Medicare Supplement in WA

[ShuchingC399004]

I have the AARP Medicare Supplement through United Health Care, and am finding in the state of Washington, more and more health care professionals and even some hospitals are now refusing to accept United Health Care due to issues with billing and payments. This has put me in a difficult position, having to find a new provider more than once, which is challenging in it's own right, or having to pay whatever Medicare doesn't pay on my own.

Does AARP have any other Medicare Supplement Options, and is this only in WA, or are other states facing the same issues with United Health Care insurance?

[AARPConsumerCare]

I'm so sorry to hear you’re having trouble with one of our benefit providers. We are listening and would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. - Daniela R. 

[AnthonyF377583]

I switched to another Medicare supplement plan through AARP and it really helped. It might be worth considering that option.

[GailL1]

@ShuchingC399004 

There seems to be some terminology confusion so just to clarify the type of plan that you actually have -

Do you have Traditional Medicare with a Medigap plan or a Medicare Advantage plan ?

It sounds like you have a Medicare Advantage plan from the way you describe it.   That is sometimes referred to as Medicare Part C.

But a Medigap plan is commonly call a Medicare Supplemental plan because that’s all it does is supplement what Original Medicare pays- this maybe all or part of your out of pocket cost.

Washington State.gov - What are my Medicare coverage choices? 

This link may help you clarify - 

If it is a Medicare Advantage plan then you have the right to change it every year in the fall during open enrollment because yes, networks can change and if it is inclusive of a prescription drug plan, then your drugs may also change - so you will need to see what Medicare Advantage plans the providers you want to see current ly take at that time so you can pick the appropriate plan for your health needs.