My understanding is that if you are on traditional Medicare with a supplement policy, if Medicare pays, the supplement pays too. They don’t get to challenge that.
While it is true that many doctors are in Advantage plan networks and take traditional Medicare as well, there are many more that take Medicare but are not in Advantage plans. These are usually the doctors you want to have if you need care that requires a high level of competence.
I opted for traditional Medicare when I turned 65. No regrets. I pay my $250 deductible, and the rest is taken care of by the gummit and the supplement company. I had Mohs on my nose last week, and I am going in for cataract surgery the next 2 weeks. No fighting bureaucrats for authorizations. It costs me more every month, and I don’t get $900 of funny money to spend at some website, but I do get the care I want when I want it.
In our recent hospitalization the case worker came in to review our insurance / expected costs. I pay for traditional medicare and Part G supplement. I also paid in to the system handsomely during my working years. The case worker said we would have very little out of pocket expense. She was right, about $400, less than 1% of the billed cost.
I asked her what happens with Advantage. Short answer, lots of unexpected bills for out of network. We live near the state line and to stay in network one must travel over 100 miles for medical care comparable to what can be had across the state line just 25 miles away.
I know the country is broke and that the medicare, medicade and SSI are going broke. I can’t do a thing about any of it. I paid in a lot of money to these systems and I will take all I can get for as long as I can get it. NO remorse at all.
If they want to change the programs and keep me whole that is fine with me as well if there is a reasonable and affordable alternative.
Medical “care” in this country is busted with too many hogs at the trough lapping up 17% and increasing of the economy. It has gone on much longer than I ever expected without reform. Medical costs are a problem on par with illegals but it is not even on the radar screen for reform. I wonder why? Could it be that they are paid well and pay their friends in gooberment just as well or better?
Agree spouse and I have had Medicare and pay for supplements every month for years. People at church ask me “Why are you paying for insurance every month? We have Advantage for free.”
I admit I have asked myself that question several times but spouse says you get what pay for.