Posted on 02/24/2013 10:01:32 AM PST by redlegplanner
On April 1, 2013, the TRICARE West Region contract will transition to and be managed by United Healthcare Military & Veterans (UHC M&V). To make sure you understand the timing and key information about the TRICARE transition, visit the TriWest Transition Update Center.
(Excerpt) Read more at military.com ...
Don’t know anything about the patient side but do know that your mental health was carved out to Value Options and now will go to United Behavioral Health. I have never seen such a ridiculous system that my docs have had to go through the last few years just to be able to get authorization to see retired military and family members of those in active duty. Government has piece mealed this out to the point that it is beyond ridiculous. And Humana/Tricare has regularly reduced contract rates, I presume with the hope that providers will drop out of the networks. Fortunately the docs I choose to work with will continue, no matter what the rate.
UBH mental health providers are just beginning to see some flow of paperwork, but it is slow. Since UBH usually has their act together, I would presume it’s the government that is once again dragging its feet.
The change over endorsed by the American Psychiatric Association to take place this summer to calling Grief beyond 2 weeks a mental illness disorder is, IMO, particularly troubling for military families. My heart goes out to all of you.
Oddly enough, when I stopped by my dermatologist office the other day I noticed a big sign at the sign in window stateing that they do NOT take united health care. Hmm............ Good luck with Tricare being taken over by them with the new contract. Isn’t united health care the one that aarp is always touting on tv? aarp doesn’t contact me any more since I read them the riot act several years ago. Asshats.
Be vewy careful here with the mental health aspect. Any negative comment could set off an alarm and end up denying you your RKBA. Spousal issues, depression, aggravation that your sinus is bothering you.......... ANY sign of instability could lead to a “reportable” incident. Watch your 6.
TriCare to UBH
I think the ad says something like “the only medicare supplement endorsed by aarp” like that’s a good thing. That ain’t much of an endorsement in my book. Their senior savings “benefits” and “discounts for aarp members” isn’t worth it to me. I’d rather pay regular price than support these money grubbing hipocritters.
WOW, two weeks? I have taken many losses as well as anyone I know...but 2 weeks? Talk about move along here, nothing to see.
“United is one of the WORST insurers out there... “
I have been with United for many years. They always have been good to my family.
What have you experienced that makes them one of the worst insurers out there?
So I work as a customer advocate for another insurance company. United is an absolute NIGHTMARE to deal with on the customer service level.
You are so right. The docs I work with, except for one, are all very conservative clinicians plus really incredible people who want to offer as much counseling assistance as they can. This group also utilizes common sense and knowledge gained through experience instead of professional or governmental dictates. Like most people I know they don’t spend much time on the internet and expect people like me to give them a heads up which, of course, I would do anyway whether they want it or not. As a result they are very, very careful of the words they use when requesting authorizations for military folks.
they make their customers pay more for the policy itself or out of pocket for many services be it in co-pays or the percentage of the bill left over that gets passed on to the patient
patients have to pay more for services because so many healthcare providers don't participate with them so the service/procedure is considered "Out of Network" and you will pay more if you still want it done
they deny authorization for services as not covered by the policy
if you have had good experience with them i say good for you and i take it most of the providers in your area must participate with them, but you are in the minority from what i've seen
No letter here. When did you get yours?
If you read the fine print at the AARP website it indicates it will receive a royalty from United Health Care on policies sold to AARP members. In my opinion royalty equates to a kickback.
One of the worst??? They have top honors in my book. I have never seen such a crooked insurance company as United. EQAndyBuzz, I'm glad you have been lucky so far but it's only a matter of time. They are the worst!
No letter yet, but I will say this. For nearly 10 years after I retired 17 years ago, TriCare sent out their annual enrollment letter with a bill enclosed.
I paid through allotment from my retired pay, so I never had to pay a bill. However, you had to look long and hard at the annual enrollment form to see that they weren’t really expecting any money.
Perhaps UHC is going back to the old days. Bad things tend to happen when new contractors take over a Gov’t contract.
I’ve had them for about 16 years...no complaints. In fact, we could switch to a couple of different plans and we won’t.
I’ve had them for about 16 years...no complaints. In fact, we could switch to a couple of different plans and we won’t.
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