General Discussion

LilElf70

(224 posts) Mon Sep 16, 2024, 08:34 PM Monday

Holy shit. Be prepared for the consumer to get screwed on your healthcare advantage programs. [View all]

It's that time of year to make a decision on your healthcare for next year. I just got my 2025 Medicare benefit package from Aetna. Everything is worse. From Medical, to Drugs, to ambulance rides, to dental, hearing, vision, fitness. It goes on and on. I'd like to hear from others on this subject. Especially ones that have started receiving the bad news. It's pretty horrendous. There are so many negative changes that I can't list them all here.

I find it very strange that this is happening. Up to now, each year it has become better for us seniors as far as healthcare is concerned for Medicare consumers. Is this political? Is it greed? I don't know yet. A lot of us have used the medicare dollars to purchase these "Medicare Advantage" programs on the market in the past. It was proven to be better than original Medicare. You always got more for your buck. Those days now appear to be over.

So why now? Why so drastic? I will be contacting my Medicare broker tomorrow and talk to her about this whole situation. I'm sure Aetna is not the only company doing this. If I find out anything new from her, I'll post it here.

Be prepared. The bad news is probably on its way to your mailbox.

This is total bullshit!!!

Buyer beware. It's coming.

Am I pissed? You bet I am. Just one more way to screw the seniors in this country. When are we ever going to catch a break?

237 replies

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Holy shit. Be prepared for the consumer to get screwed on your healthcare advantage programs. [View all] LilElf70 Monday OP

I would never purchase Medicare Advantage radical noodle Monday #1

I've had an Advantage plan for five years. Costs me $0 additional. I love it. Sibelius Fan Monday #3

I have the same thing. 0 out of pocket LilElf70 Monday #6

it's costs the governemnt and the taxpayers PLENTY Skittles Monday #7

It is part of Medicare. former9thward Monday #23

Calling Advantage "Part C" is part of the bait & switch dflprincess Monday #39

Clinics love to overbill and upbill routine procedures. former9thward Monday #42

Clinic systems have contracts with insurers and the reimbursement rates are already negotiated dflprincess Monday #52

How is your friend Blue_Roses Tuesday #151

Hanging in there dflprincess Tuesday #163

Oh, that's great! Blue_Roses 23 hrs ago #231

We agree. Silent Type Monday #108

Quick Tip. OldBaldy1701E Tuesday #156

Agree. former9thward Tuesday #168

Medicare Advantage is privatized Medicare vapor2 Monday #48

They get commissions on advantage and drug plans too, which are private insurers. Silent Type Monday #109

Thanks for this article. Nt spooky3 Monday #35

Traditional Medicare is paid for by the government too. Demsrule86 Tuesday #187

EDUCATE YOURSELF Skittles Yesterday #222

doctor's visitss VGuerra276 Monday #27

My GP visits are $5. All my prescriptions except one are $0. enough Monday #34

I have no copay for doctor visits. Generic drugs are $0. A three-month supply of Sibelius Fan Tuesday #181

In 5 years. "0" out of pocket. Medicare a UH advantage plan. OAITW r.2.0 Tuesday #127

What supplement do you have? jmbar2 Monday #12

I have Florida Blue radical noodle Monday #25

Thanks for the info jmbar2 Tuesday #118

In the last few years radical noodle Tuesday #159

So true jmbar2 Tuesday #167

I have $2000 worth of dental work that needs to be done next month which I now will get done elocs Tuesday #173

Is that Medigap, or an Advantage plan? jmbar2 Tuesday #175

Advantage. But Wisconsin's Medicaid (BadgerCare) has dental coverage. n/t elocs Tuesday #183

Humana has a plan which covers dental extensively in Ohio...I have never been on it but good reviews. Demsrule86 Tuesday #188

Thanks for the info - will put it on my research list for Oregon jmbar2 17 hrs ago #235

Fortunately, I have had excellent coverage from the UHC Advantage Plan. elocs Tuesday #177

"I know some people are limited financially and must go with what they can afford" elocs Tuesday #176

Call your local Council on Aging and/or your senior center SheltieLover Monday #106

Great advice - thank you so much jmbar2 Tuesday #119

You are most welcome! SheltieLover Tuesday #125

Here is the Medicare.gov website detailing the gap plans SheltieLover Tuesday #129

Thanks again! jmbar2 Tuesday #137

YW! SheltieLover Tuesday #140

You can't get F anymore. G is now the one to get. kerry-is-my-prez Tuesday #184

Bummer! SheltieLover Tuesday #185

I could not afford any of these plans...and it is still private insurance. Demsrule86 Tuesday #190

Yes - you have to be able to afford it. On the other hand, having to pay the 20% of B could be bankrupting. kerry-is-my-prez Tuesday #215

"Supplement" is the wrong term if you are talking about privatized Medicare Jmb 4 Harris-Walz Tuesday #192

If something seems too good to be true, it definitely is. We won't get Medicare Advantage either. lostnfound Monday #16

Yup, Medicare Advantage is privatized Medicare. My concierge dr won't take you if you have a disadvantage program vapor2 Monday #50

Your concierge doc probably does not take traditional Medicare either, especially new patients. Silent Type Monday #110

Who is your supplement with? MiKenMi33 Monday #54

AARP United Health Care Medicare supplement we can do it Monday #95

Thank you! MiKenMi33 Monday #115

Thanks! jmbar2 Tuesday #120

Not everyone has guaranteed issue for a Medigap policy dlk Monday #82

You are initially, don't fall for advantage if you're going to be new to Medicare. we can do it Monday #97

It must be nice to have the choice because many of us do not. n/t elocs Tuesday #174

I think it all depends on the Advantage Plan that was chosen. There are several to choose from; suggest you Jmb 4 Harris-Walz Tuesday #194

Max out-of-pocket for prescriptions drops to $2000 next year. That's $3,000 in savings. Sibelius Fan Monday #2

I think that's a big deal; however I'm not sure what that will do to premiums. Silent Type Monday #111

From what i have read BigMin28 Monday #4

Not difficult, but it requires planning: NameAlreadyTaken Monday #43

You can switch back to Original Medicare. Demobrat Monday #77

Pricing of those Medigap plans, slightlv Monday #99

Get a new plan...you can switch Advantage plans. Demsrule86 Tuesday #191

The switch is possible in some states but not all. nt pnwmom Tuesday #131

I'm almost reluctant to comment soandso Tuesday #217

I spent 46 days in hospital, had open heart surgery, two subsequent heart surgeries and take Eliquis- Demsrule86 Monday #46

What health care plan do you have? n/t halobeam Monday #67

Humana Gold Advantage PPR give back ( GB means I get just over 100 back monthly from part B) Demsrule86 Tuesday #193

What "plan" are you referring to which you have if I may inquire? Tarzanrock Monday #73

Part C is medicare advantage Kali999 Monday #86

I have Humana Gold. You have regular Medicare. I couldn't afford it. I pay no premiums and get 100 + a month back in Demsrule86 Tuesday #186

Part C is Advantage...you have traditional now. And Medigap covers the 20% Part B doesn't cover and insurance companies Demsrule86 Tuesday #198

I have gym membership free with my supplement and can go to any doc who takes Medicare w/o asking insurance permission. we can do it Monday #100

It was signed in 1997. jimfields33 Monday #107

I'm sorry. leftieNanner Monday #5

Same here Rebl2 Monday #38

Do you realize that Advantage plans are private plans and not Medicare plans? Think. Again. Monday #8

The U.S. government and Medicare says you are wrong. former9thward Monday #20

Nope, Advantage plans are offered and run by private companies... Think. Again. Monday #24

It is part C of Medicare. former9thward Monday #32

You should read the link you provided. Think. Again. Monday #37

Your statement is not true. Big Blue Marble Monday #47

Part C is part of Medicare. former9thward Monday #53

Part C is only nominally a Medicare Option. Big Blue Marble Monday #76

THIS!!! MotownPgh Tuesday #152

And insurance companies sell Medi-gap policies...so I don't see the difference. Demsrule86 Tuesday #199

Then you need to study the system. Big Blue Marble Tuesday #207

That is your opinion. I have advantage and I get 100 per month back on part B, no premium and everything is Demsrule86 Tuesday #209

It is more than my opinion. Big Blue Marble Tuesday #216

Amen LilElf70 21 hrs ago #233

Medicare works with it, but doesn't administer it. Medicare gives Medicare Advantage pnwmom Tuesday #142

That's just a label -- it means it's approved by Medicare as an option, but it's not managed pnwmom Tuesday #135

That's a practical fallacy!! Tadpole Raisin Tuesday #154

Your drug and MediGap policy are private too. And private insurance companies do all the admin Silent Type Monday #113

So is Medi-gap coverage. I don't see the difference. Other than I pay more for traditional. Demsrule86 Tuesday #195

The difference is Medicare is a government program while Advantage (and medi-gap) are corporate programs. Think. Again. Tuesday #200

No, they are private plans that Medicare regulates and pays on your behalf. The plans aren't run by Medicare. pnwmom Monday #83

That is BS. Unless you want to pay 20 % out of pocket, you have to get an additional plan with a commercial insurer Demsrule86 Monday #49

The supplement plans are not subject to networks or preapprovals dflprincess Monday #55

That is not true. My sister in law had regular Medicare and she was denied care. They can and will deny you. Demsrule86 Tuesday #204

She should have fought that denial dflprincess Tuesday #214

Are you asking me how a federal plan is different from a commercial plan? Think. Again. Monday #56

I am sorry Aetna which has a medi-gap plan is not a government insurer. Demsrule86 Tuesday #205

Exactly! You're SO close! Think. Again. Tuesday #208

You misinterpret...you pay Medi-gap plans for coverage..and these plans are insurance based...not different that Demsrule86 Tuesday #210

I never meant to be arguing, but you're right, let's just drop it. Think. Again. Tuesday #212

The difference is whether your own doctors and hospital decide on the care you need, pnwmom Monday #87

You are kidding yourself if you think traditional Medicare doesn't deny certain procedures. Demsrule86 Tuesday #206

The Advantage plans have limited provider networks, which can eliminate pnwmom Yesterday #224

The supplement plans are basically check-writing plans. Ms. Toad Monday #96

Supplements are private insurance plans, though with little discretion. As are drug plans, Silent Type Monday #114

But the lack of discretion is the key piece. pnwmom Tuesday #130

You need to take a look at original Medicare policies that limit all kinds of coverage for "excessive" Silent Type Tuesday #132

Original Medicare doesn't restrict you to certain doctors or hospitals. pnwmom Tuesday #136

+1. An extremely important distinction dalton99a Tuesday #121

Medicare Advantage DC77 Monday #9

I have never been LilElf70 Monday #22

I'm really glad it's worked so well for you up to now. It appears less stellar in other regions. I'm sorry the LauraInLA Monday #98

Have you or your wife ever needed X-ray treatments that cost more than $10K each? pnwmom Tuesday #128

Bad news. Private insurers get paid billions to administer original Medicare too. So you Silent Type Monday #116

No, they don't. Medicare itself administers Parts A & b with the money people pay into it. pnwmom Tuesday #150

Absolutely wrong. Private insurers have subsidiaries that administer original Medicare. Give me your state and Silent Type Tuesday #165

Medicare "Advantage" is a rip off.... gainesvillenole Monday #10

what is a supplement and who makes them nt msongs Monday #15

Insurance companies make them, I guess. My mother, who died in 2009, had the United American supplemental plan, LauraInLA Monday #103

AARP is one place that sells a good supplement. nt pnwmom Tuesday #178

I went through a broker who does both Supplemental or Advantage. kerry-is-my-prez Tuesday #189

+1 dalton99a Monday #19

I live in Cleveland on my Advantage plan...I can us Cleveland Clinic, UH or Metro...all fine insurers. Demsrule86 Monday #51

It's Only An HMO RobinA Tuesday #169

yeah I had read that would be happening Skittles Monday #11

Medicare "advantage" Cirsium Monday #13

I agree LilElf70 Monday #18

all the money being wasted on the "Advantage" scam Skittles Monday #78

Bill Clinton was the one that signed it into law in 1997 MichMan Monday #28

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Monday #45

"No Democrat should be supporting or praising this right wing privatization scam, this assault on Medicare. " MichMan Monday #57

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Monday #58

Show me where I have a history of jumping on Bill Clinton MichMan Monday #62

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Monday #71

He was wrong Cirsium Tuesday #170

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Tuesday #182

I have family in Ireland and universal is not working real well lately. Demsrule86 Tuesday #211

Fox in the henhouse Cirsium 16 hrs ago #236

thank you Skittles Monday #44

I stuck with regular Medicare. Ocelot II Monday #14

That's the way to go BOSSHOG Monday #31

LOL Auggie Monday #60

My 2024 benefits LilElf70 Monday #17

the 2025 changes that save the beneficiaries money shift the financial burden to the plans Coexist Monday #21

Once you get locked in, it may be difficult to go back to original Medicare. They now own you. keithbvadu2 Monday #26

THIS Auggie Monday #61

You can go back to original Medicare (parts a & b) at any time during open enrollment hot2na Tuesday #149

You can go back to traditional. Big Blue Marble Tuesday #218

Just getting caught up to the inflationary effects the last few years MichMan Monday #29

Rightly or wrongly, MA rates were cut. Personally, until our government-- regardless of party -- Silent Type Monday #30

For comparison with Traditional Medicare plus supplement Otto_Harper Monday #33

Thom Hartmann has talked about Medicare Advantage pitfalls repeatedly live love laugh Monday #36

Most people that dislike dabbing LilElf70 Monday #59

The issue is the trade-off. We turned down Advantage and its freebies (free dental, gym, etc) pnwmom Monday #80

Might be worth checking the AARP United HC Medicare Supplement. It provides gym memberships. we can do it Monday #104

We could afford a gym membership if we wanted one. What we can't afford pnwmom Tuesday #126

I get it. Your situation like half of Medicare eligible people is unfortunate and you're right Cheezoholic Monday #85

Bingo!!! Rhiannon12866 Monday #102

So sorry you're facing that LearnedHand Monday #40

I plan to stick with traditional Medicare when I retire next spring dflprincess Monday #41

Wow. I've had an Advantage plan for 10 years. Joinfortmill Monday #63

There's An Element On DU RobinA Tuesday #172

Medicare advantage is NO ADVANTAGE AT ALL. READ THE FINE PRINT. ashredux Monday #64

If you already have Medicare Part "A;" Part "B;" and, Part "D" ... Tarzanrock Monday #65

Part C is an "advantage" plan SheltieLover Tuesday #133

Thanks. I appreciate the reply and the answer. Tarzanrock Tuesday #146

Medigap coverage pays copays & possibly other charges. SheltieLover Tuesday #147

I get Medicare and pay UH @ $300/m0. 70 YO. OAITW r.2.0 Monday #66

300 a month? LilElf70 Monday #89

Stay with real Medicare. Advantage will eventually rip you off. Liberal In Texas Monday #68

Less hospital overnights paid IGoToDU Monday #69

Did you recently have a milestone birthday? SocialDemocrat61 Monday #70

We are looking for a plan now samplegirl Monday #72

Call you senior center and / or council on aging. SheltieLover Tuesday #138

Why now? Because they wait till it's too late for you to switch back to Medicare, pnwmom Monday #74

Well, CMS is cutting rates for next year. Whether that is justification for cutting "extra" benefits Silent Type Tuesday #123

Medicare Advantage has always been a scam! WVreaper Monday #75

As a pharmacy tech... buzzycrumbhunger Monday #84

When I was checking policies bobandrileysmom Monday #79

Medicare Advantage is a ripoff, and I would never choose such a plan. Buyer beware! Martin68 Monday #81

Consumer expert Clark Howard: Why I Think Medicare Advantage Plans Stink Pinback Monday #88

❣️ . . . . . . . Seek advice from your local HICAP advisor . . . . . . . ❣️ CoopersDad Monday #90

It's an election year. And the current administration is democratic. Vdizzle Monday #91

First thread of ten thousand! dpibel Monday #92

The private insurers running MA plans have been subsidized, to the disadvantage of regular Medicare. Ms. Toad Monday #93

It's happening now to affect the election. ecstatic Monday #94

No, I think people are just bringing it up, to shed medicare in a bad light during an election, and stoke discontent. Think. Again. Tuesday #122

If we're going anecdotal... markodochartaigh Monday #101

It's amazing how it's always the friend of a sister dpibel Tuesday #117

I saw tens of thousands of my husband's co-retirees threatened with the loss of their doctors pnwmom Tuesday #134

Almost... dpibel Tuesday #141

That kind of BS doesn't go on between regular Medicare and providers. pnwmom Tuesday #143

That's a bit of a diversion, isn't it? dpibel Tuesday #145

The people screwed by advantage are dead...they aren't going to answer questionseverything Tuesday #155

One of the biggest providers in the city will not take Advantage anymore. kerry-is-my-prez Tuesday #202

My friend needed a cochlear implant mcar Tuesday #164

Need advice! I have original Medicare and I want to add Medigap (in Minnesota) now KatK Monday #105

There are no pre-existing conditions for a Medigap plan. Ms. Toad Tuesday #197

I've had an Advantage plan for about 20 years. Dem2theMax Monday #112

Lots of people are happy with MA. That's why 52% of Medicare beneficiaries choose it. Silent Type Tuesday #124

When they join they can only hope they'll be happy long term. And in most states, if you wait too long to switch back, pnwmom Tuesday #139

I know, some folks think that 52% are too stupid to make the right decision for them. Silent Type Tuesday #166

In the insurance industry they have a phrase moniss Tuesday #144

Medicare Disadvantage - 11 years ago when I was considering 'Advantage' plans, that's what an agent called it GoneOffShore Tuesday #148

I posted about this awhile back. Supposedly it is the unintended Tadpole Raisin Tuesday #153

ISN'T MEDICARE ADVANTAGE A REPUBLICAN INVENTION HagathaCrispy Tuesday #157

If it involves profiting off the average American and Tadpole Raisin Tuesday #158

Actually Bill Clinton signed it into law. Silent Type Tuesday #179

There is nothing free, especially from a health insurance Co.. nt Hotler Tuesday #160

Hospitals are dropping Medicare Advantage plans left and right dalton99a Tuesday #161

hospitals and clinics are not getting adequate reimbursement from them travelingthrulife Tuesday #162

I gave up on them. I just use regular Medicare Part A & B. n/t Jacson6 Tuesday #171

Medicare DISadvantage has always been trash. Jirel Tuesday #180

How did I know that the doom and gloom post would be from a relatively new member? ZonkerHarris Tuesday #196

You're a real LilElf70 22 hrs ago #232

ironic from you ZonkerHarris 18 hrs ago #234

Not really. LilElf70 14 hrs ago #237

I get a ton of calls trying to sell me an advantage plan LetMyPeopleVote Tuesday #201

Medicare Advantage is designed to destroy Medicare. Eliot Rosewater Tuesday #203

This sums it up perfectly. Big Blue Marble Tuesday #219

In case you haven't noticed, the only significant upgrades to our healthcare system-- ACA, drug plans, Medicaid Silent Type Yesterday #220

Amen LilElf70 Yesterday #226

THANK YOU Skittles Yesterday #223

There is nothing more confusing than Medicare. I still haven't wrapped my head around it but someone stopped me from kerry-is-my-prez Tuesday #213

I have Medicare and Tricare for Life so I don't need or want Medicare Advantage LogDog75 Yesterday #221

UPDATE: LilElf70 Yesterday #225

You also need to understand that moniss Yesterday #227

I get what you're saying LilElf70 Yesterday #228

Amen and I have written before about moniss Yesterday #230

All the back-and-forthing is moot to me. Straw Man Yesterday #229