Medicare Advantage for Full Timers?

[mrlightrail]

Is there any program out there for those of us on Medicare to take advantage of the benefits of a Medicare Advantage program when travelling? I like the low Dr visit copays and routine care savings.

[Gjac]

I have had two Advantage plans so far and both covered out of my home state . Both were $100/mo. or so.

[cherrykiss3]

carp65 wrote:

We full-time and both have Supplement plans thru AARP underwritten by United
Health Care. Have been in numerous hospitals in all parts of the US and have
never had a problem and all medical costs have been covered. Spent over 1
year in Florida being treated for colorectal cancer. Everything was covered
by Medicare and AARP Supplement.


This is what I have too. When I took it out I was still working but traveled all over the US. I did take out the most expensive one but it covers me no matter where I am. I have been paying this for 3 years now so I am use to the cost. Glad I have it as I have had 5 surgeries in 3 mo and will probably have to have another one in Feb.

Cherry

[sprinkles]

For more details of what does medicare cover you better call them for confirmation. I don't know if it's possible to use them while travelling so better be sure and ask their customer service.

[BarbaraOK]

Some Advantage plans require that you state you are in the locale for t least 6 months each year. And if they determine you re not there, they can deny your coverage. Just depends upon where you are and what the plan rules are.

Barb

[MrsSoCalToolGuy]

mrlightrail wrote:
I figure that I'd only need emergency and urgent care while out on the road. I'll be back home to do the regular visits. It's my meds that's the issue, but I think I can get around that by getting three month supplies at a time, and using a mail forwarding service.

That's exactly how our med. advantage worked for us. Our mailing address was in California. We sent for our prescriptions while out on the road and we returned to Calif. each year to see our Dr.s and renew our prescriptions.
We spent 3 years full timing with no problems and that included my suffering a stroke while visiting Alabama. I spent 3 days in the hospital and worried how our insurance would handle it.

No problem. They covered nearly everything...

I don't know how medicare advantage will work in the future, as the healthcare system may be in for a change, but it did work great for us while we traveled..

Barb

[mrlightrail]

carp65 wrote:
We full-time and both have Supplement plans thru AARP underwritten by United
Health Care. Have been in numerous hospitals in all parts of the US and have
never had a problem and all medical costs have been covered. Spent over 1
year in Florida being treated for colorectal cancer. Everything was covered
by Medicare and AARP Supplement. There were no co-pays or out-of-pocket costs
for us.

Priced the supplements, the rates are TWICE as high as someone 65 or older, and I can only choose Plan A. FORGET IT!!

[mrlightrail]

I figure that I'd only need emergency and urgent care while out on the road. I'll be back home to do the regular visits. It's my meds that's the issue, but I think I can get around that by getting three month supplies at a time, and using a mail forwarding service.

[carp65]

We full-time and both have Supplement plans thru AARP underwritten by United
Health Care. Have been in numerous hospitals in all parts of the US and have
never had a problem and all medical costs have been covered. Spent over 1
year in Florida being treated for colorectal cancer. Everything was covered
by Medicare and AARP Supplement. There were no co-pays or out-of-pocket costs
for us.

[pawatt]

Blue Cross / Blue Shield Senior Gold has been good everywhere we have needed it.

[BarbaraOK]

Kennyg wrote:

sdianel wrote:
It's my understanding that Medicare Advantage plans are limited to specific areas. Therefore I don't see how you could use one across the US. donn0128 suggestion is the way to go, however I think that would increase your out of pocket costs not reduce them. From the Medicare site: "You can generally join a Medicare Advantage Plan if: You live in the service area of the plan you want to join. The plan can give you more information about its service area. If you live in another state for part of the year, check to see if the plan will cover you there."

I have a medicare advantage program and it is good for all 50 states! The statement that these plans are only local is misleading and incorrect! Check out all of the available plans. Each, I believe provides a nationwide list of where it is in effect.

Yes, you will be covered for an emergency when traveling, but if they find out you are out of their region for more than XXX number of days (each plan is different) they can deny benefits. And your primary physician has to be in their region and be a part of their coverage group. Some are very picky, some are not. Important to read all of the teeny, tiny, fine print to make sure you know what will and won't be covered.

Barb

[Kennyg]

sdianel wrote:
It's my understanding that Medicare Advantage plans are limited to specific areas. Therefore I don't see how you could use one across the US. donn0128 suggestion is the way to go, however I think that would increase your out of pocket costs not reduce them. From the Medicare site: "You can generally join a Medicare Advantage Plan if: You live in the service area of the plan you want to join. The plan can give you more information about its service area. If you live in another state for part of the year, check to see if the plan will cover you there."

I have a medicare advantage program and it is good for all 50 states! The statement that these plans are only local is misleading and incorrect! Check out all of the available plans. Each, I believe provides a nationwide list of where it is in effect.

[crabbin_cabin]

mrlightrail wrote:
I have a decent HMO plan being offered in my area, but I do plan on travelling a lot, and want to make sure I'm not slammed if something happens when I'm out and about.

Exactley! I had a stroke while on an extended RV trip a couple of years ago and between medicare and BC?BS out-of-pocket expense was very small.

There also are a couple of outfits that will cover expense to get you cared for and home if something bad happens- MASA and Skymed are two that I know about.

[lat471]

We're in Pennsylvania and my wife got a medicare advantage plan from Blue cross, Senior Blue. Its listed as being good in all the lower 48 but we haven't tried it yet. $63.00 a month and $15.00 for primary doctor visit. Of course getting a medicare advantage plan depends on your overall health and doctor useage.

[edatlanta]

I have a supplement also and have no copays either. You can choose a supplement plan that does have some copay and slightly lower monthly premiums. Choose what plan you are comfortable with.