General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsReport: UnitedHealth Drops Thousands Of Doctors From Insurance Plans (Medicare Advantage Plans)
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
(90,061 posts)HockeyMom
(14,337 posts)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
(90,061 posts)TheBlackAdder
(28,211 posts)fadedrose
(10,044 posts)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
(28,211 posts)on top of that delayed their reimbursements for 2-3 months.
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)They appear to be the Walmart of the health insurance business.
tsuki
(11,994 posts)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
(6,206 posts)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.