An elderly gentleman, I have known for all my years, is on one of those Medicare Advantage plans that comprise UNH. I know this corporate entity, which I considered a safety stock, took a big hit this year. My question here does not relate to trading decision about the stock. What I would like to know, is how these developments are affecting the quality of care delivered to patients in that system?
I have United Healthcare Medicare Advantage. So far I have encountered no problems. All my doctors and all local hospitals are in network. I save abt $2000 per year compared to supplemental plus Part D. Covered by my Medicare deduction. No additional charges. $25 for specialist visits. Includes dental, hearing aids, and glasses. My part d was $30/mo and had $400 annual deductible. Medicare advantage has no deductible.
Some say physicians are limited in what tests they can order (like mri) but so far I have not encountered any problems.
I have retirement medical through my former employer, a company with a reputation for paternalism. I’ve never compared it to any other possibility, figuring it is hardly likely I can do better. My card says United Healthcare Group Medicare Advantage. I have no idea if that Group means it is any different from what is available generally, or whether the group plan I have is the same as all the other group plans under UH.
I’ve had no issues either. I received a warning that one of the major groups in the state was not certain to remain in group. I use that group for a few things. My daughter said not to worry, it would be worked out before the deadline, and it was.
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Thanks for your rapid response. I don’t know what all the words mean, but I can look them up. I do rather miss the Honecker regime, and I just wonder whether my loved ones are about to get health care at a quality level characteristic of the GDR (I assume it was like Poland, but a bit better organized). Are you telling me that the price of UNH stock has nothing to do with that?
I would assume that UNH stock problem relates to low profitability. I’m sure they will be trying to address that. But yes, changes in Medicaid funding could have an impact. Assassination of their division President has to be a concern. Will they over react? Will it impact business and profits. I do not own the stock and it is not on want list. I find better opportunities out there for investment dollars.
Re: Don’t know what the words mean, if you have questions feel free to ask them.
Well, it isn’t a separate system per se … yet … but Medicare Advantage is a way that medical care is funded. Because benefits are administered by a commercial insurance company, profitability of that company is a driving factor…and one way of maintaining profits is to restrict how much they pay out in patient benefits. Lower fees paid to physicians and medical facilities, restricted networks of participating providers, denial of claims for services etc.
Over the years this has become so severe that many physicians and hospital networks no longer participate in Medicare Advantage networks (my primary care practice doesn’t participate with Medicare Advantage plans) It’s a number that’s set to increase so, if you have loved ones who’ve chosen such a plan, you’re right to be concerned what might happen if they get sick.
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Many say Medicare supplemental is a safer choice. You can go to any provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage is cheaper but is usually HMO or PPO. You must go to a physician or hospital on their list for full coverage.
In major cities you often have many in network providers. In rural areas you can have to drive miles to find an in network provider.