Do you like Medicare?

[Northwoods]

PLEASE don't make this political. I'm watching the Democratic debate on healthcare. Many want Medicare for all. I had healthcare covered by my company (large company) which included prescription drugs, vision and dental. Cost was relatively low. I'm now on Medicare. I prefer my company's healthcare! The dental was better, vision was better, and I paid less for some prescription drugs.
I'm curious... are you happier on Medicare? (Is your Medicare supplemented by a company?). Or would you prefer to be on your employer's healthcare plan?
Can we please have an intelligent, non-political discussion on this?

[Bjeanj]

I have regular Medicare with BCBS supplement. This, after a corporate medical plan. I found a few insignificant trade offs, but I do like Medicare overall. I suspect part of the experience might be what someone’s portion of the payment would be under a corporate plan, what kind of health issues they may be experiencing, etc. so far, it’s worked for me, and everyone I’ve worked with accepts the plans I have.

[kathyspear]

I consider myself lucky that hubby still works full-time and we get insurance from his job, as I do NOT want to go on Medicare.

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't Medicare (regular, not Advantage) pay about 80% of covered expenses and don't most people buy supplemental coverage AND drug coverage in addition to paying their monthly premium to the govt? Assuming that is accurate, when these people talk about "Medicare for All" are they talking about a plan where everybody pays $140 (or whatever the current monthly premium is) for 80% coverage AND then either pay the 20% balance plus drug costs out of pocket OR are they using "Medicare for All" as a euphemism for universal healthcare that pays for everything for everyone by increasing our taxes to match what people pay in Europe? Serious question, as I am not watching/listening to those people debate.

kathy

[tophcfa]

Although I am in no hurry to get any older, I can't wait until we become eligable for Medicare. The cost of insurance for someone who is not covered by an employer, and is not yet 65, is absolutely crippling! The problem is that I have no confidence that Medicare won't be totally gutted because of our Countrie's massive and unstanable budget defect and corresponding debt. Anyone who lives in the "Medicare for all" fanticy world clearly does not recognize the reality of the long term implications of unsustainable debt!

[retiredguy123]

I consider myself lucky that hubby still works full-time and we get insurance from his job, as I do NOT want to go on Medicare.

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn't Medicare (regular, not Advantage) pay about 80% of covered expenses and don't most people buy supplemental coverage AND drug coverage in addition to paying their monthly premium to the govt? Assuming that is accurate, when these people talk about "Medicare for All" are they talking about a plan where everybody pays $140 (or whatever the current monthly premium is) for 80% coverage AND then either pay the 20% balance plus drug costs out of pocket OR are they using "Medicare for All" as a euphemism for universal healthcare that pays for everything for everyone by increasing our taxes to match what people pay in Europe? Serious question, as I am not watching/listening to those people debate.

kathy
Please note that "everybody" doesn't pay the current monthly premium of about $140 for Medicare Part B. It is based on your income, and some pay as much as $460 per month for the same Medicare Part B coverage as those paying $140.

[NotGolfer]

I looked forward to Medicare as I could finally get some things, at least partially paid for (had to pay a co-pay) that our insurance wouldn't cover before. I've been on Medicare for nearly 13 yrs now and it's been fine. Some folks did work for companies that had the cadillac of ins.---we did not. Bully for them! Back in the day we did too...but things began to change for many businesses where it wasn't sustainable for them.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I was on Medicare, but i am now on VA Healthcare. There is no comparison. VA is vastly better. VA healthcare is socialized medical care. The main reason I believe the VA system is better is that there is no profit motive in the VA system. The system is motivated to keep me healthy since that reduces their costs. Medicare pays for commercial healthcare, where the motive is to treat as many me's as possible - to make a profit, but no motive cure anyone.

There are many problems with employer provided for profit healthcare the first being you can't easily change employers - you soul is owed to the company store.

Any system that allows the for profit healthcare systems to black mail us for whatever we can pay is doomed to bankrupt the country.

Healthcare can only work if it is treated as a right and the industry pricing is regulated to permit reasonable profits based on results (ie. VA system) and not profit.

[manaboutown]

Please note that "everybody" doesn't pay the current monthly premium of about $140 for Medicare Part B. It is based on your income, and some pay as much as $460 per month for the same Medicare Part B coverage as those paying $140.

This is just another tax. Imagine if a hamburger cost say $4.00 at McDonalds below a specified income level and up to $12.00 if one's income exceeded a certain amount.

[kathyspear]

Please note that "everybody" doesn't pay the current monthly premium of about $140 for Medicare Part B. It is based on your income, and some pay as much as $460 per month for the same Medicare Part B coverage as those paying $140.

Yes, I am aware. If I had moved from hubby's insurance to Medicare a few years ago I would have been paying the maximum for much less coverage (because of his income). Of course my SS payments are not calculated on his earnings, but on what I earned during my lifetime (not even in the same ballpark). Why am I not surprised ha!

k.

[Bay Kid]

I finally earned Medicare. Now they want to give it to.... Cheaper than what I had. Better?

[billethkid]

Medicare + supplement has taken care of 100% of our medical needs over the years.

Complaints? None of significance!!

[Chi-Town]

On a regular basis there seems to be a push for a voucher system. That should be a major oncern.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

[mtdjed]

I was far better off with company paid insurance which covered drugs, dental, hospital, doctors, services and vision, with essentially no deductible. My costs were essentially $2000 /year for myself and wife. My Medicare, Supplement, Drug, and Dental plan monthly costs are $350/Month making our annual enrollment cost for myself and wife $8400. This could be reduced by using Medicare Advantage but there are personal choices being made. Additional expenses are also incurred due to deductibles and limits.

But what is Medicare? And what are the costs?

First there is Med Part A (Simply stated), it is hospital insurance. It requires a 10 year pay in to qualify. If not qualified, it costs about $437/Month. I qualify. There is a $1364 deductible for inpatient service each benefit period. It is limited Co-insurance $0 patient cost first 60 days, patient costs exceeding $341 Days 61 to 90. Skilled Nursing $0 patient costs first 20 Days. Patient costs exceeding $170/day for days 21 to 100. With some exceptions, you get to pay the rest.


Next is Med Part B (Simply Stated), it is medical expenses outside of hospital but for the most part excluding Drugs, Vision, and Dental. If qualified the Premium is about $135 per month (Income dependent). There is an annual $185 deductible and coverage is about 80% (ACA took a small part away). Only stated services covered and services limited to facilities accepting Medicare established rate.


Part B costs not covered by Medicare can be covered by a separately purchased Supplement or Medicare Advantage program. Medicare Advantage programs vary and likely limit services to a specific network of providers. Medicare Advantage programs must provide the same services that the original Medicare covers but generally more Supplements pay portions of costs not covered by Medicare Part A and B. A good supplement will cost around $150/month.


Drug plans are too complicated to Simplify as are Dental Plans

[Madelaine Amee]

Medicare + supplement has taken care of 100% of our medical needs over the years.

Complaints? None of significance!!

Agree .... Medicare and AARP J Plan serves us very well. Never see a bill, but it does not come cheap! I guess it depends what you want to pay for in life. If you are a young retiree you probably would not want to spend the money on this type of plan, if you are an older retiree you really really need it.

[collie1228]

I have Care Plus Medicare Advantage and I love it. I never pay anything for a primary care doctor visit, and drug costs are reasonable for me, but I don't take any daily medicines, so I can't speak for chronic care medications. But my doctor told me that as long as I'm healthy, it's a good deal for me. Once you are sick and want to investigate alternative care options, you'll find that the Medicare Advantage programs will restrict you, as they are HMO's or PPO's and you can only use approved providers. I'm not saying you won't get good care, but for instance, if you learn of a promising treatment provided at University Hospital Shands in Gainesville, you'll likely find they won't cover it.

[valuemkt]

The gentleman that said many regional hospitals would close if the medicare for all proposal went into effect was correct. The medicare reimbursements do not cover the cost of operations for most hospitals. They rely on what is known as "private pay", or payment from many corporate plans.
So, "free" healthcare is, of course, a misnomer. While working, one pays 1.45% of gross wages into the medicare plan .. That is without an income limit. That is separate from the 6.2% everyone pays into social security for wages up to $ 132,000 / year. If a person reaches age 65 and is still earning a handsome amount of money (perhaps through smart investments), and they want tobe covered by mediacre, which is their right, they will be further taxed, as commented above, by up to $ 500 / month for medicare and Part D (drug) coverage.

It is folly to think that a secondary system would not be developed for private pay.. with doctors and other medical personnel giving preference to those that buy into a more expensive system. The waiting lines for people needing serious care and having only "base" medicare would grow, and the law of unintended consequences would once again prevail. There would be little incentives for bright well meaning young people to pursue a medical career, because, of course, their current salaries would be looked at as outrageous, even though they devoted ten or more years after college to pursue a specialty and their passion. Oh, and if they came from a family of means, they would be addled with enormous medical school debt, while their poorer classmates got a free ride.

Those greedy drug companies ?? Why spend research and development money on a cure for cancer ? Maybe they shouldn;t have developed Lipitor, which has helped many Villagers lead a longer life .. Or a number of other specialty drugs .. The law of Unintended Consequences is very nasty .. and remember the Free Lunch Theorem .. There is no such thing as a FREE lunch

[perrjojo]

Do we like Medicare...no. For us, our employer plan was better. I guess the problem is that not everyone has a good employer plan. I really doubt Medicare for all will be better for all.

[gatorbill1]

My last employer (after changing ins. cos every year) finally cancelled everyone's healthcare and decided to give everyone a couple of hundred dollars a month. Luckily I had just turned 65 and went on Medicare. Those in their 30's did well. Those in 40's bought terrible insurance that had extremely high deductibles and those in 50's and older were left unable to buy affordable healthcare. Those that are happy with current in., might lose it at any time.
Medicare Advantage has been excellent for me, no procedure has ever been denied. Obamacare worked for my wife when she retired early, would still be working if not for Obamacare.

[Navy (SSBN 633)]

Medicare for "all" would be a disaster....The Govt cant run anything....example post office, social security...medicare...and they want to put everyone on medicare???...I dont think so!!

[Nucky]

I understand the fortunate people who had great benefits not liking Medicare. I am happy for them but so very jealous that during their working career they had the advantage over others because of a benevolent employer or collective bargaining or whatever reason extended them one of the main concerns the head of a family has for his family, decent medical coverage.

At the beginning of my career once I unloaded my own company because good benefits were killing me. I wanted badly to take care of those who gave their work-life up for me. In the middle of my career, I worked for the most honorable man that gave us benefits that were fit for a king. I will always be grateful to that man. We had some rough years medically speaking and his great coverage saved us. At the end of my career, we paid about $250 a week and had limitations that were unbelievable. My wife one son and myself were covered and the office visits covered for the year was capped at 10 visits. The deductibles were sky-high, it wasn't good.

The Villages Medicare Advantage is Heaven On Earth for us. I am grateful beyond words for the security it provides.

Whatever the candidates are speaking of at this early point in the election game is a big zero for me. They will change many times from now until the election. I think its the last 30 days before the election are the days that count the most.

I'm not for giving anything free to anyone.

[blueash]

Medicare for "all" would be a disaster....The Govt cant run anything....example post office, social security...medicare...and they want to put everyone on medicare???...I dont think so!!

Is there any irony in seeing a poster whose ID is Navy saying the government can't run anything? The government runs the military and lots of people seem proud of our military. It's not perfect but it is the best in the world, right?

[Bucco]

I understand the fortunate people who had great benefits not liking Medicare. I am happy for them but so very jealous that during their working career they had the advantage over others because of a benevolent employer or collective bargaining or whatever reason extended them one of the main concerns the head of a family has for his family, decent medical coverage.

At the beginning of my career once I unloaded my own company because good benefits were killing me. I wanted badly to take care of those who gave their work-life up for me. In the middle of my career, I worked for the most honorable man that gave us benefits that were fit for a king. I will always be grateful to that man. We had some rough years medically speaking and his great coverage saved us. At the end of my career, we paid about $250 a week and had limitations that were unbelievable. My wife one son and myself were covered and the office visits covered for the year was capped at 10 visits. The deductibles were sky-high, it wasn't good.

The Villages Medicare Advantage is Heaven On Earth for us. I am grateful beyond words for the security it provides.

Whatever the candidates are speaking of at this early point in the election game is a big zero for me. They will change many times from now until the election. I think its the last 30 days before the election are the days that count the most.

I'm not for giving anything free to anyone.

If, and not sure whether you are or not, you are implying that Medicaire was free.....sorry, as a young guy used to complain about that deduction each paycheck, but now along with a Medgap policy (that I also pay for), it is working great for us anyway.

So many think that Medicaire was not paid for by the participants....and not true

[GrumpyOldMan]

Medicare for "all" would be a disaster....The Govt cant run anything....example post office, social security...medicare...and they want to put everyone on medicare???...I dont think so!!

Well, sadly, I have to agree with what you said if we add the word "today". However, to put it into perspective -

1. The post office was the best in the world and many countries sent they people here etc learn how we designed and ran ours. It is the advent of email, FedEx and UPS that killed our post office and not so much the government which actually has little to do with its operation and virtually nothing to do with funding.

2. Social Security currently supports over 60 million seniors (my wife and I included) and has been self funding since the beginning. We get our checks every month on time and have never experienced any issues of any kind when working with the SS. Unlike private for profit retirement options it is GUARNTEED by the safest most reliable insurer in the world - the US GOVERNMENT. I sleep easy at night knowing my checks will be coming for the rest of my life. I am 70 and current trust fund exhaustion is predicted to happen in 2035 if NOTHING is done to fix it. At which point if I am still around I will see up to 80% of my current checks. No other retirement plan in the world can claim that security.

3. Medicare is rated by international organizations as one of the best liked socialized medical systems in the world. While not perfect it provides excellent healthcare (paid for by each of us while working) that is in general well liked by over 60 million American seniors.

4. And finally one you did not mention, the VA Healthcare system which in fact is run by the government. Other than some recent issues with overcrowding (mainly do to underfunding by the government) I can say from personal experience of both myself and my wife that it is a fantastic system. Better than any of the for profit systems available. The VA healthcare is a PURE socialized medical care system paid for out of the government general funds (not paid for by all workers like the SS and medicare) and it is operated exclusively by the government. I happen to think the proposed voucher system is the worst idea ever thought up and will destroy the VA Healthcare by converting it into a for profit system. Just look at what happened to college tuitions when the government started providing vouchers to students (guaranteeing student loans) for an example of what is going to happen to the VA.

I do not know what experience you have had with the VA health care (with a navy user name, I assume you were in the Navy), and if it was negative, I am sorry to hear that, I know some veterans have had and do have problems. No system is perfect, but it is a stunningly excellent system in the areas I have seen and used.

[Fredster]

Medicare for "all" would be a disaster....The Govt cant run anything....example post office, social security...medicare...and they want to put everyone on medicare???...I dont think so!!

I totally agree, I firmly believe everyone in our country should spend some time as
part of a huge government operation such as the USPO, or any branch of the military and I think
it might give them second thoughts about having the government run and manage healthcare for all!

[retiredguy123]

Medicare for "all" would be a disaster....The Govt cant run anything....example post office, social security...medicare...and they want to put everyone on medicare???...I dont think so!!
I agree. I had a Federal job for 35 years, and the average person has no idea how much waste, incompetence, and inefficiency there is in the Government. What bothered me the most was the overstaffing just because the agency had money to spend. There were hundreds of people making over 100K per year and doing little or no work at all.

[queasy27]

Private insurance started out great in the 70s when I began working. No premiums for a single person and dental was included. Companies even offered a choice of plans! In later years I had to pay premiums which kept going up and up; same with co-pays. My last working years were chintzy, bargain basement policies.

My company folded when I was 63 and Obabacare was awesome for me; back to the days of the 70s with regard to available care, specialists, and $32/month premium. No dental, though.

I would have been very happy to stay with my BCBS plan through the Marketplace but was aged out. Given that I have a couple of chronic diseases, I should not have chosen an Advantage plan but went with the less expensive option at the time. I think I'm the unhappiest I've ever been with my current plan.

[LuvtheVillages]

PLEASE don't make this political. I'm watching the Democratic debate on healthcare. Many want Medicare for all. I had healthcare covered by my company (large company) which included prescription drugs, vision and dental. Cost was relatively low. I'm now on Medicare. I prefer my company's healthcare! The dental was better, vision was better, and I paid less for some prescription drugs.
I'm curious... are you happier on Medicare? (Is your Medicare supplemented by a company?). Or would you prefer to be on your employer's healthcare plan?
Can we please have an intelligent, non-political discussion on this?


Some employer's plans were great, some good, and many were barely adequate. Everyone's experience is different. If your cost was low, it was because your employer paid most of it.
Once you turn 65, it doesn't matter what you had or what you would prefer. Medicare is the only game in town. Some employers may provide your supplement coverage, most don't. Learn to be happy with what you have.

[kathyspear]

Once you turn 65, it doesn't matter what you had or what you would prefer. Medicare is the only game in town. Some employers may provide your supplement coverage, most don't. Learn to be happy with what you have.

Just to clarify the above: In our case my husband's employer pays most of his premium but none of mine. If he is still working when he turns 65 I assume they will make him sign up for Medicare Part B and make his work coverage supplemental. But since they don't pay any of my premium they didn't care if I signed up for Medicare or stuck with their plan when I hit 65, so I stuck with what I had. Fingers crossed he keeps that job for a long time!

k.

[Nucky]

If, and not sure whether you are or not, you are implying that Medicaire was free.....sorry, as a young guy used to complain about that deduction each paycheck, but now along with a Medgap policy (that I also pay for), it is working great for us anyway.

So many think that Medicaire was not paid for by the participants....and not true

You are correct, you are wrong that I implied anything about FREE for me. I am a Very Proud American and believe in paying my own way and playing by the rules in all things.

Medicare has turned out to be fantastic for me. I have a very positive attitude about most things. I am grateful for the coverage and care it has provided since we landed in this beautiful place.

Sir, do you remember the day you alerted me for a spelling error? I do! I typed THE and it was supposed to be THEY. Just returning the favor because of the kindness you have shown me since you started posting again and I have been a member of TOTV'S. With all due respect.

[Chi-Town]

Company health insurance was excellent but that changed. No more PPO, now healthcare savings plans. Fine for younger healthier but a concern for the older worker. I hit Medicare just as the PPO option disappeared.

The ACA protects people with preexisting conditions. No special pool or extraneous hoops to jump. That should be of concern to all non Medicare participants.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Bucco]

You are correct, you are wrong that I implied anything about FREE for me. I am a Very Proud American and believe in paying my own way and playing by the rules in all things.

Medicare has turned out to be fantastic for me. I have a very positive attitude about most things. I am grateful for the coverage and care it has provided since we landed in this beautiful place.

Sir, do you remember the day you alerted me for a spelling error? I do! I typed THE and it was supposed to be THEY. Just returning the favor because of the kindness you have shown me since you started posting again and I have been a member of TOTV'S. With all due respect.

It is always me.....getting old.

This is what I posted...."If, and not sure whether you are or not, you are implying that Medicaire was free.....sorry..... I though that would allow if I misinterpeted what you typed but I suppose I was not clear. I thought the commas work.....

And I give respect and kindness from where I receive it. Always been my philosophy. I DO remember correcting your typing with humor but again....I am just an old guy and my communication skills must be wavering.

Bottom line we are ALL enjoying Medicaire. Amazing how I, at least ME wondered at a young age about the deduction and now I am happy for it.

Your concern for entitlements or "I'm not for giving anything free to anyone." is certainly a valid point and concern, but this "Many people blame the deficits on entitlement programs. But that's not supported by the budget. " Current US Federal Budget Deficit: Causes, Effects (https://www.thebalance.com/current-u-s-federal-budget-deficit-3305783) And I can only speak from experience, I have seen first hand what good is done with helping folks out from time to time and the good of the country is served. If you speak about abuse of the system, you are correct.

Lots of medical professionals have been gaming our healthcare system and if you are interested, this is a good article on that subject from Johns Hopkins

Health Care Fraud and Abuse (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns_hopkins_healthcare/providers_physicians/health_care_fraud_and_abuse/index.html)

In any case, I meant no offense and that explains my wordy beginning in replying since I never included you in that post of mine and only mentioned it as I did because you mentioned "getting things for free" and so many on this forum and elsewhere believe that Medicaire is a terrible entitlement.

And thanks for being a "Very proud American" I have served both in battle and in the halls of Washington with many proud Americans. I liked the part about "playing by the rules", something my entire career was based on.

[justjim]

Do we like Medicare...no. For us, our employer plan was better. I guess the problem is that not everyone has a good employer plan. I really doubt Medicare for all will be better for all.

Many employers (especially public employers) require their employees to go on Medicare at age 65. My employer had a great healthcare program but did require employees go on Medicare at age 65. This requirement saved my employer a lot of money... :clap2: Insurance Cos. had billions of profits off their health insurance policies last year. They will fight like hell to stop Medicare for all.

[Viperguy]

The bigger it gets, the worse it will become. Just ask the doctors that have to manage it. Check out the staffs in the offices. They are simply managing the ridiculous paperwork. Think it will get better with "medicare for all"? Get a grip. Not political? LOL

[retiredguy123]

Many employers (especially public employers) require their employees to go on Medicare at age 65. My employer had a great healthcare program but did require employees go on Medicare at age 65. This requirement saved my employer a lot of money... :clap2: Insurance Cos. had billions of profits off their health insurance policies last year. They will fight like hell to stop Medicare for all.
Federal Government employees and retirees are not required to enroll in Medicare Part B.

[OCsun]

Just to clarify the above: In our case my husband's employer pays most of his premium but none of mine. If he is still working when he turns 65 I assume they will make him sign up for Medicare Part B and make his work coverage supplemental. But since they don't pay any of my premium they didn't care if I signed up for Medicare or stuck with their plan when I hit 65, so I stuck with what I had. Fingers crossed he keeps that job for a long time!

k.

The law requires that employer insurance not medicare be primary when still actively working full time; regardless of your eligible age for medicare. That includes spouses which is why they did not and could not make you elect Medicare as your primary insurance. Once your husband retirees you will most likely need to elect Medicare as your primary insurance. In these situations, Medicare will not penalize you for signing up after the eligible age of 65 since employer insurance is considered primary.

Many employer health insurance plans are very comprehensive and can be free or very inexpensive to the employee. This has nothing to do with the effectiveness of a federal insurance like Medicare nor should it be compared to Medicare.

Since a dollar is a dollar to every employer, no matter how you cut it, salaries and benefits = what you get as an employee.

[mtdjed]

Back to the OPs original comment regarding what people think about Medicare since some are talking about Medicare for all. Does anyone know what Medicare for All includes? Medicare is a Menu of things you can select. The more you select , the more "YOU" pay. The only thing that I think I get, since I am over 65 and qualified (40 quarters worth of payments or more) is Medicare Part A Hospital benefits subject to deductible, condition, and time limitations. Every thing else appears to be Ala Carte for me.

[GrumpyOldMan]

The bigger it gets, the worse it will become. Just ask the doctors that have to manage it. Check out the staffs in the offices. They are simply managing the ridiculous paperwork. Think it will get better with "medicare for all"? Get a grip. Not political? LOL

I have worked on software for healthcare providers, and the reason for all that paper work and confusion is the fact there are so many different insurance companies all with differing billing systems.

One of the advantages (cost savings) for healthcare providers in a single payer system is simplification for everyone.

[Kerlampert]

My company terminated coverage for retirees, and left us to "choose" from options on a private exchange. It was a bewildering experience. And when I moved to the Villages and took their United Healthcare supplemental plan, I feel that finally I'm getting what I need.

[Heyitsrick]

Just a side note for those who are thinking of opting for or already have chosen a Medicare Advantage plan, vs. a Medicare Supplemental plan. Advantage plans can be great when you're healthy. The RX plan is included (vs additional with a Supplemental), and you sometimes get gym benefits, dental, some hearing aid coverage, etc., all at a very low cost.

But just know that there are drawbacks when you start to really need medical care. I just went through this with my Mom (now deceased), who got talked into switching from a Supplemental plan to a MA plan. She lived in the Villages, and ended up having to go to the hospital several different times during the last year of her MA plan. Each time she had to pay out-of-pocket for the first 3 or 4 days as an in-patient. Lots of other co-pays from doctors, too. It was terrible, and she didn't have the income to support it. Had she been on the Supplemental, the overwhelming majority of these costs would have been covered. I believe she had to hit $6K or more in out-of-pocket costs on Medicare Advantage before they would pick up the entire tab.

There's a Villages Medicare Advantage plan that many here probably know about that she was on when all of these medical conditions arose. Ugh.

The thing about Medicare Advantage plans is that if you want to switch back to a Supplemental, there are only a few ways you can do so and still get "guaranteed issue". In other words, the companies that sell these Supplemental plans don't have to cover you if you're switching back from MA outside of the guaranteed issuance guidelines. You would have to get a medical evaluation, and then they would decide whether to sell you the plan. I would not want to be in that position. If you have a lot of pre-existing conditions, you could be out of luck.

Here's a snippet from Medicare.com about switching back from MA to traditional Supplemental plans:

Once you’ve returned to Original Medicare, you can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan anytime you want – but your acceptance into a plan isn’t always guaranteed. For example, if you have health problems, the insurance company can base its decision on your health history in a process known as medical underwriting. The company can decide not to sell you a plan, or to charge you more because of your health condition.

As for my Mom, she moved from the Villages to Crystal River, FL, to an assisted living facility the last year of her life. Moving outside of a Medicare Advantage plan's coverage area are DOES qualify as one of the ways you can still get guaranteed issue from a Supplemental plan provider without medical underwriting (a physical exam). Since the Villages Medicare Advantage plan was a "regional" plan, and Crystal River was outside the region, it allowed her to switch back and still get on a Supplemental plan without having her health evaluated. Thank God. We went with Plan G, as it was the most comprehensive other than F and had a fairly small yearly deductible.

Anyway, don't take my word for it. Please visit this page from Medicare.gov about what's involved with switching from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplemental, and how you can get bit under some circumstances:

Changing from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement (https://medicare.com/medicare-supplement/can-i-switch-from-medicare-advantage-to-medicare-supplement-insurance/)

Good luck.

[Jimmay]

We have Aarp united healthcare complete. It is less expensive then my companies coverage and similar inclusions.

[Phil_Linda]

I have been on Medicare with a BCBS and also use the VA for medical care. One has to remember not all companies have the same insurance plans and who says they will continue to cover you once you retire. It is better than what anyone else has to offer. I say Medicare for ALL with the provision if you have an employer that offers better then you can keep that until something changes.
I also love the VA as they deal with a problem and don't try to make up problems just to make money.
Those that are against having a form of Medicare for all just are not thinking this through. When people use the emergency room as a Doctor appointment not only does it take up recourses but the cost is extremely high. A healthy population will be one that is at it's lowest cost per person.
This has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats, it has ALL to do with us as a society.

[toeser]

There is no free lunch. The idea that Medicare for all would be cheaper for people is ridiculous. Either the government will run up more debt, or we will see huge tax increases, or both. Plus, Medicare rarely covers leading edge treatments.

I am one person who wishes to see at least a portion of our medical system remain private. Vast improvements could be made if politicians were not so bought off (both parties) by the industry.

[Bridget Staunton]

Medicare I believe is great but it should be the same price for all Medicare members. Drugs should be competitively priced same price for all countries

[Steve-Ryzel]

I think the goverment overspends for contracts but on the other hand I wouldn't want the private sector to control our military.

[csiebold]

PLEASE don't make this political. I'm watching the Democratic debate on healthcare. Many want Medicare for all. I had healthcare covered by my company (large company) which included prescription drugs, vision and dental. Cost was relatively low. I'm now on Medicare. I prefer my company's healthcare! The dental was better, vision was better, and I paid less for some prescription drugs.
I'm curious... are you happier on Medicare? (Is your Medicare supplemented by a company?). Or would you prefer to be on your employer's healthcare plan?
Can we please have an intelligent, non-political discussion on this?
Medicare for all is not the answer. I pay for my health insurance because I am not old enough for Medicare and my coverage sucks. When I was on a employer based my insurance had vision and dental which were with doctors that were excellent.

[HelenLCSW]

PLEASE don't make this political. I'm watching the Democratic debate on healthcare. Many want Medicare for all. I had healthcare covered by my company (large company) which included prescription drugs, vision and dental. Cost was relatively low. I'm now on Medicare. I prefer my company's healthcare! The dental was better, vision was better, and I paid less for some prescription drugs.
I'm curious... are you happier on Medicare? (Is your Medicare supplemented by a company?). Or would you prefer to be on your employer's healthcare plan?
Can we please have an intelligent, non-political discussion on this?

I like my Medicare better than any of my previous employment plans, however, I certainly would like your employment plan. I don’t believe Congress (no matter which political party is in) will ever pass a health plan that removes options.

[fastboat]

I served in the armed forces for 20 years and was always told I and my family would be taken care of. When I retired we had Champus and all was well. Then they moved us to Tricare and Tricare Prime. We had to pay for that but a very reasonable premium, all things considered. At age 65 we HAD TO go on Medicare and our monthly premium, deducted from our SS, was nearly 10 times more than we paid for Tricare but our generic prescription were free. Now we pay for all presciptions, at a very reasonable sum but even those on Active Duty pay for coverage for their dependents. However, Tricare for Life as a supplement to Medicare can't be beat. That is until the government comes back and changes the rules AGAIN.

[Cedwards38]

My understanding is that the phrase "Medicare for All" does not mean the current Medicare program, but rather is a plan to provide all health care needs for all Americans. It recognizes that health care is a basic human right and not something that should be available just for those who can afford it. It would keep all of us from possibly experiencing bankruptcy if a catastrophic health condition occurs. It also includes using volume discounts to lower the cost of health care for everyone.

[GrumpyOldMan]

My understanding is that the phrase "Medicare for All" does not mean the current Medicare program, but rather is a plan to provide all health care needs for all Americans. It recognizes that health care is a basic human right and not something that should be available just for those who can afford it. It would keep all of us from possibly experiencing bankruptcy if a catastrophic health condition occurs. It also includes using volume discounts to lower the cost of health care for everyone.

This is my understanding also.

For those that feel it will be too expensive or run up the debt. There are several plans that have been suggested, and in those tax increases to pay for the plan are included - yes, people will pay more taxes. On the flip side, the plan will pay all healthcare costs, which will result in a net reduction in living expenses for most people.

The rub is that some people don't believe they need healthcare/health insurance because they are "young and healthy" and that works fine until the drunk runs a stop light and puts them in an emergency room where you and I get to pay to save their lives, because they don't have insurance. That works fine until they get a contagious disease because they don't have current vaccinations and we and our children get sick and we have to lose work and pay medical bills because they didn't.

There has been a lot of work studying the true costs of healthcare and there are a lot of costs to the government in the form of lost income tax from lowered productivity due to sickness and injuries.

The problem is not a simple one. But, other nations have shown it is possible to have universal single payer healthcare to provide basic healthcare and then to have private health care insurance for people that want it and can afford it.

[leftyf]

NO, I liked my employer paid BCBS a lot better, but I turned 65

[OhioBuckeye]

I agree, l’ll take my companies Ins. over Medicare anytime. Medicare is going to continually going to get worse. My Ins. I had with my company almost pays more than Medicare & my companies is secondary.

[glenbrook]

PLEASE don't make this political. I'm watching the Democratic debate on healthcare. Many want Medicare for all. I had healthcare covered by my company (large company) which included prescription drugs, vision and dental. Cost was relatively low. I'm now on Medicare. I prefer my company's healthcare! The dental was better, vision was better, and I paid less for some prescription drugs.
I'm curious... are you happier on Medicare? (Is your Medicare supplemented by a company?). Or would you prefer to be on your employer's healthcare plan?
Can we please have an intelligent, non-political discussion on this?
I used to be on private health insurance with a big company until I retired. It was a great plan paid for by the company. However, when I turned 65 I did not have a choice. I had to go on Medicare. Which I think most companies do to save money. I agree, the company paid plan was much better than Medicare.

Many people are not as fortunate as us. Medicare may be their only option or improve ACA.

[bilcon]

Everyone wants something for nothing. Selfish. I love medicare and my supplemental insurance. I was in the hospital for 3 days and the bill was over $100,000. I paid about $80 out of pocket. America is great!

[ValSetz]

Agree .... Medicare and AARP J Plan serves us very well. Never see a bill, but it does not come cheap! I guess it depends what you want to pay for in life. If you are a young retiree you probably would not want to spend the money on this type of plan, if you are an older retiree you really really need it.
If I understand the rules for signing up, no restrictions at 65 regarding health status. However if Advantage plan to start and then wanting to make a change health status could be used to reject.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Everyone wants something for nothing. Selfish. I love medicare and my supplemental insurance. I was in the hospital for 3 days and the bill was over $100,000. I paid about $80 out of pocket. America is great!

Why preface your comment with that? No one is proposing something for nothing. They are being very up front with the costs, some of which are enormous. But, they are proposing methods to pay those costs which involve increased taxes and lower healthcare so in the end you pay less than today.

America used to be great at finding and implementing solutions to big problems - Post Office, Interstte Highways, Moon landings, Social Security, and on and on. Now it seems no one wants to solve this problem and we are caught in an endless debate on why it can't work. Funny, it is working in lessor countries. Even Ecuador, a poor 3rd world country manages to ope it's borders and allow foreigners (me) to go there and receive quality healthcare for 1/4 the cost of the same care here.

Come on folks, let's make America truly great again, and show the world how to provide our citizens with the best healthcare in the world, instead of our current #17 rating for 2 to 3 times the cost of other places.

[Wayne S. Smith]

I must retain my employer sponsored health plan which the Villages Health said they would accept when they encouraged us to join. Less than three years later they dropped us from their services, insisting we enroll in their much inferior plan. We are still upset with Village Health.

[eweissenbach]

I have been on Medicare for eight years and have also had an AARP supplement plan F for all that time. My wife has had numerous health issues and has been in the hospital off and on for 30-40 days in the last 3 years with zero $ out of pocket. If you review the bills you find that the amount medicare pays is a fraction of the billed expense. I guess I would wonder how the healthcare industry would survive on only medicare approved charges. Not that they couldn't survive on a great deal less than their maximum charges, but it is a question in my mind.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I have been on Medicare for eight years and have also had an AARP supplement plan F for all that time. My wife has had numerous health issues and has been in the hospital off and on for 30-40 days in the last 3 years with zero $ out of pocket. If you review the bills you find that the amount medicare pays is a fraction of the billed expense. I guess I would wonder how the healthcare industry would survive on only medicare approved charges. Not that they couldn't survive on a great deal less than their maximum charges, but it is a question in my mind.

At least one solution is to regulate the healthcare industry and big pharma so that they are guaranteed a fix percentage of profit - say 10% to 15%. In return they have only one customer to negotiate with - the US government. It does mean no more $25 epipens for $1500. Insulation at prices the rest of the world pays, durance etc. Personally I would prefer that no profit be allowed, but I am sure that won't fly.

It also means 100s of thousands of health insurance employees will have to be retrained to work in the medicare devision of the US government.

If you begin thinking of healthcare as a right not not a profit center then a lot of things change. There are plenty of profit arenas in the world, it will not kill us (pun) for the healthcare industry to no longer be one.

[Twiganne]

I too have VA healthcare as I am 100% disabled Veteran. While I agree the care is good the government red tape it takes to get a referral outside of the system is long monthly wait. I just went through it and if you don’t keep on top of it and make plenty of phone calls you soon get forgotten in the seas of others who need the same services. I had my top teeth removed April 9th. To date I still don’t have any dentures to eat with. Can you imagine having to not have teeth for over 4 months and eating soggy cereal. I just got an appointment to start the process but it took a call to DC Veterans Healthcare to get it up and moving. I will agree when you get care the appointments with the doctors are not rushed. They are not under insurance time restraints of having to see so many patients a day and schedule plenty of time with each patient to discuss concerns. Ok now imagine every citizen is offered the same type of care. Can you imagine? After working as an RN in healthcare for 20 years I can guarantee that there will not be enough doctors to see that many people. The care will decline. Also do people who have worked all of their lives for the benefit of having Medicare want to lumped into a group including every US citizens. Hospitals stay open not because profits they make from Medicare but from private insurance. Hospital administrators have already said if Medicare for all were implemented it would close their doors. What would we do without hospitals. Private insurance has worked fine for years. It was only when the government started getting involved in healthcare did we have problems that are massive. The Medicare and social security programs are already broke because our lovely congress had borrowed from it. I don’t think the cost of Medicare for all would even be feasible. Thoughts??? Just my two cents worth that is probably only worth a penny!

[Twiganne]

Just keep in mind just because you are in good health things can change quickly and drastically. At the age of 49 and with a good job as a RN I got sick with a common childhood virus which is serious in adulthood. My life changed overnight. I went to never sick a day in my life to severely sick for over 6 months, left with other complications and never able to return to work. Luckily I am a veteran because the cost of my medicines would be crippling. I was only on one medication but the cost of it was 1000 dollars a prescription. The cost of COBRA was astounding. I went from taking one medication a day to taking 10. That is how quickly it changed. Fine one day and the next day so sick I couldn’t hold my head up. Luckily I still had my hospital insurance for 6 months because I was having tubes of blood drawn twice a week and many diagnostic tests. I got so sick that I thought I was going to die. I am glad you are healthy. My point is that illness is not always progressive.

[valuemkt]

How silly Mr Grump. There would be no incentive for anyone to join the healthcare field .. No or ill trained doctors, nurses, pahrmacists.. Why specialize in pharmaceutical science ? No drug invention .. maybe no continuance of the manufacture of drugs you depend on. Will the government "force" people to join the medical field ? Or shall we import people from outside the US that have graduated from third rate medical schools .. Sorry about that knee replacement or stint you need .. And you don;t think there would then be a secondary for pay marketplace for people wanting real care ?? Oh maybe the government will outlaw that too .. Come on man !

[susantabler@yahoo.com]

I have Medicare and United Healthcare Supplemental. I have been happy with this after paying the standard deductibles. I looked into Advantage but was unimpressed since you really need to be careful as to what you want as a premium . Medicare for all taking away private insurance would be disastrous. I think Medicare for all who want but have the luxury of a private insurance e is an option. Or if they fixed Obamacare. Just as an FYI. I am a registered Indeoendent so no political discussion from me

[retiredguy123]

How silly Mr Grump. There would be no incentive for anyone to join the healthcare field .. No or ill trained doctors, nurses, pahrmacists.. Why specialize in pharmaceutical science ? No drug invention .. maybe no continuance of the manufacture of drugs you depend on. Will the government "force" people to join the medical field ? Or shall we import people from outside the US that have graduated from third rate medical schools .. Sorry about that knee replacement or stint you need .. And you don;t think there would then be a secondary for pay marketplace for people wanting real care ?? Oh maybe the government will outlaw that too .. Come on man !
I agree. Taking the profit motive away would be a disaster.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I too have VA healthcare as I am 100% disabled Veteran. While I agree the care is good the government red tape it takes to get a referral outside of the system is long monthly wait. I just went through it and if you don’t keep on top of it and make plenty of phone calls you soon get forgotten in the seas of others who need the same services. I had my top teeth removed April 9th. To date I still don’t have any dentures to eat with. Can you imagine having to not have teeth for over 4 months and eating soggy cereal. I just got an appointment to start the process but it took a call to DC Veterans Healthcare to get it up and moving. I will agree when you get care the appointments with the doctors are not rushed. They are not under insurance time restraints of having to see so many patients a day and schedule plenty of time with each patient to discuss concerns. Ok now imagine every citizen is offered the same type of care. Can you imagine? After working as an RN in healthcare for 20 years I can guarantee that there will not be enough doctors to see that many people. The care will decline. Also do people who have worked all of their lives for the benefit of having Medicare want to lumped into a group including every US citizens. Hospitals stay open not because profits they make from Medicare but from private insurance. Hospital administrators have already said if Medicare for all were implemented it would close their doors. What would we do without hospitals. Private insurance has worked fine for years. It was only when the government started getting involved in healthcare did we have problems that are massive. The Medicare and social security programs are already broke because our lovely congress had borrowed from it. I don’t think the cost of Medicare for all would even be feasible. Thoughts??? Just my two cents worth that is probably only worth a penny!

I am sorry to hear of your problems. I too have VA healthcare and am very happy with it.

It does sound like the areas you are experiencing the most issues are involved in having to go OUTSIDE the system, and I can see how that would be a night mare. The idea of medicare for all is there is no "outside the system" so there is no authorization, there is no complicated approval process etc.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I agree. Taking the profit motive away would be a disaster.

It is pretty widely agreed that in 15 years or less the healthcare system we have (for profit) will bankrupt the country. The alternative is to just let everyone who can't pay die.

I would call that a "disaster".

I did say that no profit motive would be hard, and suggested a fixed regulated profit of 10% to 15%. Almost any company would be happy to have a guaranteed 15% profit with a guaranteed customer base of 300 million.

I expect more people would be interested than you think.

[retiredguy123]

It is pretty widely agreed that in 15 years or less the healthcare system we have (for profit) will bankrupt the country. The alternative is to just let everyone who can't pay die.

I would call that a "disaster".

I did say that no profit motive would be hard, and suggested a fixed regulated profit of 10% to 15%. Almost any company would be happy to have a guaranteed 15% profit with a guaranteed customer base of 300 million.

I expect more people would be interested than you think.
What you are suggesting is a "cost plus fee" Government contract. When I worked in the Federal Government, cost plus fee contracts were the most expensive ways to procure any product or service for the Government. The best and most economical way to get a product or service was to use a fair and competitive bidding process. If you think that Medicare billings and payments have a lot of fraud and overcharging in them now, just wait until you try to reimburse health providers for their actual costs plus 15 percent.

[SERENITY52]

I despise having the government controlling my health care. I had private coverage through my school district which has become my secondary. Now i have medicare as my primary. What worse is that you have no chouce in the matter.

[GrumpyOldMan]

What you are suggesting is a "cost plus fee" Government contract. When I worked in the Federal Government, cost plus fee contracts were the most expensive ways to procure any product or service for the Government. The best and most economical way to get a product or service was to use a fair and competitive bidding process. If you think that Medicare billings and payments have a lot of fraud and overcharging in them now, just wait until you try to reimburse health providers for their actual costs plus 15 percent.

Maybe, I am not the smartest person when it comes to the details. I am trying to show possible alternatives to what is not working and is going to bankrupt the country while a few companies get excessively rich.

[vzw1pr]

I do not think Medicare for all would be the same program Seniors now enjoy.

[GrumpyOldMan]

I despise having the government controlling my health care. I had private coverage through my school district which has become my secondary. Now i have medicare as my primary. What worse is that you have no chouce in the matter.

What is worse are the 30 to 50 million people that can't afford to get medicine for their children. Or the 1/2 million families that have to file bankruptcy every year because their "good" coverage through their employee ends up not being so good.

The first case drives a person deeper into debt and desperation as they watch their children grow more and more unhealthy, the second case results in entire families that had "everything" and their kids headed for college and the good life, suddenly bankrupt and with their entire futures lost.

That is what I call worse.

You don't like not having a choice? There is debate on the right way to provide medicare for all - one is to eliminate choice and private insurance, I don't think that has a chance. I am against it. I think Medicare for all must provide basic medical care for all Americans, it should be treated as a right. Then if someone wants and can afford a supplemental private policy there is no reason they should not be able to buy it.

[retiredguy123]

I just want to make 2 points. One, when you offer a Government option for health care to everyone, private employer paid insurance will no longer be an option because the employers will stop paying for their employees' insurance altogether. And, second, no one is talking about the fact that any Govenment provided health care will need to be paid for with borrowed money, because the Government is 22 trillion dollars in debt. Yes, individuals will not pay for health care directly, but our children and grandchildren will eventually have to pay off the debt or continue to pay enormous and increasing interest payments forever.

[Bucco]

I just want to make 2 points. One, when you offer a Government option for health care to everyone, private employer paid insurance will no longer be an option because the employers will stop paying for their employees' insurance altogether. And, second, no one is talking about the fact that any Govenment provided health care will need to be paid for with borrowed money, because the Government is 22 trillion dollars in debt. Yes, individuals will not pay for health care directly, but our children and grandchildren will eventually have to pay off the debt or continue to pay enormous and increasing interest payments forever.

I think the ship has sailed on what we are doing to future generations.

You failed to add that the deficit is growing by leaps and bounds despite what we were told. Fiscally, we are out of control

[GrumpyOldMan]

I just want to make 2 points. One, when you offer a Government option for health care to everyone, private employer paid insurance will no longer be an option because the employers will stop paying for their employees' insurance altogether. And, second, no one is talking about the fact that any Govenment provided health care will need to be paid for with borrowed money, because the Government is 22 trillion dollars in debt. Yes, individuals will not pay for health care directly, but our children and grandchildren will eventually have to pay off the debt or continue to pay enormous and increasing interest payments forever.

Removing employer healthcare is considered by many (me included) to be a good thing. In many cases (most) in the current system it acts as a lock to keep employees from seeking better employment elsewhere. It is NOT easy to find healthcare at a new employer and it often will not cover pre-existing conditions. And there is normally a gap when you move.

And no, borrowing of the plans being suggested all provide payment plans. The basic idea is everyone pays a higher "medicare" tax, which they are already paying, just higher. In return everyone gets medical health care for no charge - period. No deductibles, not excluded conditions, no fighting with the insurance company over if the doctor should have provided the test or service. No wondering if your insurance is going to cover something.

The estimates are that the higher medicare tax will be offset by the lower cost of living (all medical costs paid). So everyone will save money - except those that don't bother to have health insurance, and let you and me pay for their illness or injury by going to an emergency room.

Will it work? No one knows, we do know various forms of it work in numerous other countries (actually 17 of them that provide better cheaper healthcare then were do), and the result is better healthcare (measured by results) happier and healthier citizens, and the cost is about 1/2 to 1/3 of what we are paying with our current multi-payer for profit healthcare system.

Our healthcare is NOT keeping you healthy, in fact they hope you get sick - there is no profit in curing anyone of anything, there is only profit in treating illness. In a system where there is no profit, the motivation is to keep you healthy. I KNOW this works, because I use the VA healthcare, and that is exactly what I see.

When I was in medicare, I went to for profit healthcare "groups" and saw a different doctor every visit, and if I was lucky I saw them for 15 minutes. There was a constant feeling of they really wanted to get done with me and get to the next patient.

Now that I am in the VA, I always see my primary care provider, and they speak with me as long as I want to talk. They are obviously interested in my healthcare because they want to keep me healthy to save money - see, they are not making a profit, they are working on a limited budget, and it is in their best interest to make sure I stay healthy.

That is what single payer healthcare can be - at least I believe it can be.

[kathyspear]

No wondering if your insurance is going to cover something.

Seriously? Do you think that when the govt takes over you will be able to get any treatment or procedure or medication that your doctor wants you to have? Medicare doesn't do that now. (i.e. They pay for the cheap single-vision lenses after cataract surgery, not the more expensive multi-focal ones I got.) Medicaid/MediCal doesn't do that now. They have a list of drugs that you can have. If your drug is on the list, great. If it is not, oh, well ...

I know insurance companies don't pay for everything either, because (unlike the govt) they have to make money, whereas the govt just prints what it wants. But anybody who thinks universal healthcare will provide everything for everybody is not being realistic. Personally, I would rather fight with an insurance company over a treatment or a bill than fight with the govt, but that's just me.

kathy

[GrumpyOldMan]

Seriously? Do you think that when the govt takes over you will be able to get any treatment or procedure or medication that your doctor wants you to have? Medicare doesn't do that now. (i.e. They pay for the cheap single-vision lenses after cataract surgery, not the more expensive multi-focal ones I got.) Medicaid/MediCal doesn't do that now. They have a list of drugs that you can have. If your drug is on the list, great. If it is not, oh, well ...

I know insurance companies don't pay for everything either, because (unlike the govt) they have to make money, whereas the govt just prints what it wants. But anybody who thinks universal healthcare will provide everything for everybody is not being realistic. Personally, I would rather fight with an insurance company over a treatment or a bill than fight with the govt, but that's just me.

kathy

I don't think, I know.Medicare is simply the government acting as a insurance company that pays for profit healthcare providers to provide healthcare. That system is doomed eventual for the reasons you mentioned and more.

In a single payer system, if modeled after the VA (which I think it should be) the for profit is removed, completely (currently the VA system is experiencing budget cuts and some services are provided for by for profit agencies (like glasses) and my experience with those services is that they suck. However, all of the services within the VA Healthcare system are excellent. When my doctor wants something I get it, and normally the same day.

Remember the VA is motivated to cure you and keep you well so you do not cost them more than necessary. For profit is motivated to treat you as long and as expensively as possible, so the insurance companies, and you constantly have to fight. They want to keep costs down and have entire departments dedicated to finding ways to NO PAY for your treatments. You on the other hand want to do what your doctor says, and have to fight with your insurance company to spend a little of the money you hang been paying them to spend.

[hrenner]

Check plans...my Medicare covers drugs and a lot more

[KSSunshine]

This is my understanding also.

The problem is not a simple one. But, other nations have shown it is possible to have universal single payer healthcare to provide basic healthcare and then to have private health care insurance for people that want it and can afford it.

The problem is much deeper than simply providing health insurance for all. An infrastructure of medical personnel, clinics and supplies needs to be available. The two-tiered system of health insurance, such as that Canada has where those who can afford private health insurance in additional to their national health insurance, creates a system of those who don't receive services in a timely manner versus those whose private insurance covers it and they get timely services. Also, of interest to me is that Lithuania can't keep enough doctors since in their financial system, doctors aren't adequately compensated for their service, and they leave the country to go to another country. Sounded like it could be similar to Medicare where services aren't adequately compensated.

Finally, my previous doctor in another State, went totally no-insurance. She had great difficulty helping her Medicaid/Medicare patients find new doctors since no doctor in this suburb community was taking this "insurance".

Clearly, I don't know the answer, but certainly hope we don't allow Congress to dictate our "health" insurance as a political carrot to win our vote.

[GrumpyOldMan]

The problem is much deeper than simply providing health insurance for all. An infrastructure of medical personnel, clinics and supplies needs to be available. The two-tiered system of health insurance, such as that Canada has where those who can afford private health insurance in additional to their national health insurance, creates a system of those who don't receive services in a timely manner versus those whose private insurance covers it and they get timely services. Also, of interest to me is that Lithuania can't keep enough doctors since in their financial system, doctors aren't adequately compensated for their service, and they leave the country to go to another country. Sounded like it could be similar to Medicare where services aren't adequately compensated.

Finally, my previous doctor in another State, went totally no-insurance. She had great difficulty helping her Medicaid/Medicare patients find new doctors since no doctor in this suburb community was taking this "insurance".

Clearly, I don't know the answer, but certainly hope we don't allow Congress to dictate our "health" insurance as a political carrot to win our vote.

I agree completely, we don’t want Congress to decide. Studies from both Harvard and MIT show Congress votes against their own constituents best interests and in favor of big money over 85% of the time.

[fsusix]

:ohdear: You really don't want anything that the government runs - if possible. I am dealing with the VA - and just to see a doctor - from a medical emergency has took almost 2 months. I can't tell you how many people I had to call - how many authorizations I had to have - how many people gave me the wrong phone number & information , then even once I got my authorization - it had a doctor's name on it I have never seen. It's preposterous - and a real shame. :MOJE_whot: