The Hidden Dangers of Medicare Advantage Plans for Social Security Recipients

[JenniferJuniper]

107. First hand experience

My father had a Medicare Advantage plan and paid a fair amount for it. A BCBS plan, IIRC.

He had dementia and ended up needing surgery during the early days of the pandemic. In his late 70s. His doctors wanted him discharged to a rehab facility. The hospital was in the process of trying to get him out. His dementia was worsening post-surgery.

My siblings and I could not find a facility that would take him. I didn't understand why at the time, but I learned that he was being rejected because the rehab places preferred people without Medicare C due to their frequent arbitrary coverage restrictions and denials. He ended up 2 hours from the closest relative and died (we believe from neglect) with a few weeks of arriving.

My sister has since become a discharge nurse and she says this is very common. According to her, it's very difficult to place patients post-hospital stay with Advantage plans as opposed to those with traditional A & B.

I think Medicare C plans might be okay for younger, healthy people. But as people age, it becomes riskier. It's very important to keep in mind that these are for-profit plans and coverage restrictions and denials boast profits.