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  • Do doctors like Medicare Advantage plans?

    From Mike Dippel@999:1/1 to All on Sun Feb 8 23:04:12 2026
    There's a reason why Medicare Advantage (an ironic name) plans offer free groceries,
    health club memberships, a pair of eyeglasses, extremely rudimentary dental etc.

    The state and region you sign up in is usually the only area "in network".

    United Healthcare, the largest provider of these plans posted NET PROFITS of $ 23
    Billion in 2023.

    They didn't achieve that by approving needed medical care. If out of network and IF
    your treatment is approved you will pay more.

    Some providers are electing NOT to accept Med Adv plans. They tie doctors hands by
    denying newer treatments, scans, meds etc.

    The safest way is traditional Medicare with a Medigap Plan G. As a lymphoma survivor
    that is my only choice.

    Medigap Plan G covers the 20% that Medicare doesn't and they must follow Medicare
    guidelines.

    Medicare will generally approve needed treatments. You'll also need a Plan D prescription
    drug plan and dental plan.

    More info...
    https://www.quora.com/Do-doctors-like-Medicare-Advantage-plans

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  • From Daryl Stout@999:1/14 to Mike Dippel on Wed Feb 18 17:36:44 2026
    Mike,

    United Healthcare, the largest provider of these plans posted
    NET PROFITS of $ 23 Billion in 2023.

    They didn't achieve that by approving needed medical care. If
    out of network and IF your treatment is approved you will pay
    more.

    I don't have a Medicare Advantage plan, but with few exceptions,
    UHC has been the best one for me, as follows:

    1) No co-pay for my prescription drugs.
    2) No co-pay for PCP visits (although I may have to pay for lab work).
    3) $30 co-pay for specialist visits.
    4) 12 medical round trips per year to doctors offices, etc.
    5) An allowance that I use to lower my water and trash bill.

    Daryl

    ... UPS merging with Federal Express, new name: Fed-Up.
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    * Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - Little Rock, Arkansas (999:1/14)
  • From Mike Dippel@999:1/1 to Daryl Stout on Thu Feb 19 09:33:34 2026
    On 2/18/2026 5:42 PM, Daryl Stout wrote to Mike Dippel:

    Mike,

    United Healthcare, the largest provider of these plans posted
    NET PROFITS of $ 23 Billion in 2023.

    They didn't achieve that by approving needed medical care. If
    out of network and IF your treatment is approved you will pay
    more.

    I don't have a Medicare Advantage plan, but with few exceptions,
    UHC has been the best one for me, as follows:

    1) No co-pay for my prescription drugs.
    2) No co-pay for PCP visits (although I may have to pay for lab work).
    3) $30 co-pay for specialist visits.
    4) 12 medical round trips per year to doctors offices, etc.
    5) An allowance that I use to lower my water and trash bill.

    Daryl

    When I retired from the city in 2002, I had an insurance rep come to the house to
    discuss my options. The best option was the most expensive out-of-pocket monthly
    premium.

    It is a supplement F from UHC. I have no expenses at all for doctor visits, medical
    equipment, and much more. I have a large payment upfront but no expenses afterwards.

    I DO have to pay for prescription drugs bit I have Wellcare which has no monthly out-of-
    pocket and most prescriptions are free or low cost.

    Mike Dippel

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    * Origin: The Hobby Line! BBS (999:1/1)