Report: UnitedHealth Drops Thousands Of Doctors From Insurance Plans (Medicare Advantage Plans)

[FarCenter]

(Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group <UNH.N> dropped thousands of doctors from its networks in recent weeks, leaving many elderly patients unsure whether they need to switch plans to continue seeing their doctors, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

The insurer said in October that underfunding of Medicare Advantage plans for the elderly could not be fully offset by the company's other healthcare business. The company also reported spending more healthcare premiums on medical claims in the third quarter, due mainly to government cuts to payments for Medicare Advantage services.

The Journal report said that doctors in at least 10 states were notified of being laid off the plans, some citing "significant changes and pressures in the healthcare environment." According to the notices, the terminations can be appealed within 30 days.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/unitedhealth-drops-thousands-of-doctors-from-insurance-plans-2013-11

[bemildred]

1. This is why I refuse to sign up for their "Advantage" plans. They are scum. nt

[HockeyMom]

6. I don't have it either

Just became eligible this month. I don't like insurance companies to begin with. I just have A & B, which alone is better than what I had with employer plan.

[bemildred]

8. Yes, I want them destroyed, why give them money if I don't have to? nt

[TheBlackAdder]

2. While more doctors refuse them for their delayed payments and below-industry reimbursements. n/t

[fadedrose]

3. Below industry reimbursements..

Do you mean the rate of reimbursement or the amount?

Some doctors charge way too much and get a smaller rate. Those who charge less get a larger percentage.

Doctors have to charge a little less if this health care thing is to work. Many people will pay more for premiums, and some will pay less, so that almost everyone has at least some coverage. Nobody should profit excessively on sick people.

[TheBlackAdder]

4. Some of my kid's doctors left because they cut their reimbursement rate and...

on top of that delayed their reimbursements for 2-3 months.

[FarCenter]

7. My doctor doesn't take United Healthcare either

They appear to be the Walmart of the health insurance business.

[tsuki]

5. Stephen Hemsley assumed the position of CEO of United determined

to extract the same wealth the previous CEO, "Dollar Bill" McGuire, extracted, a cool 1.5 billion in 5 years.

A failing economy, increased scrutiny of the health care industry are among the reasons that he is falling short of the company's major goal, his payday. So, to further wealth extract, up the profits. To up the profits, cut the benefits.

[ChazII]

9. My 84 year old dad pays the doctor

and Medicare then reimburses Dad. He is in group home where he pays $3,000 a year. The state of AZ pays around $200 a patient - there are only 2 others. I will have to check to see if his dr is still on the plan. This may not effect him since United is his secondary and he also has Tricare for life.

[question everything]

10. This is why I don't understand why the White House went to UnitedHealth to save the code

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251334598

and why AARP promote them.