In a healthcare landscape that's constantly evolving, it's not uncommon for healthcare providers and insurance plans to make changes, however, this one was a big surprise, even for us! Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal, prominent healthcare providers in San Diego County, have made headlines by departing from Medicare Advantage plans. This development has left many Medicare beneficiaries wondering about their options for continued care.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the reasons behind this decision and explore the alternatives available to those affected.
Why Did Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Leave Medicare Advantage Plans?
Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal have long been respected healthcare providers known for their quality care and comprehensive services. Their decision to leave Medicare Advantage plans may have left some beneficiaries puzzled, but it is essential to understand the reasons behind this move.
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Reimbursement Rates: Medicare Advantage plans negotiate reimbursement rates with healthcare providers, which may result in lower payments to healthcare facilities. In some cases, healthcare providers, like Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal, may find these rates unsustainable for maintaining the quality of care they are known for.
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Administrative Burden: Participating in Medicare Advantage plans often involves additional administrative tasks and requirements, which can be time-consuming and costly for healthcare providers. Some may choose to opt out to reduce administrative burdens.
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Focus on Traditional Medicare: Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal may be shifting their focus back to traditional Medicare, which allows patients to access any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, providing them with more flexibility and choice in their care.
What Are Your Options Now?
If you were receiving care from Scripps Clinic or Scripps Coastal through a Medicare Advantage plan, here are some options to consider:
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Return to Traditional Medicare: If you value the freedom to see any healthcare provider that accepts Medicare, returning to traditional Medicare might be an option.You will pair this with a Medicare Supplement and Part D Drug plan and you can do this through Ben or Steve at our office.
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Stay on Medicare Advantage: You can stay on your Medicare Advantage plan or choose another Medicare Advantage plan if cost is a concern. These options have provider availability at Sharp, UCSD, Mercy, Primary Care Associates, Scripps Physicians medical group and more.
To explore your plan options, feel free to call Benjamin Losin or Stephen Cummings at our office.
They can be reached at 760.436.5015 or ben@schulteinsurance.com or stephen@schulteinsurance.com. Please note that because of this change, it may take up to 48 business hours for them to get back to you. Thank you for your patience during this time.