Wellness

[kivah]

I live in Oxnard, CA (southern calif) and have had SCAN Medicare Advantage Insurance for 9 years. I have an option to switch to Kaiser --- but don't know the differences. I'm happy with SCAN - but wonder if Kaiser is better and cheaper. With SCAN, u can't get supplemental insurance (to pay the 20% balance - as SCAN covers approx. 80%).

[Carmie]

Kivah, as you are probably aware, Medicare Advantage plans do not work like Traditional Medicare. You can't buy supplemental insurance for Advantage Medicare. Advantage plans are all different and not all types are sold in every state. When you choose Advantage, you have to read the policy carefully to compare what is covered and how much is paid for that insurance. I work for a health insurance company but, I have no way to compare SCAN with Kaiser. I think SCAN is an HMO. Is Keiser a PPO or a medical insurance for use with Traditional Medicare? I would advise you to call your local office on the aging and make an appointment to speak with them. They are aware of all the Medicare policies sold in the area where you live and can explain the difference so you can decide which is better for you. If you won't or can't, and you like what you already have, stick with it. If you can provide a website address to both insurance sites, I'd be happy to look them over and compare them for you.

[Q4u]

Oh my goodness... I was born in Oxnard~! My Dad worked at Pt. Mugu, Pt Hueneme! Small World...

I've lived in So Calif my entire life up until four years ago and had Kaiser for about 30 years. We found them to be efficient and effective and my husband's employer paid for well over half so our portion was always relatively small. I found that you have to be willing to speak up, be somewhat aggressive in getting the treatment you need but that's pretty much everywhere anymore.

My parents both had Kaiser later in their lives and they treated my father very well when he became seriously ill and then passed away. The same with my Mom when she got lung cancer. I have had some serious problems (Sarcoidosis, a very serious fall and nearly died) and they treated me very well, sent me to Stat appointments elsewhere when they were booked and thought the Sarcoidosis was cancer.... we've been very impressed with them and wish they were up here in Wyoming.

I'm afraid I don't know Scan in order to give you some differences in which to study.....

[Q4u]

Kaiser is an HMO...

[Annabellethecat66]

I only know that people all around me HATE Kaiser. If someone says they have Kaiser, you'd think they were saying they were dying (I'm not kidding). I've heard people say, "I'm sorry for you".

My friend recently said that to someone. I said to her later, "You can't say that. Maybe they like Kaiser". She said, "Are you kidding? Were you just next to me? Did you hear her complaining about what happened to her Mother"? I shut up.

Just check everything out. Maybe it's better in other places. I just don't know anyone who likes it.

[nomless]

Find a Medicare advisor who can explain the details of both to you.

[Q4u]

On 4/6/2015 annabellethecat said:

I only know that people all around me HATE Kaiser. If someone says they have Kaiser, you'd think they were saying they were dying (I'm not kidding). I've heard people say, "I'm sorry for you".

My friend recently said that to someone. I said to her later, "You can't say that. Maybe they like Kaiser". She said, "Are you kidding? Were you just next to me? Did you hear her complaining about what happened to her Mother"? I shut up.

Just check everything out. Maybe it's better in other places. I just don't know anyone who likes it.

Wow... maybe it's a regional thing but the Kaiser in San Diego as well as their satellite offices and affiliate skilled nursing facilities were good imho... both to my immediate family and to my parents...

But there is one thing... you DO have to speak up, ask questions and be a firm advocate if you have to, but that's pretty much anywhere you go. It's imperative to also have a basic understanding of what's going on, which is not hard to do, just takes some research. But if I heard negative comments from anyone over the 30 years we used Kaiser.... it was mainly because the patient (or patient's family) just went along with what was going on....

[terrier3]

I sell health insurance.

There are many independent places you can go to compare plans - your local senior services department, an independent insurance broker, seminars and health fairs...the booklet you get every year from the feds before open enrollment in the Fall, etc.

Seniors are lucky in this regard - MANY groups are out there to help.

This is a good time to start comparing since you can't switch until October. The insurance companies always keep the best and most experienced benefit consultants on year-round - and they have plenty of time to talk to you now.

You have to SEEK OUT assistance - there are strict laws re: soliciting for Medicare clients.

Good luck!

[goodstuff]

Most Medicare Advantage plans are HMO-type plans with tight networks of providers and facilities and proscribed procedures and benefits. A Medicare Advantage plan supercedes "regular Medicare". It administers your Medicare for you and approves/provides all medical care, and you can't buy another supplemental plan to go with it. If you choose a Medicare supplemental ("Medigap") plan, on the other hand, it goes along with regular Medicare and pays some or all of the costs remaining after Medicare covers its portion of a medical bill.

I'd suggest you look for a good Medicare insurance agency that can give you information on various Medicare supplemental and Medicare Advantage plans available in your area and inform you about the coverage, benefits, and pricing for each. Then you'll have enough information to make a good decision.

[Tinkrbl44]

On 4/6/2015 kivah said:

I live in Oxnard, CA (southern calif) and have had SCAN Medicare Advantage Insurance for 9 years. I have an option to switch to Kaiser --- but don't know the differences. I'm happy with SCAN - but wonder if Kaiser is better and cheaper. With SCAN, u can't get supplemental insurance (to pay the 20% balance - as SCAN covers approx. 80%).

Kivah, I'm in LA and have sold health insurance and supplemental benefits for more than 15 years. Did you change jobs? I'm not sure what qualifies you to switch mid-year, but if it's not a valid change, you could be penalized for doing so.

My suggestion would be to go to ehealthinsurance dot com and click on Medicare. Be sure you are familiar with the difference between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage first ..... then call one of their agents and ask about the specifics of your situation. (Generally speaking, Medicare advantage can have a lower monthly premium, but might have higher charges on an ongoing basis .... I'm generalizing here.)

As for Kaiser (IMO), it's managed care ..... and can be great IF you never get seriously sick .... HOWEVER, if you get seriously ill, you may have to fight to get the right treatments, or go elsewhere and pay out of pocket.

There are many variables, so take this information gathering one step at a time.

Hope this helps.

Tink