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@koneil

Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely do my homework before I change. What is surprising is that the neurosurgeons are aware of the denials from the insurance companies. When I say I have a medicare advantage plan , the surgery scheduler states" We can't get surgical appovals from an advantage plan". If the doctors staff is aware of this problem ,why doesn't someone complain? Does everyone accept the denials?
I'm taking my denial as far as I can. I'm getting new mri's on my lumbar and cervical spine in the next few days. I'm hoping that the radiologist and neurosurgeons agree on my diagnosis. Thanks again for the advise on original medicare and the medicare supplement companies. Any advise on a good medicare supplement provider?

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Replies to "Thank you for the advice. I'll definitely do my homework before I change. What is surprising..."

As Medicare season approaches, there will be a lot of places that offer to "compare plans" but they almost always are promoting one company or another.

Here are 2 places I look to for advice, and add it to everything else I read:
https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/insurance/medicare/best-medigap-insurance-companies
https://www.forbes.com/health/medicare/best-medicare-supplement-providers/
I can tell you that I live winters in a community of seniors in all economic levels and from across the country - the consensus, especially for those of us who want choices in care - are Blue Cross Blue Shield supplemental plans. NOT Advantage Plans, but those called Supplemental or Medigap.

Here is what we like - the higher cost plans often cover or reduce copays, which lowers the true cost of insurance. Most doctors and hospitals accept them. We can get coverage at home or when traveling. Most plans take over the paperwork for you like the Advantage plans do - they submit the bill to Medicare, then cover their part and bill for the balance. Various levels or prescription coverage are available. You can deal with an independent insurance agent, who is working for you, not a company.

Here is what we don't like - the Pharmacy Benefits are still like the rest of Medicare, and are handled by a Pharmacy Benefit Manager which is a pain.

Ask you family and friends who they use, whether they are satisfied, and if they can recommend a helpful agent.