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Judge Approves Physicians United Liquidation

DIBP images via Flickr

About 31,000 Florida seniors will need to change their Medicare Advantage plans,. A Tallahassee judge  approved the state's takeover of Physicians United HMO, effective July 1.

Recent financial reports show that Physicians United was nearly $13 million in debt and couldn't pay many healthcare providers.But analyst Allan Baumgarten says seniors won't lose coverage and can enroll in new plans right away. More than 21,000 policy holders live in Central Florida or around Tampa Bay.

"It may require a change in doctor and that can be disruptive, particularly to a senior who may have an established relationship with a particular primary care doctor or specialist", Baumgarten said.

The state's Department of Financial Services is in charge of the financial takeover.But the actual transition for seniors will be handled by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Policy holders should call 1 800 MEDICARE.