Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

[TheParser]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Oh, no! I would never report someone for that.

They have to earn a living.

At least they are not robbing or sucker punching people on the street.

Besides, the enrollment period will soon be over and the calls will cease.



Have a nice day!

Then the fraud continues in the business. CMS has rules to combat fraud and if one doesn't want to report an illegal call then let's not report the crooked doctor for Medicare fraud.

Many of those calls come from off shore call centers.

Many of those caller's (not all) are making double what you're making a year, maybe more.

Many of those caller's are getting senior's to change plans by misrepresenting plan information.

On and on......

I am concerned about all those attractive TV commercials that appeal to seniors to change to an Advantage program. They promise even eyeglasses and hearing aids and transportation to the doctor's office.

To be fair, some (many?) people seem to like Advantage programs.

I am just afraid to take a chance.

*****

Taking advantage of seniors seems to be a full-time job. I have been getting calls from a recording that says something like: "This is Officer Bob. You did not pay your power bill. Press button 1 to talk with an agent. Otherwise, your power will be turned off in 30 minutes."

 

[Admiral Rockwell Tory]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

 

[Penelope]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

 

[debbiedowner]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

Well, well, well if it isn't so called Mr know it all. I was in compliance for a few years with a major insurance company for Medicare. What the fuck do you know? I used to think you had a little up stairs. First I wasn't referring to DNC list but it does apply I was referring to CMS certification which I deal with you fucktards everyday. I guess you didn't know for one to receive a call from an MAPD plan sponsor they have to give a consent to call. Goddamn you stay in your area of expertise (if you have any) and I'll stay in mind.

 

[debbiedowner]

Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

“Although Mom saw her MA premiums increase significantly over the years, she didn’t have any real motivation to disenroll until after she broke her hip and required skilled care in a nursing facility. After a few days, the nursing home administrator told her that if she stayed there, she would have to pay for everything out of her own pocket. Why? Because a utilization review nurse at her MA plan, who had never seen or examined her, decided that the care she was receiving was no longer ‘medically necessary.’ Because there are no commonly used criteria as to what constitutes medical necessity, insurers have wide discretion in determining what they will pay for and when they will stop paying for services like skilled nursing care by decreeing it ‘custodial.’”

Snip

here are some details of in-network services from a popular Humana Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida:

• Ambulance—$300
• Hospital stay—$175 per day for the first 10 days
• Diabetes supplies—up to 20% copay
• Diagnostic radiology—up to $125 copay
• Lab Services—up to $100 copay
• Outpatient x-rays—up to $100 copay
• Therapeutic radiology—$35 or up to 20% copay depending on the service
• Renal dialysis—20% of the cost

Medicare Advantage Plans as a physician. Here's how he describes them:

• Care can actually end up costing more, to the patient and the federal budget, than it would under original Medicare, particularly if one suffers from a very serious medical problem.
• Some private plans are not financially stable and may suddenly cease coverage. This happened in Florida in 2014 when a popular MA plan called Physicians United Plan was declared insolvent, and doctors canceled appointments.11
• One may have difficulty getting emergency or urgent care due to rationing.
• The plans only cover certain doctors, and often drop providers without cause, breaking the continuity of care.
• Members have to follow plan rules to get covered care.
• There are always restrictions when choosing doctors, hospitals, and other providers, which is another form of rationing that keeps profits up for the insurance company but limits patient choice.
• It can be difficult to get care away from home.
• The extra benefits offered can turn out to be less than promised.
• Plans that include coverage for Part D prescription drug costs may ration certain high-cost medications.

Snip

Switching Back to Original Medicare

While you can save money with a Medicare Advantage Plan when you are healthy, if you get sick in the middle of the year, you are stuck with whatever costs you incur until you can switch plans during the next open season for Medicare.3 At that time, you can switch to an Original Medicare plan with Medigap. If you do, keep in mind that Medigap can may charge you a higher rate than if you had enrolled in a Medigap policy when you first qualified for Medicare.8

Most Medigap policies are issue-age rated policies or attained-age rated policies. This means that when you sign up later in life, you will pay more per month than if you had started with the Medigap policy at age 65. You may be able to find a policy that has no age rating, but those are rare.

Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

A Medicare Advantage plan may help you lower non-covered health costs, but there are definite tradeoffs compared to classic Medicare/Medigap.

www.investopedia.com

-----------------------------------------------------
Just for your information.

President Donald Trump has continued to fulfill his promise to lower health insurance premiums by lowering the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange premiums for the third year in a row.

I saw that article and he had nothing to do with it. When premium's go up your subsidy goes up in most cases.

 

[Redcurtain]

Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

“Although Mom saw her MA premiums increase significantly over the years, she didn’t have any real motivation to disenroll until after she broke her hip and required skilled care in a nursing facility. After a few days, the nursing home administrator told her that if she stayed there, she would have to pay for everything out of her own pocket. Why? Because a utilization review nurse at her MA plan, who had never seen or examined her, decided that the care she was receiving was no longer ‘medically necessary.’ Because there are no commonly used criteria as to what constitutes medical necessity, insurers have wide discretion in determining what they will pay for and when they will stop paying for services like skilled nursing care by decreeing it ‘custodial.’”

Snip

here are some details of in-network services from a popular Humana Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida:

• Ambulance—$300
• Hospital stay—$175 per day for the first 10 days
• Diabetes supplies—up to 20% copay
• Diagnostic radiology—up to $125 copay
• Lab Services—up to $100 copay
• Outpatient x-rays—up to $100 copay
• Therapeutic radiology—$35 or up to 20% copay depending on the service
• Renal dialysis—20% of the cost

Medicare Advantage Plans as a physician. Here's how he describes them:

• Care can actually end up costing more, to the patient and the federal budget, than it would under original Medicare, particularly if one suffers from a very serious medical problem.
• Some private plans are not financially stable and may suddenly cease coverage. This happened in Florida in 2014 when a popular MA plan called Physicians United Plan was declared insolvent, and doctors canceled appointments.11
• One may have difficulty getting emergency or urgent care due to rationing.
• The plans only cover certain doctors, and often drop providers without cause, breaking the continuity of care.
• Members have to follow plan rules to get covered care.
• There are always restrictions when choosing doctors, hospitals, and other providers, which is another form of rationing that keeps profits up for the insurance company but limits patient choice.
• It can be difficult to get care away from home.
• The extra benefits offered can turn out to be less than promised.
• Plans that include coverage for Part D prescription drug costs may ration certain high-cost medications.

Snip

Switching Back to Original Medicare

While you can save money with a Medicare Advantage Plan when you are healthy, if you get sick in the middle of the year, you are stuck with whatever costs you incur until you can switch plans during the next open season for Medicare.3 At that time, you can switch to an Original Medicare plan with Medigap. If you do, keep in mind that Medigap can may charge you a higher rate than if you had enrolled in a Medigap policy when you first qualified for Medicare.8

Most Medigap policies are issue-age rated policies or attained-age rated policies. This means that when you sign up later in life, you will pay more per month than if you had started with the Medigap policy at age 65. You may be able to find a policy that has no age rating, but those are rare.

Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

A Medicare Advantage plan may help you lower non-covered health costs, but there are definite tradeoffs compared to classic Medicare/Medigap.

www.investopedia.com

-----------------------------------------------------
Just for your information.

President Donald Trump has continued to fulfill his promise to lower health insurance premiums by lowering the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange premiums for the third year in a row.

I saw that article and he had nothing to do with it. When premium's go up your subsidy goes up in most cases.

Thank god he lowered it

 

[debbiedowner]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Oh, no! I would never report someone for that.

They have to earn a living.

At least they are not robbing or sucker punching people on the street.

Besides, the enrollment period will soon be over and the calls will cease.



Have a nice day!

Then the fraud continues in the business. CMS has rules to combat fraud and if one doesn't want to report an illegal call then let's not report the crooked doctor for Medicare fraud.

Many of those calls come from off shore call centers.

Many of those caller's (not all) are making double what you're making a year, maybe more.

Many of those caller's are getting senior's to change plans by misrepresenting plan information.

On and on......

I am concerned about all those attractive TV commercials that appeal to seniors to change to an Advantage program. They promise even eyeglasses and hearing aids and transportation to the doctor's office.

To be fair, some (many?) people seem to like Advantage programs.

I am just afraid to take a chance.

*****

Taking advantage of seniors seems to be a full-time job. I have been getting calls from a recording that says something like: "This is Officer Bob. You did not pay your power bill. Press button 1 to talk with an agent. Otherwise, your power will be turned off in 30 minutes."

If you can afford a supplement stay on it, not everyone can afford that and the premiums of Part D. Then there are higher income that love MAPD's because they may save money over the long run but at the same time could cost them in the long run.

Those attractive, vision, dental, hearing are added on and have very minimal coverage. Transportation and in some cases meals are so far good.

 

[Admiral Rockwell Tory]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

It is a government sponsored program, true or false?

 

[debbiedowner]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

Approximately $9000 to around $12,000 go to a plan to cover you in a year the 5 star plans do receive a little more.

 

[JustAGuy1]

Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

“Although Mom saw her MA premiums increase significantly over the years, she didn’t have any real motivation to disenroll until after she broke her hip and required skilled care in a nursing facility. After a few days, the nursing home administrator told her that if she stayed there, she would have to pay for everything out of her own pocket. Why? Because a utilization review nurse at her MA plan, who had never seen or examined her, decided that the care she was receiving was no longer ‘medically necessary.’ Because there are no commonly used criteria as to what constitutes medical necessity, insurers have wide discretion in determining what they will pay for and when they will stop paying for services like skilled nursing care by decreeing it ‘custodial.’”

Snip

here are some details of in-network services from a popular Humana Medicare Advantage Plan in Florida:

• Ambulance—$300
• Hospital stay—$175 per day for the first 10 days
• Diabetes supplies—up to 20% copay
• Diagnostic radiology—up to $125 copay
• Lab Services—up to $100 copay
• Outpatient x-rays—up to $100 copay
• Therapeutic radiology—$35 or up to 20% copay depending on the service
• Renal dialysis—20% of the cost

Medicare Advantage Plans as a physician. Here's how he describes them:

• Care can actually end up costing more, to the patient and the federal budget, than it would under original Medicare, particularly if one suffers from a very serious medical problem.
• Some private plans are not financially stable and may suddenly cease coverage. This happened in Florida in 2014 when a popular MA plan called Physicians United Plan was declared insolvent, and doctors canceled appointments.11
• One may have difficulty getting emergency or urgent care due to rationing.
• The plans only cover certain doctors, and often drop providers without cause, breaking the continuity of care.
• Members have to follow plan rules to get covered care.
• There are always restrictions when choosing doctors, hospitals, and other providers, which is another form of rationing that keeps profits up for the insurance company but limits patient choice.
• It can be difficult to get care away from home.
• The extra benefits offered can turn out to be less than promised.
• Plans that include coverage for Part D prescription drug costs may ration certain high-cost medications.

Snip

Switching Back to Original Medicare

While you can save money with a Medicare Advantage Plan when you are healthy, if you get sick in the middle of the year, you are stuck with whatever costs you incur until you can switch plans during the next open season for Medicare.3 At that time, you can switch to an Original Medicare plan with Medigap. If you do, keep in mind that Medigap can may charge you a higher rate than if you had enrolled in a Medigap policy when you first qualified for Medicare.8

Most Medigap policies are issue-age rated policies or attained-age rated policies. This means that when you sign up later in life, you will pay more per month than if you had started with the Medigap policy at age 65. You may be able to find a policy that has no age rating, but those are rare.

Pitfalls of Medicare Advantage Plans

A Medicare Advantage plan may help you lower non-covered health costs, but there are definite tradeoffs compared to classic Medicare/Medigap.

www.investopedia.com

-----------------------------------------------------
Just for your information.

"
At that time, you can switch to an Original Medicare plan with Medigap. If you do, keep in mind that Medigap can may charge you a higher rate than if you had enrolled in a Medigap policy when you first qualified for Medicare.8

Most Medigap policies are issue-age rated policies or attained-age rated policies. This means that when you sign up later in life, you will pay more per month than if you had started with the Medigap policy at age 65. You may be able to find a policy that has no age rating, but those are rare. '

No, to go back to a Medigap plan you must be underwritten. (In most cases, there are some exceptions)

 

[JustAGuy1]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Original Medicare by itself can leave you devastated financially.

 

[JustAGuy1]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

No it doesn't, good lord

 

[Penelope]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

Approximately $9000 to around $12,000 go to a plan to cover you in a year the 5 star plans do receive a little more.

Again what do you mean?

 

[Penelope]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

No it doesn't, good lord

Sure it does. You don't think they are going to cover you for nothing do you??

 

[JustAGuy1]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

No it doesn't, good lord

Sure it does. You don't think they are going to cover you for nothing do you??

Lord. Part B Prem goes to the Feds.

 

[Penelope]

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

• • People who are 65 or older
  • Certain younger people with disabilities
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

" class="inline hover" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(15, 15, 15); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted; font-weight: normal; cursor: help !important;">Medicare. These "bundled" plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Find Medicare Advantage Plans in your area.
Covered services in Medicare Advantage Plans
Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage for things Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like some vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs (like gym memberships or discounts). Plans can also choose to cover even more benefits. For example, some plans may offer coverage for services like transportation to doctor visits, over-the-counter drugs, and services that promote your health and wellness. Plans can also tailor their benefit packages to offer these benefits to certain chronically-ill enrollees. These packages will provide benefits customized to treat specific conditions. Check with the plan before you enroll to see what benefits it offers, if you might qualify, and if there are any limitations. Learn more about what Medicare Advantage Plans cover.
Rules for Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care each month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare.
Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs. They can also have different rules for how you get services, like:

• Whether you need a referral to see a specialist
• If you have to go to doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care

These rules can change each year.
Costs for Medicare Advantage Plans
What you pay in a Medicare Advantage Plan depends on several factors. In many cases, you’ll need to use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs. Some plans won’t cover services from providers outside the plan’s network and service area. Learn about these factors and how to get cost details.

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? | Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. The page includes information about covered services, rules, and costs for Medicare Advantage Plans. It also...

www.medicare.gov

 

[JustAGuy1]

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

• • People who are 65 or older
  • 
    
  • Certain younger people with disabilities
  • 
    
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

" class="inline hover" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(15, 15, 15); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted; font-weight: normal; cursor: help !important;">Medicare. These "bundled" plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Find Medicare Advantage Plans in your area.
Covered services in Medicare Advantage Plans
Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage for things Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like some vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs (like gym memberships or discounts). Plans can also choose to cover even more benefits. For example, some plans may offer coverage for services like transportation to doctor visits, over-the-counter drugs, and services that promote your health and wellness. Plans can also tailor their benefit packages to offer these benefits to certain chronically-ill enrollees. These packages will provide benefits customized to treat specific conditions. Check with the plan before you enroll to see what benefits it offers, if you might qualify, and if there are any limitations. Learn more about what Medicare Advantage Plans cover.
Rules for Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care each month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare.
Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs. They can also have different rules for how you get services, like:

• Whether you need a referral to see a specialist
• If you have to go to doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care

These rules can change each year.
Costs for Medicare Advantage Plans
What you pay in a Medicare Advantage Plan depends on several factors. In many cases, you’ll need to use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs. Some plans won’t cover services from providers outside the plan’s network and service area. Learn about these factors and how to get cost details.

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? | Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. The page includes information about covered services, rules, and costs for Medicare Advantage Plans. It also...

www.medicare.gov

Prems go to the Feds. You simply don't know what you're talking about.

 

[JustAGuy1]

Like many other people in their golden years ("golden"? Yeah, right!), I have been getting at least a dozen calls on my (landline) phone asking me to join a Medicare Advantage plan. I am always courteous and tell them thanks but I'm not interested. Then hang up. I realize that the callers are young people who no doubt earn a pittance for making these calls.

So far, I am very grateful to original Medicare and am downright afraid to switch to an Advantage plan.

I thank President Johnson for initiating Medicare. If it is considered a form of "socialism," then I salute "socialism."

*****

When it comes healthcare, I am a bleeding heart. Being ill reminds us how vulnerable we human beings are. I fully support the best healthcare system possible for everyone -- even for undocumented immigrants. I do NOT want health workers to be government workers, such as cops or post office workers or TSA workers. I want health workers to stay part of the private economy. That ensures better patient care and accountability.

Those young people if they bring up Medicare Advantage plans on a cold call you did not request are very much breaking the law and need to be reported.

Medicare Advantage is government program. The "do not call list" does not apply. You are probably one of those morons who probably think recruiters can't call young people to join the military. I deal with those libtards every day!

MA plans are private healthcare, they take money away from Medicare.

My God you are stupid! Medicare Advantage: it's right there in the name! Your Medicare premiums are paid to a private company. How retarded are you?

The Medicare premium part B goes to the private health ins company. The take money away from Medicare.

The Medicare website provides you with guidance on paying your Medicare Part B (out-patient and doctor visit coverage) and notes that if you get:

• Social Security,
• Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, or
• Civil Service benefits,

then your Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) premium will get automatically deducted from your benefit payment (for instance, your Social Security check).

However, if you do not receive Social Security, RRB, or Civil Service benefit payments - and you sign up for Medicare Part B, Medicare will send you a bill for your coverage - this is called a “Medicare Premium Bill” (and is designated as form CMS-500).

Q1Medicare.com FAQ: Q1FAQ.com/589.html

How do I pay my monthly Medicare Part B premium?

q1medicare.com

 

[JustAGuy1]

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. They are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

• • People who are 65 or older
  • 
    
  • Certain younger people with disabilities
  • 
    
  • People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)

" class="inline hover" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(15, 15, 15); text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted; font-weight: normal; cursor: help !important;">Medicare. These "bundled" plans include Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Find Medicare Advantage Plans in your area.
Covered services in Medicare Advantage Plans
Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage for things Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like some vision, hearing, dental, and fitness programs (like gym memberships or discounts). Plans can also choose to cover even more benefits. For example, some plans may offer coverage for services like transportation to doctor visits, over-the-counter drugs, and services that promote your health and wellness. Plans can also tailor their benefit packages to offer these benefits to certain chronically-ill enrollees. These packages will provide benefits customized to treat specific conditions. Check with the plan before you enroll to see what benefits it offers, if you might qualify, and if there are any limitations. Learn more about what Medicare Advantage Plans cover.
Rules for Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare pays a fixed amount for your care each month to the companies offering Medicare Advantage Plans. These companies must follow rules set by Medicare.
Each Medicare Advantage Plan can charge different out-of-pocket costs. They can also have different rules for how you get services, like:

• Whether you need a referral to see a specialist
• If you have to go to doctors, facilities, or suppliers that belong to the plan for non-emergency or non-urgent care

These rules can change each year.
Costs for Medicare Advantage Plans
What you pay in a Medicare Advantage Plan depends on several factors. In many cases, you’ll need to use doctors and other providers who are in the plan’s network and service area for the lowest costs. Some plans won’t cover services from providers outside the plan’s network and service area. Learn about these factors and how to get cost details.

How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? | Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare. The page includes information about covered services, rules, and costs for Medicare Advantage Plans. It also...

www.medicare.gov

Don't make things up.

UNDERSTANDING THE “MEDICARE PREMIUM BILL” FORM (CMS-500)

https://www.medicare.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/11659-understanding-cms-500.pdf

 

[Grumblenuts]

Truth is what it's always been. There are no guarantees in life other than death and taxes.

Original Medicare by itself can leave you devastated financially.

And you could be squished by a wayward asteroid somewhere within the next three seconds. Point is to have a point to begin with. Medicare A&B long provided very well for the vast majority of elderly. That's why the billionaires just had to go and fuck with it. Now it's all screwed up but beats pointlessly ceding even more control over elder care to the private sector. Medicare For All or bust.