Humana Ins

[den60]

Has anyone had any problems with getting medical attention using just medicare while on the road? I went with Humana insurance and I have a really hard time finding anyone that will take my insurance. I also have a medicare card but since I have Humana, no one will take my medicare. It's Humana or nothing, kinda strange I thought. I am thinking about dropping my Humana and going with just my medicare. Any thoughts out there? Thank you

[PennyPA]

Why don't you just use medicare and get a supplement...or is Humana your supplemental plan? If it is, then it is accepted everywhere.

[den60]

OK, after talking with an agent again, I was told that I could go see any doctor I wanted but I would have to pay more out-of-pocket because Humana would not cover as much for an out of network doctor. My problem is while on the road, when I tell a doctor that I have Humana, most of them tell me that they do not accept Humana Ins. I guess I have never pushed the idea of asking them if they would file a claim with Humana for me anyway. I'm going back to my regular doctor, at least he will give me a years worth of prescriptions to last me while I'm out of Arkansas. I travel full time so it makes it hard for me to be in any one place the same time every year. I might be able to go to a clinic to have lab work done to get more meds if I don't make it back to see my doctor. I need to do more research. Thanks everyone for all the comments.

[MFinCA]

bsinmichI wrote:
don't know where you get your info from but I have been selling ins for 46 years and taught the classes for several years. Your info doesn't work here in Mich. An Advantage plan does cover but you have to find a Dr. or medical facility that will accept it if you are out of your network area.

You have more years than me--I'm a mere rookie with 28 years in the business. A quick check of carriers with products in Michigan reveals a MA/PD plan called the Medicare PLUS Blue PPO that is accepted nationwide. It comes with a whopping $17.50 per month premium. There are higher costs when going out-of-network.

I am licensed in 46 states (including Michigan) and work extensively with Medicare beneficiaries daily to help them find the plans they need at a price they can afford.

If you read my previous post more closely, I did state that the anyone purchasing a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plans carefully weigh the benefits of both--perhaps you missed that. 😞

[Duck]

PennyPA wrote:
He said Advantage plans has to cover everything the original medicare plan does. Oftentimes they cover MORE. And his info isn't wrong. He said Out of Network EMERGENCIES are covered.

X2
Don

[PennyPA]

He said Advantage plans has to cover everything the original medicare plan does. Oftentimes they cover MORE. And his info isn't wrong. He said Out of Network EMERGENCIES are covered.

[bsinmich]

MFinCA wrote:

bsinmich wrote:
Most Advantage plans have such severe limitations for travelers they become useless. I refuse to sell Advantage plans. Medicare gives them a predetermined amount and then they use that fund for your care as well as all others in the pool. That is why they have so many restrictions, so they can make a profit.

Medicare Advantage plans have to cover EVERYTHING that original Medicare covers--it is the law. Out of network EMEGENCY coverage is covered as if it was in-network.

I am currently living in my TT 130 miles from my home. I have had a couple of significant health issues while I have been here. When I was diagnosed with renal cancer, I immediately went back home to get treated.

Careful consideration of all the factors (premiums, doctors, hospitals, co-insurance and out-of-pocket maximums) is necessary before making a choice.

The reason most agents always steer clients towards Medicare Supplements is the annual training and certifications that must be completed each year before being able to sell Medicare Advantage plans. Agents who just sell Medicare Supplement plans only have to be licensed with the state in which they are selling.

I don't know where you get your info from but I have been selling ins for 46 years and taught the classes for several years. Your info doesn't work here in Mich. An Advantage plan does cover but you have to find a Dr. or medical facility that will accept it if you are out of your network area.

[PennyPA]

We're fulltime so an Advantage plan would be of no use to me. You do have to see a doctor for other than emergencies.

[MFinCA]

bsinmich wrote:
Most Advantage plans have such severe limitations for travelers they become useless. I refuse to sell Advantage plans. Medicare gives them a predetermined amount and then they use that fund for your care as well as all others in the pool. That is why they have so many restrictions, so they can make a profit.

Medicare Advantage plans have to cover EVERYTHING that original Medicare covers--it is the law. Out of network EMEGENCY coverage is covered as if it was in-network.

I am currently living in my TT 130 miles from my home. I have had a couple of significant health issues while I have been here. When I was diagnosed with renal cancer, I immediately went back home to get treated.

Careful consideration of all the factors (premiums, doctors, hospitals, co-insurance and out-of-pocket maximums) is necessary before making a choice.

The reason most agents always steer clients towards Medicare Supplements is the annual training and certifications that must be completed each year before being able to sell Medicare Advantage plans. Agents who just sell Medicare Supplement plans only have to be licensed with the state in which they are selling.

[PennyPA]

I cannot believe Humana agent told Den that that would be the best plan because they are travelers. I wonder if s/he has any recourse since s/he was led down the wrong path by Humana. Personally, if it was me, I'd report the agent to the insurance company.

[bsinmich]

Most Advantage plans have such severe limitations for travelers they become useless. I refuse to sell Advantage plans. Medicare gives them a predetermined amount and then they use that fund for your care as well as all others in the pool. That is why they have so many restrictions, so they can make a profit.

[den60]

I do have a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan, a PPO. It comes with a prescription plan. You cannot use your Medicare card with this plan. Humana told me this plan would be the best for me since I live on the road. I am finding that to be a joke. I plan on calling them back and let them know what I think about it. I will just have to wait for the open enrollment period this coming October. Thanks everyone.

[PennyPA]

You NEVER want an Advantage Plan or an HMO if you're on the road a lot. Evidently you're not on Medicare with Humana as a supplement. It sounds like you bought a regular Humana Health Insurance policy. When it gets to your birthday, get off that and either use Humana as your supplement or change to another supplement and use Medicare.

I recently changed from United Healthcare because their rates got a bit high. Switched to Colonial Penn as my supplement and saved over $100 a month.

[Duck]

I thought Humana was a Medicare Advantage plan which takes the place of the traditional Medicare. If you have an Advantage plan I do not think that you can use the traditional Medicare card that you have.
Don

[BB_TX]

Is your Humana a medicare supplement? If a supplement I think they have to take medicare first and the supplement picks up after that. Almost sounds like you have an individual Humana policy independent of medicare.

My wife and I both have medicare and BCBS-TX as a supplement (plan F). Doctors, hospitals, speciality health care such as labs, MRIs, opthomologist, etc. always take the medicare first and the BCBS second to pick up the balance not paid by medicare.