Medicare weighs premium cut
 

Medicare weighs premium cut after limiting Alzheimer's drug.

Medicare weighs premium cut after limiting Alzheimer's drug

What does the Medicare premium have to do with an Alzheimer's drug? Medicare premiums are already way too low to cover the cost for the benefits being paid out, whether the drug is covered or not. Why not balance the total Medicare cost and benefits, so the program is paid for?

Read the article !

"The projected cost of Aduhelm was a major driver behind a $22 increase in Medicare’s Part B premium this year, boosting it to $170.10 a month."

I did read the article. But, I think the major driver should be to charge enough in taxes and premiums to collect the money needed to cover the cost of all benefits that are paid out.

Medicare is well on its way to running out of money. Than what?

Let's take your thought to the extreme. So without punishing those contributing under 65 and not using the benefit today would you support leaving the tax rate as is but raising the premium on those of us using Medicare to the point the system breaks even ?

Another option is to reduce the benefits. But, I think that a major problem with Medicare is that you can pay the premium and buy a supplement plan that will cover 100 percent of all medical costs, with no copays. So, the patient has no incentive to shop around for lower costs or to avoid unnecessary treatments. I think that the patient should be required to pay a percentage of the cost for every treatment so that the patient has some skin in the game. That would significantly reduce the overall cost of the Medicare program.

The argument over a specific drug raising our cost is a diversion. The threat of Social Security running out of money is just whacked out. Why should anyone have to sweat that the money they paid in won't be there when it's due? It's simple. Pay up! People work their entire life and look forward to retirement and somewhat count on SS. Cut the garbage out and talk about how you're going to save SS.

The government has the money for everyone else and every project known to man. This is the one I'm, interested in. Pay up!

I agree. It's a diversion.

Part B is funded by premium income and general revenue. It is not funded by the Medicare trust fund. That funds Part A, Hospital Insurance. That is why it is called the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. And yes, it is underfunded.

The one drug has a high cost and is projected to be a large useage . The taxes we paid over 45? Years were projected to pay for our Medicare based on old costs .

Note that the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is not an actual fund, but rather an accounting mechanism. Currently, it is projected to be depleted in 2026. I assume, at that point, it will start adding to the National debt unless the SS payroll taxes are increased. Medicare does not charge a monthly premium for Part A like they do for Part B.

In other word because the gov creates a huge demand and CAN pay for new drugs and medical procedures, new medicines are created, kadix eye surgery, heart transplants as an example too

"Lasix"

Lasik