Health

Hi All, My wife and I have had the AARP UHC Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) for about 4 years now. We have been relatively happy with the service and coverage. The dental plan has caused a few problems which we have overcome. I had some minor surgery that was initially denied. But the reason for the denial suggested some miscommunication. The doctor's office resubmitted the claim and I never heard anymore about it. But most (if not all) I hear about MAPs is horror stories about poor service and denied claims. Are there no good experiences, are there no successes, are there no benefits, are there no good reasons to choose a MAP? Is it all that bad? Just asking. 

I understand the AARP Community Guidelines, but I have to question why a discussion such as the disrespect, physical and mental assault of Tyreek Hill cannot be a discussion? This was all-out racism, based on Miami-Dade County body-worn camera videos released, imo. But, others may view it differently, so I'd like to have opinions. So my question is how can we discuss this safely if not on AARP? I get it; leave politics out of it; but please give us a space to discuss major issues, please?

I have  a general question about how AARP UHC’s Community-rated Medicare Supplements actually work, with regard to premiums. I’ll ask by example. For purposes of this question, assume that any enrollments I refer to are under guaranteed issue rights OR that the enrollee fully meets underwriting requirements for acceptance at “regular” pricing. 65-year-old Carol and 70-year-old Laura are both female non-smokers that live in single-member households in the same zip code. They both enroll in the same AARP UHC Medicare supplement in October 2024. I know that they will have the same BASE premium, and that differences in their net premiums will be due completely to differences in discounts (especially the age-based discounts). My question: If Laura instead enrolled in that same plan in October 2019, when she was 65, would her BASE premium in October 2024 still be the same as Carol’s? I guess what I’m really asking is, are people who enrolled in different years considered

I have been trying to get UHC to provide me my Medicare Supplement rate for 2024. I have called customer service to see if there is any document outlining the rates for 2024 but it is like pulling teeth. The people in the UHC customer service center are very hard to understand and I have had no luck getting any info from them or an email with the details. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. 

Hi everyone! If you’ve ever been curious about how cannabis could support your wellness journey—whether it’s for managing pain, sleep, or just general questions—I’m here to help. I’m offering free 15-minute consultations for anyone who wants to learn more. It’s a friendly, no-pressure chat where you can ask anything about cannabis—whether you’re a beginner or already familiar. I’ll help guide you through any concerns or questions you might have. Interested? Just reply here or reach out, and I’ll send you all the info to book a time. Looking forward to chatting with you! https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/curious-about-cannabis

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!! Medicare Open Enrollment: Everything You Need to Know. When it starts and ends, how to choose a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan and why it’s important to compare your options this year. By Dena Bunis and Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published September 22, 2022.Updated September 18, 2024. Every October, Medicare gives its more than 67 million beneficiaries a chance to review coverage and make changes for the coming year. While experts say too many enrollees overlook this opportunity, evaluating your options this year is especially important because of big changes coming to Medicare in 2025. https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2022/open-enrollment.html

Hello, this is been an on going issues with me now for several months. I am over 65, not on Medicare, and I had insurance through my employer. When my work was discontinued, I signed up for COBRA to continue my existing insurance for the last 3 months of 2023. Even though the statement from COBRA and Cigna both state this is the same insurance I had when I was employed, Cigna is only paying as secondary and not covering me as the primary. They are saying that I am "eligible" for Medicare so they will only pay as the secondary even though they know I do not have Medicare. I only continued the insurance for 3 months to continue the year with same insurance until I signed up for Medicare in 2024. How can I get help with this because nowhere in any of the documents was it stated that the purchaced COBRA insurnace thru Cigna would be Secondary. I am being giving the run around by Cigna and no one is helping (not my previous employer nor COBRA). I am at the mercy is Cigna and they are not bu

Will be turning 65 this Nov and I need help in choosing the plan...united/,humana?? I am still active healthy, playing tennis, pickleball, fishing, gardening, outdoors....don't drink or smokeI need vision and dental--as usual- had cataract surgery 2 yrs ago and might need to go for a check upI heard about the Healthy choice program-- free $$$ for food and etc Any info will be helpful. Thanks

For those who just want to stay informed - kind of dry reading but informative. CMS.gov 04/01/2024 - Final CY 2025 Part D Redesign Program Instructions Fact Sheet The above is kind of technical. CMS.gov Part D Improvements The above gives added details on the changes to Part D plans for 2025 CMS.gov - 04/04/2024 - Contract Year 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule (CMS-4205-F) Tells more about changes happening in the Medicare Advantage part of Medicare and Part D plans whether a MAPD (Medicare Advantage with included Prescription Drug plan) or PDP (free standing prescription drug plans)   

https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/how-cannabis-can-help-seniors-with

Hilarious Cannabis StoriesHow Seniors Are Using Cannabis to Boost Their Quality of Life https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/hilarious-cannabis-stories Have a fabulous weekend, everyone! 

 Hello,  If I keep Plan G Medigap insurance but change companies, would that require underwriting?  Just learned about underwriting and not sure if it applies to Plan letter changes or if it applies to any kind of change such as changing to another company offering Plan G.  I have UHC Plan G and unhappy with their mid-year rate increases for two years now.   Thank you.

Just want to tell everyone who is 60 and up really must come to the nutrition class held every Wednesday starting at noon at the Self-Help Senior Center located in the basement of 6700 192 Street Fresh Meadows NY. I heard about the class and decided to check it out a couple of years ago. However I said to myself what could Anna the nutritionist teach me after all I am in my 60's. Boy was I wrong. Anna taught me and still is teaching me alot. More then anyone can imagine. Come on down and check it out. You will be hooked.

Finding ways to live with grief is a challenging journey, one that can involve anxiety, sleepless nights, and even physical pain. While traditional coping mechanisms like therapy, support groups, and mindfulness can be incredibly helpful, some are turning to a different option for relief: cannabis. https://seniorsavvycannabis.substack.com/p/how-cannabis-can-help-with-grief

Just curious what others pay for Medicare Part D.My wife and I have AARP Medicare RX Preferred from United Health Care.Our policy went from $58/mo in 2023 to $108/mo  this year and now going up to $180 for 2025.Thats more than tripled in 2 yrs 9 2023 to 2025). I hate to change but this is getting out of hand . Any thoughts most appreciated. Tnx

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your brain and body, so try the AARP® Staying Sharp® Weight Loss After 50 challenge based on the latest research. Visit AARP® Staying Sharp® for more information on brain health.

  More of us are turning to cannabis and CBD to help with some of the challenges we face as we age, like managing pain, improving sleep, or simply relaxing. Whether it's a CBD cream to soothe sore joints or an oil to help wind down at night, these natural options are becoming part of our wellness routines. Of course, it's always a good idea to check with our doctors first, but many of us are finding real relief. Interested in learning more? [Read our full article here]. It’s never too late for us to explore new ways to feel our best! Have you tried cannabis or CBD for pain relief? How has it worked for you?

We received the letter from UnitedHealthcare. It is announced that the rate for our AARP UHC Supplemental Insurance plan N will increase 12.4% for the year 2024. The inflation rate in June was 3%, in July 2023 3.3%. How can the medical insurance get the rate increase 4 times higher than  the inflation rate?  Who profits from such a business decision?  Who cares about retirees with a fixed income?What does AARP do to protect American retired persons from greedy insurers? Or the AARP activity is advertisement only?   

 A friend of mine said her Plan D with Bakers has not had any mid-year increases since she has had it since 2021 like my UHC Plan G.   Wondering if mid-year is only specific to Plan G UHC?  Anyone have UHC Plan D mid-year increases?   My Plan G with UHC had a mid-year premium increase of 12% and another 4% starting Jan 1, 2025.   I am thinking of changing to a Plan D not necessarily with UHC.  Will I have an issue switching?  I don't understand what underwriting means and if it will affect me. Thank you.

Hi everyone! I’ve noticed more and more people are curious about using CBD or cannabis for wellness, but one big question still comes up—how do you talk to your doctor about it? It can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’re unsure how they’ll respond or don’t know what to ask. I recently did some research and found that starting the conversation with your healthcare provider can make all the difference in feeling confident about your choices. Whether it’s for pain, sleep, or anxiety, your doctor can help guide you to safe and effective options that work with your existing medications or health conditions. I’d love to hear from anyone who has brought this up with their doctor—what did they say? Was it an easy conversation, or did you have to push for more info? If you’re thinking about asking your doctor, here are 10 questions that might help get the conversation started: 10 Essential Cannabis Questions for Seniors to Ask Their Doctor

  FYI   TELOS Actuarial - Medicare Supplement Rate Actions – 2024 Q2 Update These are open booked plans not closed booked. 

So many insurance companies offering Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance plans routinely close their plans to new enrollees (known as "closed books" or "closed blocks of business") after about 5 years of business.The reason for this is as claims come in, they have to start raising rates to cover costs; once their rates are no longer competitive, they "close" the plan and open another under a different name under a shell company.  Their initial rates may be really cheap compared to other plans, to sucker newcomers into their plan.  But as they raise rates, and then close the plan to new enrollees, the rates really skyrocket since there are no new healthy people signing up.  Those who cannot pass underwriting are stuck in that plan along with its jaw-dropping rates.So my question is, does AARP's branding agreement with UHC for Medigap plans preclude UHC from closing books and playing the plan shell game?  It seems if AARP is looking out for their members' int

 Hi, Rather new to Medigap and have United HealthCare's Medigap Plan G.  This is the second year I got  the increase letter for mid-year and another increase in Jan 2025..  Do other Medigap insurance companies also do Mid-year increases?  Thank you.

  I'm (69) on premium free medicare  part A (not part B) and my husband's work insurance. My husband was let go and will need to get insurance soon. He is 62. Can we get an ACA plan that covers us both (and not get Part B for me)?.  What happens when he applies for Social security later? I assume we lose the ACA insurance, right? Thanks!Karen

This item was moved by the AARP Online Community Team. This thread has been removed for violating community guidelines.