TRAPPED in an Advantage Plan and Can't Get Out

[@ChristopherWestfall]

SeniorSavingsNetwork.org

[@CATownsend777]

Congress needs to force Medicare to cover Dental including Bridges, Dentures or Dental implants, Eye Surgeries requiring relacement specialty lenses, all with 100% coverage. Why should the richest country in the world not give Seniors 100% coverage. Is a discrase.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Disgrace? Would you mind, then, paying $300 a month for your Part B? If not, who should pay that cost?

[@NoMoreTears64]

I appreciate your videos and information. I just turned 64 in Dec and won't be 65 until Dec 2024. I ALREADY received in the mail on January 2 a card that looked very much like it had come from Social Security asking for information from me for Medicare eligibility. Upon reading the fine print, it was a solicitation for insurance of a Medicare Advantage plan!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Six months before you're 65, we can help with ALL options. seniorsavingsnetwork.org/medicare-help/

[@kathys53]

Many years ago I had to start taking care of my parents' finances/bills, etc. My father told me way, way back to never change their health insurance. Through all the ads, brochures, etc, sent to them that I reviewed, I never changed the insurance thank goodness. He ended up having triple bypass and my Mom had a stroke. They had traditional Medicare and a supplement.

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40)

[@DuvAngel1]

I’m hurting most of all

[@suehofkamp8594]

I would like to thank you Christopher for all the hard work you put into these videos to keep us informed. This information is so very valuable to not just me but, millions of seniors. Honestly, you will probably never now how many headaches and anxiety attacks you have saved over the years……not to mention lives!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thank you so much!

[@kasha4892]

You are so resourceful. I share these with all friends on Medicare. I thank you for providing UPFRONT, TRUE information. Don’t Stop!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Wow, thank you!

[@daviddoss2804]

My wife has an appointment with Kristina in February to get signed up for Plan N. We love your videos!

[@elelectrotech9374]

medical coverage is not his to give away ,newsome is a thief.just like senile joe biden

[@ChristopherWestfall]

That is awesome! Thank you for allowing us to help!

[@stephaniejacobson4874]

Wasn't never explained to me about Medicare & Medicare Advantage. I have Advantage, i wish I didn't.

[@daviddoss2804]

You are showing your age with the Arrid Extra Dry commercial. I cracked up and laughed out loud! I remember that commercial!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Classic!!

[@lindahoganson8721]

Why would California governor allow immigrants to have Medicaid coverage?

[@jingwills6267]

To vote for democrats.

[@zipcode9]

Why did New York pass a bill to let illegal immigrants to vote? Same reason. To prove they are loyal, staunch Democrats and figure that will give them a higher political standing in their party.

[@mjlh7079]

Legal immigrants & children already qualify. The expansion was planned 2 years ago when the state had a massive surplus. Unfortunately, things like the global issue happened which hurt the economy and the state now has a deficit. Even though I personally don't agree; The rational for coverage is due to the fact that most illegals often delay or avoid care typically because they know they aren’t/weren't eligible for most coverage, so they put off getting treatment for illnesses until the illness progresses to the point that they end up in emergency rooms and/or cause an outbreak (IE: STDs, Hepatitis, TB) by infecting citizens. ER Treatment and or eventual hospitalization of severely ill uninsured people in emergency rooms cost the state's economy a lot more money due to lost productivity, hospitals not getting paid (which also increases the prices charged to 'paying/insured' patients) and governmental expenses (detention, contact tracing etc...).

[@catharinereading1007]

Because its mandated by the feds

[@argusfleibeit1165]

Maybe this is what it takes to bring down this ridiculous for-profit health insurance "system".

[@dorawhisman515]

You SAVED ME!! Between watching your videos and the hearings on Medicare advantage(and having used the plan for several years)I now have left Medicare Advantage and switched to Reg Medical with supplements. I kept having physicians no longer taking Medicare Advantage and physicians I wouldn't take my pets to. One treatment I KNEW needed to be done but wasn't done(I am sure it was because Medicare Advantage wouldn't have payed for). I worked 30 years in Nursing in major hospitals and something just smelled about the insurance care policy.

[@schwalleyf]

I haven’t left comments before. You’re doing a great job of informing the public. I am proud to to an agent working with you. This is the info that needs to be out in the public to protect them. I bought a policy myself and was able to save over $60 a month on my supplement plan. The company is great. Fraser

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thank you so much!

[@-myal-8691]

Christopher Westfall, I feel proud to have given this video it's 1000th thumb up.

[@dtodd1754]

Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville FL does not accept United Healthcare Advantage Plan. I am a retiree from Johnson & Johnson and retired with my Aetna health Insurance plan that I had through J&J, but when retirees turn 65 and can get Medicare we are being forced out of our Aetna insurance plan and put in the United Healthcare Advantage Plan! I am a long time patient with Mayo Clinic due to kidney and liver disease. So now I will not be able to continue my care there. But since listening to your channel I have decided I will NOT be accepting the UH Advantage Plan they are forcing on us retirees with no other options. I will keep traditional Medicare and use your company Christopher to help me find an insurance plan that will be good for me. I hope a new health care insurance plan will accept me with the medical conditions that I have and I’ll be able to continue my care at the Mayo Clinic. Thank you for all you do with informing us.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I am so worried about our health. My husband and I are both on Humana HMO and this has become so scary.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Happy to review other options. You have until March 31. 1-800-729-9590

[@archiehendricks6093]

Every year I get another dr. Two or three each year, this last one lasted two months in my clinic. Right now any dr available.

[@lisafox9689]

Thank-you so much. The problem is some of us can’t afford Medicare! And yet Medicaid says we make too much on SS😮 I realize we may be fed

[@deborahconte6253]

I didn't know they was taking my off medicare. I just called to update my information. I want my Medicare back

[@plazas1242]

Thank you Christopher, For everything, I Love my N supplemental plan.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Yay! Thank you!

[@TrishaAllen1545]

Yess!! It’s all true!! Great job Chris!!!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Yes! Thank you!

[@katiemccluskey4603]

Thank you for keeping us informed, especially regulators just making decisions.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Always!

[@primordialmeow7249]

Keep the truth comic’ Chris!

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thank you!

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

I totally agree that these Advantage Plans can be very deceitful and only looking at the bottom line, but the consumer has a responsibility also to investigate and make sure that what their agent is telling them is true or if they call a company directly that what they're telling them is true and compare their options. It's not right that they're totally blamed when people sign up totally clueless!! People need to grow up and accept responsibility for things.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

That's what I'm trying to do.

[@doraquinn3571]

They give you a food / grocery credit card to initiate enrollment 🙄

[@kathrynarnold1966]

In North Carolina that I'm aware of, UNC/Rex Healthcare in the greater Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill) isn't taking one Advantage carrier this year... Humana, I think. Cape Fear Valley Health (Fayetteville/Wilmington/Lumberton) isn't accepting United Healthcare Advantage. The entire system of Wake Med is under contract with a managed care company... so, even if you have the very best private insurance sold, Medicare supplement or otherwise, ALL healthcare from any Wake Med affiliated provider is through managed care and if you have an Advantage plan that's two layers of managed care your needs must make it through.

[@lisafox9689]

She is the best!

[@debrarouse2794]

Thank you! Enjoy Miami!💞🇺🇸🙏✌

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thank you!

[@s.me.]

they RAISED the rates for even a few visit. SOOO Poor to be in the system...

[@corinnefogarty7880]

California needs to work with those undocumented immigrants to make sure they are also not working "off the books." This goes back to their employers who benefit from cheap labor. California is screwed up with how they don't deal with their homeless population of actual U.S. citizens.

[@chris5942]

Almost 60. I am watching you now because I figured Medicare warranted education during the run up to 65. I am sure glad I found you.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Wonderful!

[@NatureScapesStudio]

Chris. I looked up our local hospitals in the Medicare site and the largest one in the city of Dayton Ohio doesn’t come up as a provider. Premier Health is the corporation for the hospital now as well as most of the doctors in the area. I wonder why?

[@peggy9613]

Great job. I tell our clients the truth about MA. Doing what’s best for the client. Most of my clients don’t want MA plans knowing after 12 months they lose their trial right. It’s sad agents don’t offer their clients all options. You are the best advocate for Medicare beneficiaries in this industry. Keep it up! Peggy Gawley

[@LHartman1]

How can I drop my advantage plan and go back on regular medicare?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

seniorsavingsnetwork.org/medicare-help/

[@LHartman1]

@@ChristopherWestfall Ok, thank you

[@bythepiece]

I am old and ill and alone. I watched you here and there and am going to call you ♥in the future but I subscribed to you and called my BCBS Alabama before the 7th of December and changed from BCBS Advantage to BCBS Medicare aabd their Suppliment and BCBS RX. I had to pay one hospital over $1,300.00 on the Advantage Plan. I had the regular plan in previous years so there was no delay. Thanks for all you are doing to help people.

[@archiehendricks6093]

If i viset dr or hospital specialist, they everytime want me to fill out survey questionnaire

[@ginger6582]

My mother had Medicare Advantage. She never had any insurance payment problems. She lived to 95 1/2. Passed in 2023. She also had home health after leaving the hospital at numerous times and hope hospice at the end. Now all of a sudden there is a problem with the Advantage plan. Why? Somebody better come up with something to replace the Advantage plans for the elderly if they can't switch to Original Medicare.

[@DollyMutchler]

I turned 65 last December 1.2023. I am thankful for your videos that it’s been helpful , I didn’t listen to the agents for advantage plan. They said zero copay free dental etc. Now I’ve got the supplement plan G. Thanks Christopher

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Wonderful!

[@ptbird1961]

I tried to switch back and because the Advantage plan purchased me a wheelchair (which I don't use) I was told no. I think we should sue these companies for causing deaths! I am basically healthy, I can walk, but I had stage 4 degeneration in my hips. I cannot get a hip operation due to being allergic to metals. I've been researching a new program which in the next 5-10 years (through Duke / Stanford) will make hip operations w/metal obsolete. I am also doing alternative things which are making my hips better. I'm so fed up with the American Medical System. I moved to a rural area 5 years ago. The Doctors don't stay long, and I end up having to drive 5-9 hours. I just saw my 5th PMC after not going to a doctor for 1.5 years.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Very sorry to hear that. A wheelchair is a disqualifying condition.

[@gerihemby1451]

I'm 82 and on BC/BS (Athena) and cant get back to supplement because of pre-existing conditions. Is there help for me? I live in Missouri.

[@CATownsend777]

I went onto Advantage and have now gone back to Medicare. I was not trapped as I changed back during the enrollment. But I was told by Medicare that I had to have a Perscription plan to convert back. So, I kept the advantage plan perscription plan and have gone back to Medicare. I will look into which has a better Perscription plan, again in November during the 2024 enrollment period.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Right, that is part of the process, to get a Part D plan. I sure hope you got approved for a Supplement before you pulled that trigger. seniorsavingsnetwork.org/advantage-to-supplement-help/

[@c.m.303]

When i helped (poa) my mother in law, she fell and needed pt after her surgery... they never sent the pt. After several calls they just put me in hold and wouldn't come back. When we tried to get her back on regular Medicare... they wouldn't do that either. She was locked into a system that would NOT treat her.

[@s.me.]

I just found out that I was pasted to an insurance company to 'cover' my prescriptions....the Fee monthly is just by dollars under $200.00. a month.....Some savings ....at $4.15 a prescription when filled. I kinda don t get the savings idea.... How fd is this??

[@jasonhoughton2929]

Have a great trip..

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thanks! 😃

[@soniacalero7064]

My job a pharmaceutical establishment dropped my health coverage because I was looking into better coverage from Medicare pharmaceuticals. ( my doctor on 3 different occasions ordered certain medication which would improve the quality of my life and long term health. Medicare denied these meds. Why. Right now my former job claims I am covered through Aetna but right now I still have no coverage, no medication or pharmacy through which I am covered.

[@annamartino5681]

Christopher, thank you! ❤ OMG! Too bad they don't have a single News Media professional journalists coverage about the horrible parts of MEDICARE. Thank you for covering honestly the situation with MEDICARE Advantage Plans and Hospitals no longer accepting MEDICARE Advantage Plans. It looks great to have a Medicare Advantage Plans when Obamacare was passed with a promise that was to lower the cost for Medical care and to make it more affordable... Now with Hospitals leaving Advantage Plans thanks to American Hospitals Associations, and CMS refused to help people on MEDICARE Advantage Plans to handle Members appeals and complaints (and hiding disputes from CMS). But CMS doesn't care about people who are sadly made a mistake to be on Advantage Plans and as a result CMS refusing to assist people. This is terrible news for those who are happy with Democrats, vote for Democrats habitually and without thinking, and now can Thank themselves for Inflation Reduction Act which is going to only make Healthcare Insurance much more unaffordable... 😢💧🙏

[@doraquinn3571]

What a racketeering 🙄

[@jingwills6267]

The government should never have allowed the existence of MA. Thank God I could be able to switch soon from MA to traditional Medicare from work.

[@pamalabillingsley9013]

R they trying to get us all dependent on them ?

[@bergmanst]

Will I get a bill from Plan N as I use it? Or dose the bill I receive from clinic have the adjusted amount plan N pays as I see the bill. My first time on Medicare this year 2024.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

The provider is not paid the amount you owe. So they will request if from you. So you pay the provider.

[@kellikelli4413]

@@ChristopherWestfall America's medical system has turned into a SCAM (in my opinion)

[@Lovemy60to70era]

So glad I found your videos. If I wasn’t the type of person to get on the phone and keep calling my Humana Medicare PPO in Florida I would probably have a stroke from my head exploding. Why do all my friends living in other states tell me their Advantage Plans are great? Ok my neurologist asked that I get an MRI and after two weeks I find out the PCP does not have to get pre authorization just my neurologist because I have a PPO. Next I want to know my cost for this MRI, here is the scoop. If the MRI is done at a radiology facility free standing not owned by a hospital it is less expensive, but after an afternoon on the phone I found out the facility I chose is now owned by a hospital which my have a $300 facility charge or $200 copay so I called their billing department asking what it would cost and gave them the cpt code guess what they did not know but gave me a price of something like $1800 or $885, what? So I cancelled my appointment. I will call another radiology facility not owned by a hospital. Now the neurologist wants me to have 4 weeks of PT 3x’s a week. My copay is $20 if contracted with Humana if not $65, so I am looking for a PT place an there is an exception if they are associated with a hospital and contracted with Humana the copay is $65. So I just canceled a PT visit because it is associated with a local hospital The hunt for a PT facility will continue tomorrow. I will say Humana was ok when I signed up in 2021 however now that I need to use it the story is exasperating. I hope you are able to understand this discombobulated story.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jonVaHiha8qgsNk&lc=Ugz-ZxsAIj0SOxDW-pR4AaABAg

[@joannejohnson85]

Thank u so very much for providing this valuable info. I really want to help seniors not get caught up in this MA nightmare. How can I help?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Thank you!

[@bobherron]

Hi Chris, unfortunately I am on disability and need to be on an advantage plan for now at least! I am now 62 and can't wait till I am elligible for a supplement plan? Thanks for what you do?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

I cover that situation here: MedicareOnDisability.com We can review those options for you until December 7th, but appointment spots are seriously going fast. If you do make an appointment, DO NOT MISS IT because there won't be another one. See: SeniorSavingsNetwork.org/AEP

[@eastcoastwatch672]

So what is the advantage of Medicare “Advantage” Plan ?

[@davide8629]

Happily on Plan N. Thanks Alexis for your help. Query that doesn’t involve me but would possibly be a work around for folks stuck on MA and now with a health condition making it impossible to get a Medigap plan ::: Can they move to New York for a year, get on a Plan G and perhaps return to their original home or wherever now on Traditional Medicare with a supp? Is this fraud in some way? Obviously we’re talking about someone who is sick so may not be feasible but just curious. Thx

[@archiehendricks6093]

Oh no kidding, i commented how when 1st haveing to decide did not know what the hell was going on. Kim in cal had me paying $117 month for best australian co, and if any body call about insurance do not listen, he was a real plan . I block his asz.

[@jsd354]

If your coverage is denied by MA a physician may appeal on your behalf. However the physician is given a limited time slot in which to speak to the MA Medical director. Many times no one answers and poof you have lost your chance to appeal.

[@annettezaleski]

I'm in Texas and in my State, which has a Repub majority legislation, refuses to accept the federally funded expansion offered to my State. So, anyone needing any home health care or any of the benefits that the Medicare expansion offers, automatically gets put on Medicare Advantage without specifying it to anyone!

[@Pithiny]

CHRIS! There’s a special place in heaven-right next to your Grandmother-when your time comes. Hopefully you live a LONG AND PRODUCTIVE life helping as many seniors as possible. GOD BLESS YOU!!! (EDIT TO ADD: I can barely believe I am saying this about an Insurance Agent-but REALLY, you are a special human being. Please be careful out there, we need you to live for a Very Long Time. ~~Sincerely - Cyndy Lystad, your client.)

[@ladynickerson3664]

So if I live in Idaho and I am on just medicare

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Then you should have a supplement, otherwise you're exposed to 20% of ALL costs. 1-800-729-9590

[@jamesvogel7356]

My advantage agnt has told me I DO NOT QUALIFY FOR A MEDIGAP POLICY. hE SAYS i ONLY QUALIFY FOR ADVANTAGE THROUGH UHC, OF OMAHA NE. I have been told I'm screwed.

[@Sandra-hk8ks]

Take the money your paying for premiums and invest it yourself. Dont eat the food or go to their drs. Pray , we have a greater physician, pray for guidance you will be fine

[@jasonhoughton2929]

South Carolina on SSDI u can’t get a supplement plan unless you’re 65 the Medicare advantage told me but I don’t trust them . I’ll have to talk to you to get the truth and what’s best for me. As this January I got United health and now with Prisma And being a kidney transplant patient I’m in a tough situation

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Right. State law. MedicareOnDisability.com We can help

[@jeanelegarrett3273]

I wish I had seen this program before I switched ! I don’t call it Medicare advantage I call it disadvantage because that’s what it is ! I’m now stuck was busy with refinancing my home and missed the deadline to go back ! I’m screwed so if you haven’t signed up yet save yourself and do not get this so called advantage plan because it’s not ! If I got seriously ill I would not be able to afford my health care . I’m so upset because of this !

[@ChristopherWestfall]

You have until March, but I suggest NOT waiting. seniorsavingsnetwork.org/advantage-to-supplement-help/

[@gordonallen9095]

If Advantage Plans are so great, why are there so many "horror stories'" concerning coverage? And why does Medicare make it so difficult to leave Advantage for a supplemental plan?

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Exactly AllAboutMedicareAdvantage.com

[@jasonhoughton2929]

That happened to me . I got scammed good. Until your videos I had no ideas medicare advantage wasn’t Medicare smh 🤦‍♂️

[@ChristopherWestfall]

I'm sorry to hear. We can help. seniorsavingsnetwork.org/medicare-help/

[@1man2many]

It seems to me that one possible solution would be to require MA insurance to COVER, unless and until- the MA insurance can show the stay/treatment was NOT needed or NOT covered by original medicare, in which case they could try to claw back the payout. Just one idea. Flip the default, in other words. CMS can do that.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Love it.

[@jasonhoughton2929]

Im thinking about going to original Medicare. Even if I can’t get a supplement plan . I’d rather be in debt that dead in a advantage plan.

[@ChristopherWestfall]

seniorsavingsnetwork.org/medicare-help/

[@gg-wk2ww]

@jasonhoughton , I'm disabled 40+ yrs. Yrs ago only reg Medicare and unable to afford a Supplement. I needed several joint surgery replacements over time and 20 percent was doable on soc sec income. A doctor advised me to negotiate if possible and pay off on time over time to stay away from debt collectors. It worked out well. Don't go into bankruptcy. 20 percent is doable, if lots of health problems on top then purchase an n plan , pay monthly due and barely any excess charges if possible. My colonoscopy was total zero chgs. Last year. ❤👍 But monthly 83 bucks. 3:24

[@thresaneeley5233]

My question .. why is medicare advantage not being dissolved as a senior option .. get everyone back on traditional medicare WITH option to purchase supplemental whether you are 65 or under 65 with disability .. Advantage robs an individual of choice

[@karennelson498]

I watch your videos and like them I have a question hope you can answer it I am on Cigna Medicare advantage plan and I have loved it. It pays for everything cigna has been in talks with some company about selling their Medicare advantage plan. I am wondering what will happen to all the people that have Medicare advantage plans like me

[@ChristopherWestfall]

Yes, I covered this yesterday. Your plan will stay the same for the remainder of its ONE year contract. After that, no telling.

[@Sandra-hk8ks]

Im 74 and only go to natureopathic drs. Eat organic, yes i eat all meat so im not vegetarian but was told by a medical dr that i had cancer 6 years ago. Never went to any dr. Just Essiac tea from canada. For 3mo. I still have arthritis like most people that worked hard all their lives. Im still careing for my handicapped daughter ( that dosent walk ) but with Gods help im still living alone with my daughter way out in the country so i dont have neighbours to help. Day by day sweet Jesus.

[@neoudi2024]

I will only be selling Medicare Supplements even if my would be clients will be asking me to buy Medicare Advantage products. By the way, I went to one of your seminars in South Carolina office years ago. Do you still accept new partner agents in your company?

[@8sun52]

This is total corporatization of our total healthcare system bit by bit. This is not socialization of our healthcare system. By God people, freekin' educate yourself, please. Physicians for a National Health Program Healthcare Now!

[@JohnRumfield1976]

Advantage executive left After making his 100 million now he can blast it turn coat

[@EvelynSchmechtigCochran]

Can you comment on Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage and if it’s good?

[@dem7615]

The agents selling you those policies make much more money each month if they talk you into Advantage plan. Brand X.. were talking hundreds of dollars more each month.. then deny care.. oh but youre happy getting to the giveaways..

[@ChristopherWestfall]

This is true.

[@dem7615]

So glad you are exposing this I worked 30 years in Insurance.. never want a private company handling my care. I try to tell my friends.. they are blinded by the cheap premiums.. even those who worked with me at BCBS.. aaahhhh

[@eyelore6894]

Wendal ! ♡ Katie ! ♡ Cristopher ! ♡ :))))

[@lindamiller394]

As a retired RN, nobody dies healthy and we all are going to die. Why not make it better by getting a supplement. I have a supplement. It will be sooo much better for you. You will get better care without going through prior approval. I would like to see that free medical care discontinued in CA.

[@eyelore6894]

A

[@ChuckKarges]

Take the name of medcare off it u every herd of bait and switch tactics