My aunt lives in a nursing home. I recently received a letter from her current health insurance company that they will be enrolling my aunt in a new Advantage plan. We have the option to stay in current plan, but I don't know enough to make the right decision. I am concerned how this will affect her services at the nursing home. I need information regarding the pros and cons of Advantage health insurance plans, especially for nursing home residents.
Thank you.
It really depends on whether their docs and pharmacy accept that plan.
As NOT on an advantage plan (let us pretend for the moment she uses United Health NOT the advantage program) she would pay a good deal more than on an advantage plan. Years ago my brother paid 250.00 for his monthly as measured against my Kaiser 98.00 per month). However, he was able to see any doctor at any hospital any time.
As member of advantage plans you are limited in terms of doctors in the system and hospitals in the system, such as the Kaiser plan I am a member of.
For me, Kaiser works (most of the time). For some others they want to use what doctor they want in whatever system they wish.
So again, depends on cost factors weighed against the ability to make your own choices. Really there is a lot of telephone "foot work" to work out what's best for you.
I can't really advise whether your aunt should change her Medicare plans, but if she is happy with what she has, it is generally better to stay with what you know.