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Hello everybody!
I am looking for some input on these two Medicare Advantage plans. I am stuck between two different carriers, Health Net and Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield. Anyone have any experiences with either of those companies? Input is greatly appreciated... If it matters, I live in Oregon.
I think it does matter where you live, because different plans by the same company can differ from place to place. Unfortunately I don't live in Oregon so I can't help you, and I see no one else has come forward. I would suggest trying to find people you know who are on Medicare to whom you could put the question - neighbors, friends, relatives, etc.
I am assuming you have written information on the costs and coverages, location of medical offices, etc. of the two plans. What you seem to be asking for, and I agree this is very important, is people's actual experience with the speed of getting appointments, the difficulty (or not) of getting referrals to specialists, etc. Because what good does it do to have a low co-pay for specialist visits if it takes an act of Congress to get your primary to give you a referral?
Have you tried asking your question in the Oregon forum? There could be seniors who post there, and even if you don't get a response (like here!) there is no harm in trying. Good luck.
One thing I have learned is that not one plan fits all. The best plan for you, might well be the worst plan for a friend/family member. Be sure you look at each plan asking how does this plan apply to/fit my specific needs/desires.
I was assuming the OP already had that information, but I realize now that was a dumb assumption. My post was trying to get at information beyond the "on paper" features to what the plans are like as people actually use them, but I agree that the "on paper" features are the place to start.
I was assuming the OP already had that information, but I realize now that was a dumb assumption. My post was trying to get at information beyond the "on paper" features to what the plans are like as people actually use them, but I agree that the "on paper" features are the place to start.
I don't assume anything here with posters I don't know .
FWIW - one of the most difficult things about dealing with the Medicare options isn't figuring out what you need now - but what you might need with some disease or condition you wind up with in the future.
For example - my husband takes Lipitor (he used to take a generic but his doc is recommending Lipitor now for a a variety of reasons I won't bore you with). So should he pick the plan that's best for Lipitor - or the plan that's best for an even more expensive MS drug he might need in the future??? Got me.
About the only thing I can say for sure is that I recommend traditional Medicare and an excellent Medigap policy for anyone who can afford to go that route regardless of current health status. I know you're in Kaiser in California - and perhaps there's an argument to be made for that option for people who live in certain areas of California. But - for the majority of us who live outside the Kaiser network - I'd stick by my original advice. Robyn
I live in Oregon and have Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage. I chose it on the basis of my knowledge of health insurance through 30 years of experience in that field. This coverage and service has been excellent for me and unfortunately I have had to use it quite a bit.
Now having said that, I have to recommend you talk to an agent at BCBS along with others from other insurance companies you may be considering. Also go to one of the many Medicare advisory agencies and ask their advice. You can find them in your area.
When it comes to health insurance coverage, one size does not fit all. Everyone's needs are different. I can tell you of my experience but yours will be different. Study all information and dicide which plan will suit you.
I have worked it all out on paper and the two plans are EXTREMELY similar.... Thank you Minerva, I am going to contact both of them today or tomorrow and talk to them about the plans.
I have worked it all out on paper and the two plans are EXTREMELY similar.... Thank you Minerva, I am going to contact both of them today or tomorrow and talk to them about the plans.
I'm told the per person Medicare insurance premium will increase from the present monthly premium of $96.40, rising to $104.20 monthly in 2012, and then $120.20 monthly in 2013, and $247.00 monthly in 2014. These are the provisions incorporated in the ObamaCare legislation.
That's a hell of an increase in two years! I'm sure the huge premium increase was purposely delayed so as not to 'confuse' Obama's 2012 re-election campaign!
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