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Holy shit. Be prepared for the consumer to get screwed on your healthcare advantage programs. [View all] LilElf70 Sep 16 OP

I would never purchase Medicare Advantage radical noodle Sep 16 #1

I've had an Advantage plan for five years. Costs me $0 additional. I love it. Sibelius Fan Sep 16 #3

I have the same thing. 0 out of pocket LilElf70 Sep 16 #6

it's costs the governemnt and the taxpayers PLENTY Skittles Sep 16 #7

It is part of Medicare. former9thward Sep 16 #23

Calling Advantage "Part C" is part of the bait & switch dflprincess Sep 16 #39

Clinics love to overbill and upbill routine procedures. former9thward Sep 16 #42

Clinic systems have contracts with insurers and the reimbursement rates are already negotiated dflprincess Sep 16 #52

How is your friend Blue_Roses Sep 17 #151

Hanging in there dflprincess Sep 17 #163

Oh, that's great! Blue_Roses Sep 18 #231

We agree. Silent Type Sep 16 #108

Quick Tip. OldBaldy1701E Sep 17 #156

Agree. former9thward Sep 17 #168

Medicare Advantage is privatized Medicare vapor2 Sep 16 #48

They get commissions on advantage and drug plans too, which are private insurers. Silent Type Sep 16 #109

Thanks for this article. Nt spooky3 Sep 16 #35

Traditional Medicare is paid for by the government too. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #187

EDUCATE YOURSELF Skittles Sep 18 #222

doctor's visitss VGuerra276 Sep 16 #27

My GP visits are $5. All my prescriptions except one are $0. enough Sep 16 #34

I have no copay for doctor visits. Generic drugs are $0. A three-month supply of Sibelius Fan Sep 17 #181

In 5 years. "0" out of pocket. Medicare a UH advantage plan. OAITW r.2.0 Sep 17 #127

What supplement do you have? jmbar2 Sep 16 #12

I have Florida Blue radical noodle Sep 16 #25

Thanks for the info jmbar2 Sep 16 #118

In the last few years radical noodle Sep 17 #159

So true jmbar2 Sep 17 #167

I have $2000 worth of dental work that needs to be done next month which I now will get done elocs Sep 17 #173

Is that Medigap, or an Advantage plan? jmbar2 Sep 17 #175

Advantage. But Wisconsin's Medicaid (BadgerCare) has dental coverage. n/t elocs Sep 17 #183

Humana has a plan which covers dental extensively in Ohio...I have never been on it but good reviews. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #188

Thanks for the info - will put it on my research list for Oregon jmbar2 Sep 18 #235

Fortunately, I have had excellent coverage from the UHC Advantage Plan. elocs Sep 17 #177

"I know some people are limited financially and must go with what they can afford" elocs Sep 17 #176

Call your local Council on Aging and/or your senior center SheltieLover Sep 16 #106

Great advice - thank you so much jmbar2 Sep 16 #119

You are most welcome! SheltieLover Sep 17 #125

Here is the Medicare.gov website detailing the gap plans SheltieLover Sep 17 #129

Thanks again! jmbar2 Sep 17 #137

YW! SheltieLover Sep 17 #140

You can't get F anymore. G is now the one to get. kerry-is-my-prez Sep 17 #184

Bummer! SheltieLover Sep 17 #185

I could not afford any of these plans...and it is still private insurance. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #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 Sep 17 #215

"Supplement" is the wrong term if you are talking about privatized Medicare Jmb 4 Harris-Walz Sep 17 #192

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

Yup, Medicare Advantage is privatized Medicare. My concierge dr won't take you if you have a disadvantage program vapor2 Sep 16 #50

Your concierge doc probably does not take traditional Medicare either, especially new patients. Silent Type Sep 16 #110

Who is your supplement with? MiKenMi33 Sep 16 #54

AARP United Health Care Medicare supplement we can do it Sep 16 #95

Thank you! MiKenMi33 Sep 16 #115

Thanks! jmbar2 Sep 16 #120

Not everyone has guaranteed issue for a Medigap policy dlk Sep 16 #82

You are initially, don't fall for advantage if you're going to be new to Medicare. we can do it Sep 16 #97

It must be nice to have the choice because many of us do not. n/t elocs Sep 17 #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 Sep 17 #194

Max out-of-pocket for prescriptions drops to $2000 next year. That's $3,000 in savings. Sibelius Fan Sep 16 #2

I think that's a big deal; however I'm not sure what that will do to premiums. Silent Type Sep 16 #111

From what i have read BigMin28 Sep 16 #4

Not difficult, but it requires planning: NameAlreadyTaken Sep 16 #43

You can switch back to Original Medicare. Demobrat Sep 16 #77

Pricing of those Medigap plans, slightlv Sep 16 #99

Get a new plan...you can switch Advantage plans. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #191

The switch is possible in some states but not all. nt pnwmom Sep 17 #131

I'm almost reluctant to comment soandso Sep 17 #217

I spent 46 days in hospital, had open heart surgery, two subsequent heart surgeries and take Eliquis- Demsrule86 Sep 16 #46

What health care plan do you have? n/t halobeam Sep 16 #67

Humana Gold Advantage PPR give back ( GB means I get just over 100 back monthly from part B) Demsrule86 Sep 17 #193

What "plan" are you referring to which you have if I may inquire? Tarzanrock Sep 16 #73

Part C is medicare advantage Kali999 Sep 16 #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 Sep 17 #186

Part C is Advantage...you have traditional now. And Medigap covers the 20% Part B doesn't cover and insurance companies Demsrule86 Sep 17 #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 Sep 16 #100

It was signed in 1997. jimfields33 Sep 16 #107

I'm sorry. leftieNanner Sep 16 #5

Same here Rebl2 Sep 16 #38

Do you realize that Advantage plans are private plans and not Medicare plans? Think. Again. Sep 16 #8

The U.S. government and Medicare says you are wrong. former9thward Sep 16 #20

Nope, Advantage plans are offered and run by private companies... Think. Again. Sep 16 #24

It is part C of Medicare. former9thward Sep 16 #32

You should read the link you provided. Think. Again. Sep 16 #37

Your statement is not true. Big Blue Marble Sep 16 #47

Part C is part of Medicare. former9thward Sep 16 #53

Part C is only nominally a Medicare Option. Big Blue Marble Sep 16 #76

THIS!!! MotownPgh Sep 17 #152

And insurance companies sell Medi-gap policies...so I don't see the difference. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #199

Then you need to study the system. Big Blue Marble Sep 17 #207

That is your opinion. I have advantage and I get 100 per month back on part B, no premium and everything is Demsrule86 Sep 17 #209

It is more than my opinion. Big Blue Marble Sep 17 #216

Amen LilElf70 Sep 18 #233

Medicare works with it, but doesn't administer it. Medicare gives Medicare Advantage pnwmom Sep 17 #142

That's just a label -- it means it's approved by Medicare as an option, but it's not managed pnwmom Sep 17 #135

That's a practical fallacy!! Tadpole Raisin Sep 17 #154

Your drug and MediGap policy are private too. And private insurance companies do all the admin Silent Type Sep 16 #113

So is Medi-gap coverage. I don't see the difference. Other than I pay more for traditional. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #195

The difference is Medicare is a government program while Advantage (and medi-gap) are corporate programs. Think. Again. Sep 17 #200

No, they are private plans that Medicare regulates and pays on your behalf. The plans aren't run by Medicare. pnwmom Sep 16 #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 Sep 16 #49

The supplement plans are not subject to networks or preapprovals dflprincess Sep 16 #55

That is not true. My sister in law had regular Medicare and she was denied care. They can and will deny you. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #204

She should have fought that denial dflprincess Sep 17 #214

Are you asking me how a federal plan is different from a commercial plan? Think. Again. Sep 16 #56

I am sorry Aetna which has a medi-gap plan is not a government insurer. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #205

Exactly! You're SO close! Think. Again. Sep 17 #208

You misinterpret...you pay Medi-gap plans for coverage..and these plans are insurance based...not different that Demsrule86 Sep 17 #210

I never meant to be arguing, but you're right, let's just drop it. Think. Again. Sep 17 #212

The difference is whether your own doctors and hospital decide on the care you need, pnwmom Sep 16 #87

You are kidding yourself if you think traditional Medicare doesn't deny certain procedures. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #206

The Advantage plans have limited provider networks, which can eliminate pnwmom Sep 18 #224

The supplement plans are basically check-writing plans. Ms. Toad Sep 16 #96

Supplements are private insurance plans, though with little discretion. As are drug plans, Silent Type Sep 16 #114

But the lack of discretion is the key piece. pnwmom Sep 17 #130

You need to take a look at original Medicare policies that limit all kinds of coverage for "excessive" Silent Type Sep 17 #132

Original Medicare doesn't restrict you to certain doctors or hospitals. pnwmom Sep 17 #136

+1. An extremely important distinction dalton99a Sep 16 #121

Medicare Advantage DC77 Sep 16 #9

I have never been LilElf70 Sep 16 #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 Sep 16 #98

Have you or your wife ever needed X-ray treatments that cost more than $10K each? pnwmom Sep 17 #128

Bad news. Private insurers get paid billions to administer original Medicare too. So you Silent Type Sep 16 #116

No, they don't. Medicare itself administers Parts A & b with the money people pay into it. pnwmom Sep 17 #150

Absolutely wrong. Private insurers have subsidiaries that administer original Medicare. Give me your state and Silent Type Sep 17 #165

Medicare "Advantage" is a rip off.... gainesvillenole Sep 16 #10

what is a supplement and who makes them nt msongs Sep 16 #15

Insurance companies make them, I guess. My mother, who died in 2009, had the United American supplemental plan, LauraInLA Sep 16 #103

AARP is one place that sells a good supplement. nt pnwmom Sep 17 #178

I went through a broker who does both Supplemental or Advantage. kerry-is-my-prez Sep 17 #189

+1 dalton99a Sep 16 #19

I live in Cleveland on my Advantage plan...I can us Cleveland Clinic, UH or Metro...all fine insurers. Demsrule86 Sep 16 #51

It's Only An HMO RobinA Sep 17 #169

yeah I had read that would be happening Skittles Sep 16 #11

Medicare "advantage" Cirsium Sep 16 #13

I agree LilElf70 Sep 16 #18

all the money being wasted on the "Advantage" scam Skittles Sep 16 #78

Bill Clinton was the one that signed it into law in 1997 MichMan Sep 16 #28

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Sep 16 #45

"No Democrat should be supporting or praising this right wing privatization scam, this assault on Medicare. " MichMan Sep 16 #57

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Sep 16 #58

Show me where I have a history of jumping on Bill Clinton MichMan Sep 16 #62

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Sep 16 #71

He was wrong Cirsium Sep 17 #170

This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Sep 17 #182

I have family in Ireland and universal is not working real well lately. Demsrule86 Sep 17 #211

Fox in the henhouse Cirsium Sep 18 #236

thank you Skittles Sep 16 #44

I stuck with regular Medicare. Ocelot II Sep 16 #14

That's the way to go BOSSHOG Sep 16 #31

LOL Auggie Sep 16 #60

My 2024 benefits LilElf70 Sep 16 #17

the 2025 changes that save the beneficiaries money shift the financial burden to the plans Coexist Sep 16 #21

Once you get locked in, it may be difficult to go back to original Medicare. They now own you. keithbvadu2 Sep 16 #26

THIS Auggie Sep 16 #61

You can go back to original Medicare (parts a & b) at any time during open enrollment hot2na Sep 17 #149

You can go back to traditional. Big Blue Marble Sep 17 #218

Just getting caught up to the inflationary effects the last few years MichMan Sep 16 #29

Rightly or wrongly, MA rates were cut. Personally, until our government-- regardless of party -- Silent Type Sep 16 #30

For comparison with Traditional Medicare plus supplement Otto_Harper Sep 16 #33

Thom Hartmann has talked about Medicare Advantage pitfalls repeatedly live love laugh Sep 16 #36

Most people that dislike dabbing LilElf70 Sep 16 #59

The issue is the trade-off. We turned down Advantage and its freebies (free dental, gym, etc) pnwmom Sep 16 #80

Might be worth checking the AARP United HC Medicare Supplement. It provides gym memberships. we can do it Sep 16 #104

We could afford a gym membership if we wanted one. What we can't afford pnwmom Sep 17 #126

I get it. Your situation like half of Medicare eligible people is unfortunate and you're right Cheezoholic Sep 16 #85

Bingo!!! Rhiannon12866 Sep 16 #102

So sorry you're facing that LearnedHand Sep 16 #40

I plan to stick with traditional Medicare when I retire next spring dflprincess Sep 16 #41

Wow. I've had an Advantage plan for 10 years. Joinfortmill Sep 16 #63

There's An Element On DU RobinA Sep 17 #172

Medicare advantage is NO ADVANTAGE AT ALL. READ THE FINE PRINT. ashredux Sep 16 #64

If you already have Medicare Part "A;" Part "B;" and, Part "D" ... Tarzanrock Sep 16 #65

Part C is an "advantage" plan SheltieLover Sep 17 #133

Thanks. I appreciate the reply and the answer. Tarzanrock Sep 17 #146

Medigap coverage pays copays & possibly other charges. SheltieLover Sep 17 #147

I get Medicare and pay UH @ $300/m0. 70 YO. OAITW r.2.0 Sep 16 #66

300 a month? LilElf70 Sep 16 #89

Stay with real Medicare. Advantage will eventually rip you off. Liberal In Texas Sep 16 #68

Less hospital overnights paid IGoToDU Sep 16 #69

Did you recently have a milestone birthday? SocialDemocrat61 Sep 16 #70

We are looking for a plan now samplegirl Sep 16 #72

Call you senior center and / or council on aging. SheltieLover Sep 17 #138

Why now? Because they wait till it's too late for you to switch back to Medicare, pnwmom Sep 16 #74

Well, CMS is cutting rates for next year. Whether that is justification for cutting "extra" benefits Silent Type Sep 16 #123

Medicare Advantage has always been a scam! WVreaper Sep 16 #75

As a pharmacy tech... buzzycrumbhunger Sep 16 #84

When I was checking policies bobandrileysmom Sep 16 #79

Medicare Advantage is a ripoff, and I would never choose such a plan. Buyer beware! Martin68 Sep 16 #81

Consumer expert Clark Howard: Why I Think Medicare Advantage Plans Stink Pinback Sep 16 #88

❣️ . . . . . . . Seek advice from your local HICAP advisor . . . . . . . ❣️ CoopersDad Sep 16 #90

It's an election year. And the current administration is democratic. Vdizzle Sep 16 #91

First thread of ten thousand! dpibel Sep 16 #92

The private insurers running MA plans have been subsidized, to the disadvantage of regular Medicare. Ms. Toad Sep 16 #93

It's happening now to affect the election. ecstatic Sep 16 #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. Sep 16 #122

If we're going anecdotal... markodochartaigh Sep 16 #101

It's amazing how it's always the friend of a sister dpibel Sep 16 #117

I saw tens of thousands of my husband's co-retirees threatened with the loss of their doctors pnwmom Sep 17 #134

Almost... dpibel Sep 17 #141

That kind of BS doesn't go on between regular Medicare and providers. pnwmom Sep 17 #143

That's a bit of a diversion, isn't it? dpibel Sep 17 #145

The people screwed by advantage are dead...they aren't going to answer questionseverything Sep 17 #155

One of the biggest providers in the city will not take Advantage anymore. kerry-is-my-prez Sep 17 #202

My friend needed a cochlear implant mcar Sep 17 #164

Need advice! I have original Medicare and I want to add Medigap (in Minnesota) now KatK Sep 16 #105

There are no pre-existing conditions for a Medigap plan. Ms. Toad Sep 17 #197

Thanks! KatK Sep 24 #238

I've had an Advantage plan for about 20 years. Dem2theMax Sep 16 #112

Lots of people are happy with MA. That's why 52% of Medicare beneficiaries choose it. Silent Type Sep 16 #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 Sep 17 #139

I know, some folks think that 52% are too stupid to make the right decision for them. Silent Type Sep 17 #166

In the insurance industry they have a phrase moniss Sep 17 #144

Medicare Disadvantage - 11 years ago when I was considering 'Advantage' plans, that's what an agent called it GoneOffShore Sep 17 #148

I posted about this awhile back. Supposedly it is the unintended Tadpole Raisin Sep 17 #153

ISN'T MEDICARE ADVANTAGE A REPUBLICAN INVENTION HagathaCrispy Sep 17 #157

If it involves profiting off the average American and Tadpole Raisin Sep 17 #158

Actually Bill Clinton signed it into law. Silent Type Sep 17 #179

There is nothing free, especially from a health insurance Co.. nt Hotler Sep 17 #160

Hospitals are dropping Medicare Advantage plans left and right dalton99a Sep 17 #161

hospitals and clinics are not getting adequate reimbursement from them travelingthrulife Sep 17 #162

I gave up on them. I just use regular Medicare Part A & B. n/t Jacson6 Sep 17 #171

Medicare DISadvantage has always been trash. Jirel Sep 17 #180

How did I know that the doom and gloom post would be from a relatively new member? ZonkerHarris Sep 17 #196

You're a real LilElf70 Sep 18 #232

ironic from you ZonkerHarris Sep 18 #234

Not really. LilElf70 Sep 18 #237

I get a ton of calls trying to sell me an advantage plan LetMyPeopleVote Sep 17 #201

Medicare Advantage is designed to destroy Medicare. Eliot Rosewater Sep 17 #203

This sums it up perfectly. Big Blue Marble Sep 17 #219

In case you haven't noticed, the only significant upgrades to our healthcare system-- ACA, drug plans, Medicaid Silent Type Sep 17 #220

Amen LilElf70 Sep 18 #226

THANK YOU Skittles Sep 18 #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 Sep 17 #213

I have Medicare and Tricare for Life so I don't need or want Medicare Advantage LogDog75 Sep 17 #221

UPDATE: LilElf70 Sep 18 #225

You also need to understand that moniss Sep 18 #227

I get what you're saying LilElf70 Sep 18 #228

Amen and I have written before about moniss Sep 18 #230

All the back-and-forthing is moot to me. Straw Man Sep 18 #229