[ Edited ]

You really need to meet w/an insurance broker,maybe 1 or 2. AN independant broker not one that works for a company. One that has your interests in mind.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,129
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

From what I understand...you can change plans but you have to be accepted by the new health plan....when I thought about switching I would have had to submit an application and may or may not be accepted also there are certain plans for different states and areas within that state...

 

I would contact an insurance broker to help you navigate your choices.  He can let you know what is available in your area.

 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,391
Registered: ‎02-07-2011

Agree with previous posters about speaking to someone who knows Medicare and can guide you to the best choice.  

 

I have UHC Medicare Advantage but I have no known health problems and take no drugs.  My monthly premium is $38.  It offers some dental and vision coverage.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,904
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

 

The federal government sets the rules and coverge that companies have to provide for ALL Medicare supplemental plans. Every plan is the same from company to company.  Don't over-pay for coverage.

 

I seriously looked at United Healthcare through AARP but pay $30 less per month for the same plan with Aetna. I've been on Aetna for 13 months now and it's going quite well.

 

My WellCare RX policy is $7.50 a month. But I use GoodRX instead of the policy for my expensive prescription since it takes the cost down way below the WellCare co-pay.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,345
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

I have worked in healthcare x 43 years as a RN in home health care. In our business, we primarly take Medicare but we have patients with Medicare Replacement Plans. We stopped taking United Health Care patients because the reimbursment is so low, that it does not cover our costs. These patients have difficulty finding home health care at the very least. 

I went on Medicare myself June 1, 2023. I have Part A, B and a supplement. My costs are a lot less than my employers insurance. I have the G supplement that pays all of what Medicare does not except for a $230 or so deductible. Based on my experience, I will never change insurance.

My mother was on the same Medicare as me except she had the F supplement with no $230 deductible. She never had a bill and was in and out of the hospital and skilled nursing facilities. She died at age 93.

I would stick to your Medicare and a supplement if you can. Look at the long term costs. What is your deductible going to be? Out of pocket costs? Will you have your choice of providers? 

United Health Care aggressively tried to get me to take their Medicare Replacement Plan. I have seen to many people not get the care that I think they need. The insurance minimized the care. 

I am sure some here will disagree, however I was a Director in home health for years, reviewing patient history's and physical, planning care needs. I would not put my life into United Health Care's or any Medicare replacement Plan's hands if I could avoid it. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,596
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

We have Medicare and Aetna as a supplement, this supplemnt was our primary insurance before my huband retired. The premimums are close to 500 per month but I have not paid a penny since my husband retired and I broke my hip and was in rehab earlier this year

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,650
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

UHC is always sending me flyers advertising their Dual Complete Advantage plan. One needs to have both Medicaid and Medicare to be eligible. I don't have Medicaid, so I wish they would quit bothering me. I'm fine with the supplement I have and don't want UHC. I'm thinking they make money on Dual Complete, otherwise they wouldn't advertise it so much. 

 

"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog."

Mark Twain
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,091
Registered: ‎02-26-2012

I agree with folks who say talk to an ind advisor to figure out what is best for you and who will explain the pros and cons of coverage options. I wish we had done that before going with UHC Medicare Advantage program. We had UHC thru work and had no idea how poor the actual MC coverage would be until my spouse needed rehab care.

 

If I had it to do over, I probably would select original Medicare with part G supplemental and rx coverage. Everyone's situation is different, but I really believe the MA programs, particularly UHC, are not the way to go for getting the best care if and when you need coverage for a medical event. IMO, MA is fine for basic care...like mammograms and annual wellness checks.

 

Good luck and I hope you find the right coverage for yourself.

"What we practice daily is what we build a life on. Practice peace, love & kindness."