Are you among the 30,000+ losing access to Scripps doctors with the announcement this week from the Scripps CEO? If you currently have a Medicare Advantage HMO or even PPO, and use Scripps Coastal or Clinic doctors, you've probably heard the news.
As of January 1st, 2024, Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Group will no longer accept Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plans, including Alignment, Anthem, MediBlue, Blue Shield, Health Net, SCAN, and United Healthcare. This decision will impact approximately 32,000 patients in the San Diego area. Scripps Clinic and Coastal Medical Group have taken this step due to the rising costs of healthcare and inadequate reimbursements. I understand that this news may be disappointing and worrying for you. However, Bridlewood agents are fully trained to guide you in finding an alternative healthcare provider that meets your needs.
What is happening Right Now?
The insurance companies mentioned above are working on a plan to reassign you to a new medical group that accepts your current Medicare HMO plan. The medical groups available include Mercy Physicians, Optum, Health Excel, UCSD, and San Diego Physicians Medical Group (SPMG). You will receive a letter from each carrier explaining the situation and announcing which medical group you will be reassigned to.
Here is a guide to help you decide what your options are:
Option 1. Stay With My Scripps Doctors with a Supplement Plan
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan and stand-alone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), allowing you to go to any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts original Medicare. However, you will have to pay a monthly premium for both the Supplement plan and the Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), and both plans come with an annual deductible. I am happy to explain all of this, as the price for your Supplement plans varies depending on your age.
Option 2: Choose A New Medical Group and Doctor Before Things Fill Up
If you prefer HMO plans with low co-pays and additional benefits such as gym, dental, and hearing, several options are available in San Diego. Plans that get you to Sharp Healthcare or UCSD, for example, could be a good fit for you. Please note that a Special Election is taking place, and you may want to change your plan and choose a new doctor now before your preferred doctor panels fill up due to the volume of members needing to change. I can assist you if you choose this option.
Option 3: Get Assigned a Doctor and Medical Group
If you don't act, your Medicare HMO plan will automatically assign you to a new medical group. You'll receive a new card and welcome kit in the mail, explaining who your new doctor is and where you can go to get your prescriptions filled. It's worth noting that advantage plans that currently get you to Scripps usually have higher co-pays. If you're satisfied with your newly assigned doctor and medical group, there may be a better Medicare HMO plan available that could significantly lower your co-pays. To get additional details, send me an email at stew@medicareagentstew.com or call me at (760) 473-0071.
Personal Note:
Scripps Clinic and Coastal have chosen what they think is best for them, and now it's up to you to decide what's best for you based on your options. As a licensed Medicare agent, I am happy to help you navigate the Scripps maze. However, I understand that there are many others, over 30,000, who may not have an agent to work with. Please help your friends and neighbors by letting them know that I'm here to help, and there's never a charge for my services. I am licensed and contracted with multiple carriers, so whatever the best option is for you, I will ensure that you're taken care of.
Stew Duncan
email: stew@MedicareAgentStew.com
phone/text: (760) 473-0071
CA License # 4152724
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