Looking to change away from AARP

[MamaBear2015]

We've both been with AARP's supplement plan for years, but the copays have gotten much worse lately. Is it that $785 billion that was looted from seniors to pay for Obamacare?

But we're sick of it, and cant afford it on our low income.

Are any of the other plans better? As good a coverage and less copays?

It's all so complicated and confusing, we cant tell.

 

[mattspits]

There's supplements and there's Medicare Advantage. Supplements don't typically have copays depending on which plan letter you have, and they carry a fairly hefty premium. Medicare Advantage does typically have copays with a minimal if any premium. What is it you can't afford? Is it the monthly premium, or the copays at the doctor? Once I know what kind of Medicare coverage you have, I can help you find alternative coverage.

thanks,

Matt

We've both been with AARP's supplement plan for years, but the copays have gotten much worse lately. Is it that $785 billion that was looted from seniors to pay for Obamacare?

But we're sick of it, and cant afford it on our low income.

Are any of the other plans better? As good a coverage and less copays?

It's all so complicated and confusing, we cant tell.

 

[MamaBear2015]

AARP Medicare Complete United Healthcare.

 

[mattspits]

AARP Medicare Complete United Healthcare.

OK, yep that's a Medicare Advantage plan. Rates and coverage are county specific. In some counties, AARP Medicare complete offers both HMO and PPOs. What you'll find is that HMO plans generally have lower copays than PPO plans. You can compare the HMO and PPO plans in your area on Medicare.gov, or on competing Medicare Plan comparison sites. If you want to share your zip code, I can tell you what is avail in your area.

matt

 

[MamaBear2015]

80226. I see ours listed there as Plan 2 under AARP.

We've been afraid of HMO's for years, because we thought they're like Kaiser, which we've heard horror stories about, and we couldn't keep our doctor.

 

[mattspits]

80226. I see ours listed there as Plan 2 under AARP.

We've been afraid of HMO's for years, because we thought they're like Kaiser, which we've heard horror stories about, and we couldn't keep our doctor.

There's no reason to be afraid of HMO's. If you know how they work then you can make a decision if they're right for you. HMO's will only pay if you see in network providers. Start by looking up your providers in the plan's network. If all of your providers are in network than you can consider whether or not you like the plan. HMO's require that your doctor gives a referral for specialist. This usually is not a big deal because most people get referrals anyway for specialists, and many specialists actually require a referral.

That being said, just compare the plan benefits. If the HMO isn't much better, than don't bother with it. I looked at a few of the zero premium plans in your area, and I didn't see much that looked that good.

 

[MBSC]

For others who may read this forum at a later date:

Medicare Advantage HMO's may not be a good choice if you travel for long periods of time. They usually require you to come back to your home area for non-emergency treatment.

 

[MamaBear2015]

80226. I see ours listed there as Plan 2 under AARP.

We've been afraid of HMO's for years, because we thought they're like Kaiser, which we've heard horror stories about, and we couldn't keep our doctor.

There's no reason to be afraid of HMO's. If you know how they work then you can make a decision if they're right for you. HMO's will only pay if you see in network providers. Start by looking up your providers in the plan's network. If all of your providers are in network than you can consider whether or not you like the plan. HMO's require that your doctor gives a referral for specialist. This usually is not a big deal because most people get referrals anyway for specialists, and many specialists actually require a referral.

That being said, just compare the plan benefits. If the HMO isn't much better, than don't bother with it. I looked at a few of the zero premium plans in your area, and I didn't see much that looked that good.

I actually think we may be in an HMO now, with AARP "Secure" Horizons United Healthcare.

It's just so hard to compare what else is out there.

---

Medicare Advantage HMO's may not be a good choice if you travel for long periods of time. They usually require you to come back to your home area for non-emergency treatment.

I almost never travel. In fact I haven't flown since before 9/11.

 

[arihalli]

We've both been with AARP's supplement plan for years, but the copays have gotten much worse lately. Is it that $785 billion that was looted from seniors to pay for Obamacare?

But we're sick of it, and cant afford it on our low income.

Are any of the other plans better? As good a coverage and less copays?

It's all so complicated and confusing, we cant tell.

Hi, i have been with AARP United Healthcare supplement plan and its truely very very good. I use Part N. Its like riding in a cadillac. Just my 2 sense. I would FORGET the advantage plans - they are nothing but trouble as far as i am concerned.

 

[MamaBear2015]

We've both been with AARP's supplement plan for years, but the copays have gotten much worse lately. Is it that $785 billion that was looted from seniors to pay for Obamacare?

But we're sick of it, and cant afford it on our low income.

Are any of the other plans better? As good a coverage and less copays?

It's all so complicated and confusing, we cant tell.

Hi, i have been with AARP United Healthcare supplement plan and its truely very very good. I use Part N. Its like riding in a cadillac. Just my 2 sense. I would FORGET the advantage plans - they are nothing but trouble as far as i am concerned.

I don't know if that's available here, but we're also low income and cant afford much.