Does the Gap provider matter?

[carlazzomark]

I am getting ready for my Medicare and a supplemental provider this coming February.

The only Gap provider in my zip code is United HealthCare. In my web research I have read only very negative things about this company. (I am surprised that AARP continues to partner with it.)

Does very low customer satisfaction matter when a provider is contracted for Medicare Supplement? In other words, are they required by law to pay all the Gap expenses with no hassles? Or can they block supplemental payments?

Thanks.

 

[Mack]

In my opinion the provider doesn't matter because the government dictates what the plans cover. Plan F with company A is the same as plan F with company B and so on with all the Medicare supplement plans. The only difference between companies is the cost of the plan.

Use the plan finder at http://medicare.gov/find-a-plan/questions/medigap-home.aspx to find all available medigap plans in your location. I would be surprised if there weren't several as there are many, many companies offering it.

I have been well satisfied with United Healthcare and don't know where you got your information but I have never experienced a problem. If medicare approves the procedure then United Healthcare has always paid. Just make sure you select the proper plan for your circumstances.

 

[mattspits]

The answer is yes and no. No, the claims payment won't be an issue. Yes, the customer service can be an issue. In most cases with a Medicare supplement you won't have to contact customer service. They just seem to work. I have a lot of clients on AARP/United Healthcare Medicare supplements, and they have not complained to me about the service or coverage.

It's unusual that you have only one provider in your area. In most cases, the Medicare supplements operate at a state level versus county level. I have found in some cases that the Medicare website does not always show all of the available providers. Here is a Medicare supplement site that has a nice search tool either by zip code or by state, and is pretty easy to use. Good luck and happy searching.

matt

 

[BogeyBill]

What zip code are you in? I would be surprised if there was not one other Medicare Supplement carrier to compare to. If you email me or respond with your zip code I can tell you what the other options would be if any.

Most likely the reviews you read about for United Healthcare are for Medicare Advantage plans. You mentioned Medicare Supplement which is a different ball game. The carriers will treat the claims the same for the most part and you should not have an issue. The bigger issue is making sure there are not other options available for equal to or better coverage for less money.

Regards,
Bill

I am getting ready for my Medicare and a supplemental provider this coming February.

The only Gap provider in my zip code is United HealthCare. In my web research I have read only very negative things about this company. (I am surprised that AARP continues to partner with it.)

Does very low customer satisfaction matter when a provider is contracted for Medicare Supplement? In other words, are they required by law to pay all the Gap expenses with no hassles? Or can they block supplemental payments?

Thanks.