Medicare Advantage Plans

[Ken Anderson]

I've only changed plans once. The first one was one that is specifically for Maine, offering only limited coverage outside of Maine and New Hampshire, although it did cover emergency care in any state, so that was fine with me. However, my wife takes more medications than I do, so she decided another plan would be better (Anthem), and I figured it would be easier if we were both on the same plan since she does most of the calling around and stuff. I don't think there were any questions about chronic conditions. We used the same agent, and he just signed us up for Anthem rather than the one we were originally on.

 

[Yvonne Smith]

I have not had any problems with pre-existing conditions on any of my advantage plans. Here in Alabama, where I live, most of the main clinics and hospitals all take just about any Medicare insurance, from all companies, whether it is an advantage plan or regular Medicare.
The only difference seems to be doctors who have their own office, and we only had one doctor who didn’t take out Devoted plan. He took Medicare advantage, just no plans from Devoted Insurance , because it was new in the state.

 

[John Brunner]

I have not had any problems with pre-existing conditions on any of my advantage plans. Here in Alabama, where I live, most of the main clinics and hospitals all take just about any Medicare insurance, from all companies, whether it is an advantage plan or regular Medicare.
The only difference seems to be doctors who have their own office, and we only had one doctor who didn’t take out Devoted plan. He took Medicare advantage, just no plans from Devoted Insurance , because it was new in the state.

For some reason, the Advantage plans are where folks with preexisting conditions are accepted. The implication from the broker I spoke with is that they have to. Traditional supplemental plans must take you as you are when you initially sign up for Medicare, and they can't cancel your policy except for premium non-payment, but after that initial year if you have a preexisting condition another carrier won't accept you.

That's my understanding. It may not be 100% factual. When I initially signed up, I went to one of those Senior Services places to get advice. I went back a few years later to get help evaluating my options at that point in time and was told that supplemental carriers make it difficult to change, even if you have no preexisting conditions. I don't believe that's the case. I always recommend that people work with a broker from Day One. I don't see how anyone can wade through this stuff without professional advice.

 

[Yvonne Smith]

We have had the same broker for over 10 years. I review the plans every fall when they come out with the changes for the upcoming year, and then I look at what other plans are offering that are comparable to our plan. Then, we chat with Jassen, and he explains iof there is anything I missed when reading through the new plans, and we decide which company to use for the next year.

Devoted is a really great company, and their plans are offering a lot, and they are great to respond to any questions or problems. They have doctors on standby that you can just call whenever you have a medical question, and they can also refer or refill prescriptions if you can’t see your doctor right away and need it done.
I use their mail delivery, so all my heart meds are on a good schedule, and they make sure it all works smoothly.

Devoted is also very good for people with chronic medical problems, like my heart failure, or for diabetes, etc. they have special programs for people that want more help managing their diseases, that you can opt in if you want to, but do not have to do.

 

[Marie Mallory]

I agree about having a good agent. We have had the same agent for over 10 years, and he goes over plans with us each fall. The Medicare insurance companies always have information online about their plans, so it is pretty easy to check out plans yourself also.
We have used Humana, UHC, and Devoted, and they all have pretty similar plans for us.

When you go to the website, for example, Humana, then they ask for your location, and then information about your health to see what plans you qualify for. If you have a chronic illness like diabetes, heart failure, or something similar, they have special needs plans, as well as plans for people who also have Medicaid along with Medicare.

Once they know what plans you qualify for, you can read through those plans and see what they offer. Usually, I do this and then Bobby and I talk it over and see which company has the plans that works best for us.
That way, when we speak with Jassen, we already have an idea which plan we want, but he can give us more information if there is something I missed when checking plans online.

I think that March is the last month that you can change your advantage plan for this year, unless you move or have health changes.

Jakes mother had UHC ,said she liked it so we've had it since 26 years now and so far thank goodness no problems.