Yes, I’ve had a plan with Kaiser for a little over a year, and I’ve been very happy with it — so far. The plan I have will allow me to see doctors outside of the plan for a higher fee, so a combination HMO -PPO.

Anonymous wrote:Do you or your parents have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), the private-insurance version of Medicare?

If you can afford it, you should get Medicare supplement insurance instead. If you have that, it’s much easier to find a doctor and get good care.

If you’re stuck with Medicare Advantage, ask the billing people at your favorite medical specialist which plan they like. Get what the billing people like.

Anonymous wrote:Medicare Advantage is a rip off.

Bush's scam on old people. Thankfully didn't privatize social security with is "ownership society" plan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejoi9yfLVCc

Medicare Advantage is a rip off.

One of my neighbors has one and has found it difficult to find doctors who will accept it. Also, Advantage plans have pre authorization requirements that can make it difficult to get necessary care when you need it.

My parents do. Kaiser is their provider. They are pretty happy with it. Kaiser is good with things like preventative screening and they like that they can get multiple things done at the same facility and on the same day. My dad had a heart attack a few years ago and has been happy with his treatment and Kaiser cardiologist. He ended up only paying ~$400 out of pocket for his ER visit, stent procedure, ICU, and hospital stay related to his heart attack. Can't speak to what Kaiser is like for illnesses or conditions that require very specialized treatment or meds, but it seems like for the more run of the mill illnesses of aging, they are OK.

We are first-year regular Medicare A and B users, with a secondary retiree plan from former employer. That covers drugs.

Do you or your parents have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), the private-insurance version of Medicare?