Medicare Supplements and HMO's during Covid...

[WAYNO]

During these trying times, we are prevented from seeing our Doctor or entering a hospital for anything other than dire emergencies.

3 weeks ago, we were in a car wreck, and told to stay away from medical care unless we were dying. My dentist appointment(s) were cancelled. I have skin cancer issues that require constant treatment. These appointments were cancelled.

So, I have not seen a doctor or been to any clinic for well over a month. But, Medicare still collects their part B deduction, and my supplement still collects another $340 a month for the two of us. Is this seeming quite the shot in the arm for some parts of the insurance industry? Collect our premiums but provide no routine medical care?

On the other hand, I know this whole thing is devastating to the medical industry. Much of their bread and butter income is gone.

I no longer know what's right or what's wrong. And this very much makes me question the conflict of interest with huge healthcare provider HMO's such as Kaiser Permanente that are the insurance company, doctors, and hospitals, rolled into one. The more services they deny, the more they profit from premiums.

This is not an attack, but a discussion.

 

[Don Lovel]

Medicare takes out like $135/mo and I have a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha that I pay $135/mo premiums. It has annual $100 deductible for each different doctor I see. The first year I had the Plan G I had two major surgeries and they covered everything really well. One of those surgeries was to have a C4C5 Mobic artificial disc implant. It was still considered experimental by some insurances but mine paid for it.
I have had two Urgent care visits and a visit to a dermatologist to get some skin cancers removed. Paid $100 deductible to three different doctors to do different skin procedures.

I figure the $1200 stimulus will probably be followed by another one some time down the road. This country is not getting back to normal anytime soon

 

[Mobuck]

I pay a LOT for my medical coverage and in return have very few medical expenses--that's just the way I like it.

 

[Rook]

I would change doctors if I had one that was to cowardly to see me when I needed him. My doctor went to Africa during the ebola epidemic to help people so he's sure not so afraid of this virus that he's not going to see his regular patients here in the US.

 

[Heliman]

I have the same medical plan as the OP. Since the pandemic began, I have had 2 video physical therapy appointments and 3 phone appointments. No in office appointments.
I also pay no $s for office calls, speciality care, prescriptions, labs, xrays or MRI’s. All this because our household monthly income allows for financial assistance. We are doing just fine financially, but will take the hand out.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I get to have my first video appointment tomorrow. It's a requirement by Medicare about my CPAP, so I can get my supplies. I have no real need to go see the guy otherwise.

I had a Urologist appointment for later in the month and they have put me off till next month. I figured he could just wear a mask. Heck, I might wear a mask. :mrgreen: