Moving Dad to AARP's UHC Medicare Advantage

[donblanco]

Mom (89) has had this plan for awhile - has gone through a broken hip/rehab and a couple of other falls with her coverage. She has not paid a premium as of yet.

Dad (93), on the other hand, has kept original Medicare plus a Plan G supplement through Mutual of Omaha. They both see the same PCP. As his main financial 'advisor' I am ashamed to admit that I was unaware of this disparity between their coverages. But I am now fully aware because they are facing a choice: Reduce their budget or move to a different assisted living facility. His projected monthly premium for his Medicare + supplement is now $692. Moving him to the same plan as Mom will save them $8,304/year and prevent them from having to move.

Since we are in the Open Enrollment period for a few days, are there any other plans I should compare to the AARP/UHC plan?

[GailL1]

@donblanco 

Medicare plan choices have to be made based on the individuals health care needs, including their prescriptions.

Make sure you have review your Mom’s MA plan for 2025 for any changes that might affect her cause many of the MA plans did do some changes in their new plans as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act.  

1st make sure that the plan is still available because yes, some plans just are not being renewed for 2025.  If it is still available, make sure that it still meets her needs - check things like making sure that her providers are still in-network and that any Rx are still covered, which tier and any added cost that might be applicable for providers or Rx.

Your mom should have gotten an explanation of changes back in October on how the 2025 will be configured. 

As to switching your Dad to a MA plan,  you can check out what plans anre available as to MA plans in their area.

Medicare.gov - Explore Your Medicare Coverage Options - MA plans & free standing drug coverage 

Medicare.gov - switching or dropping my Medigap policy 

So get busy - need to do this by Dec 7

Your Dad MAY have the option of another [cheaper] Medigap (supplemental) plan - with a different carrier without underwriting BUT that option depends on the state where he lives and the laws that the state has in place.

State DOI locator contact 

I hope you do understand the difference in a MA plan and a Medigap plan so that you can determine the best one for your Dad.  

You can also talk to a SHIP counselor in the state or to an independent Medicare plan agent / broker in the area who writes for several different companies and has been in business for a good while.  

Usually AARP/UHC agents are captive (meaning they only work for UHC) and if you cannot find one of these locally, then just speak to a licensed agent on their website (as differing from a Customer Service Rep).

AARP doesn’t have anything to do with UHC or any other insurance product - the insurance company gives them a royalty payment for the use of their name - so you be the judge as to its importance to you.

Good Luck