Will Medicare Advantage Be Repealed in Health Care Reform?
President Obama insists that those who wish to retain their present health insurance coverage will be able to do so without interference from the Government under any forthcoming Health Care Reform.
He can insist all he wants, but that's not really true in one major aspect. On July 28, 2009 Obama told the AARP that he wants to eliminate $177 billion in subsidies to Medicare Advantage programs which are very popular with seniors because they offer benefits and care coordination which basic Medicare plans do not provide. This means, basically, that he wishes to see Medicare Advantage repealed. However, he smoothes that over with assertions that there will be no change in Medicare benefits to seniors.
I'm presently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan for which I pay a monthly premium. I'm willing to do so because there's always the spectre, when you're older, of catastrophic illness for which Medicare will not pay in whole. This exposes me to the possibility of large medical expense despite Medicare. I consider covering that gap vital to my financial well-being, and I'm willing to pay the current reasonable premium cost for that.
I'm not worried that my government is driven to "pull the plug" on me or grandma, or any of that nonsense. But, I am concerned that a significant part of health care reform may well be financed on the backs of seniors (me for one) as is being argued in many quarters, and, apparently supported by my president.
So, should I kiss Medicare Advantage goodbye?
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I share this concerrn as I am in the same boat. I see no requirement that the insurance companies must provide the same or similar medicare advantage programs for the same or similar cost. I have yet to find a substantive comment saying how this will work. AARP makes most of its money selling insurance, so I have big questions about their advocacy!
Medicare HMOs (e.g., Medicare Advantage plans) have been “overpaid ” for years! They initially provided the great promise of providing all Medicare covered services for an affordable cost- by being coordinated in the delivery of care. In fact, at the hand of huge health care corporations, these plans have pilfered the pockets of millions of Medicare beneficiaries and all workers who pay into the Medicare program and health care providers over these many years. And when the profits run out- they leave a community high and dry. Profiteering is their aim- not the provision of affordable quality health care.
Actually, I happen to agree with the previous comment that Medicare Advantage at bottom has been a Republican giveaway to the insurers. On the other hand, I feel like I’m a sort of pawn in this game, and expendable on the alter of iffy deficit reduction. In other words, the government is going to eliminate coverage for me, a senior, in order to achieve political objectives with no plan for a replacement. It seems strange, as well, that there’s hardly been any outcry over ten million people losing their medical coverage, and, certainly no effective advocacy for this group.
Limo Divers Protest Medicare Mediciad Reform Cuts, It’s rumored this issue could become part of the Tea Party movement. AmeriChoice Health is also rumored to take a position on this reform. Recirculate those tax dollars? Help keep limo drivers working, benefits flowing and overpaid tax dollars remain in abuse.
Medicare.gov as well as other Federal agency’s encourage you to report any fraudulent activities, yet, the same government agencys were notified the way this company does business yet did nothing. Three years ago they were reported to these Federal agency’s and as of todays date not only were they allowed to continue doing business but were never charged once. Protected vendor status sure, politics sure,limited government budgets sure, Federal and State officals looking the other way sure, and rather then stop these activities a strong desire not to rock the boat existed. Even with the vast changes in the laws and budgets,a hands off policy remains, you tell me what’s wrong with this picture? The Government created this monster and now they don’t know what to do about it, like shooting yourself in your own foot etc. Tons of money to advance their national growth, its market positions, tons of money for political donations, tons of money to send 75 millon back to its home office from New York state alone, tons of money to suppot National TV shows, tons of money to pay hugh State fines, tons of money to hire the very best law firms, tons of money to pay for bribes and kickbacks, tons of money for hugh salarys and bonuses, all done on the back of the American taxpayor, you see this company receives all its money from the Federal government. Should your tax dollars be held to a higher standard? Should the government agencys responsible for there review be held to that same standard?Should the IRS audit their corruption? Why has this company not been charged? How long can the buck be passed here in more ways then one? Hey, it’s your tax dollars don’t complain now.. then don’t complain later on…
ps… I know times are tough for a lot us, but it would be great to have a free limo to go to the Doctors, Pharmacy, Movies, Grocery shopping, and given free tickets for the movies. Offered soda, pop corn and hotdogs, as well as have them receive free coupons for Grocery items……Kind of makes you wish you also had Medicare and Mediciad right?