AARP United Healthcare Medicare Supplement

[l264203s]

AARP should be ASHAMED for promoting and participating with this so-called health insurance company! We are currently dealing with medical issues and need assistance with coverage questions. I called the "patient assistance" number on the insurance card and spent 45 minutes discussing the issue. I was given a reference number and was told they would contact the medical facility and get back to me. NEVER HAPPENED! When I called back the next day a new rep told me there was NO RECORD of the call, the issue and the reference number (which I confirmed on that call) did not exist!
After another long call, put on hold etc., etc. I was led to believe they had the medical facility on the line and then I was magically disconnected.
Even if that was true, which I doubt, they had my phone number and didn't bother trying to call me back. The medical facility had no record of hearing from them. I am sure these "reps" are not even in the US. A scam!

SHAME ON AARP for allowing this.
I just renewed my AARP membership, but never again!

[GailL1]

@l264203s 

Just to be clear - are you sure you are talking about a Medicare Supplemental plan - a Medigap plan?  Medigap plans or Medicare Supplemental plans don’t make any health decisions - they ONLY pay what Medicare doesn’t pay - they cover your out of pocket expenses up to the limits of the plan you have chosen.

The claims to a Medigap plan usually are sent by Traditional Medicare once they have finished processing the claim.  If Medicare doesn’t pay, the Medigap plan doesn’t pays either.  

Medicare.gov- What’s Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) ? 

If you are talking about a Medicare Advantage plan, that’s different cause it is just another way of getting your Medicare benefits and that seems like what type of plan you are talking about and most of the time your explanation of coverage can answer any questions about specific coverage.  

You are right that customer services are not what they use to be - you almost have to figure out the problem and then take action. The days of a quick phone remedy are pretty much over - 

You can always file a complaint or and appeal with Medicare to get answers.

This is how you do it:

Medicare.gov - Filing a Complaint or Appeal 

Medicare.gov - Filing An Appeal 

Hope this helps - 

[l264203s]

Thank you very much for your concern and advice.
I am dealing with the AARP UHC Advantage plan that AARP promoted, and their logo is literally on the card. I know AARP has zero to do with the coverage/policies, they are simply interested in reaping a financial benefit from their support/promotion. That was my point. (BTW never again with an "advantage" plan). I, myself have a Medigap plan unrelated to AARP but my spouse is the one dealing with this plan.
When signing up they are very responsive, but clearly after that not interested.
I am furious that I was given a reference number for my inquiry, read it back to confirm and now it conveniently doesn't exist. After a follow-up call to them to check the status I was misled, then cut off. Supplying a callback number for that is a joke.
So, at some point we will look for better insurance; (non "Advantage" plan) but meanwhile we are trapped as he is dealing with a medical problem that requires tests and expensive procedures. Switching insurance now would likely result in a 6 month waiting period which is not an option.
Sadly after working our entire lives, we have to deal with the stress of this medical system. Some call it the best healthcare in the world. I agree, but only if you are wealthy and can afford it.
Thanks again, be well

[sktn77a]

I believe you can also file a complaint with you State Insurance Commission.

[l264203s]

Thank you. I believe I will!