Medicare Advantage plans are a nightmare

I retired after 20 years in HR. We were proud to offer our teachers and staff excellent state health benefits. This attracted employees to State of Delaware employment. Many employees took low-paying jobs for that sole reason. Yearly, I would call the benefits office and ask the same question, “Should I leave traditional Medicare and go to an Advantage plan?” The benefits office warned me to never change. They would assure me that I already had the very best plan found anywhere in the country and that Advantage plans were a nightmare. We now live part time in another state. Who becomes my primary doctor now? The new plan is designed to save the state money, but it is a disaster. Most recently, my doctor’s office said, “Thank God you have original Medicare because patients without it often have to wait for prior approval or are denied.” Out-of-state hospitals? Out of the question. Thankfully, RISE Delaware has become our advocate … not the Legislature and especially not Gov. Carney. I have sent emails to every legislator and have received four responses with very lame promises. I have not seen one ounce of support from Gov. Carney and the Delaware Dems. Empty promises. The very least he could do is allow existing retirees to choose which plan they want. Future employees could be given the Medicare Advantage plan, then see how difficult it will be to recruit teachers and school staff.