Ohh you mean just like the Medicare Advantage that costs taxpayers 14% more than typical medicare does?
That Medicare Advantage?
Yes, that Medicare Advantage.
It no longer costs 14% more since the cutbacks, and the insurance companies are doing just fine. And here's a few more fun facts that the media does not report.
There are three kinds of Medicare Advantage plans: PFFS, PPO and HMO.
The PFFS (Private Fee For Service) plan is the
one of the three that cost so much because it did not require networks or referrals. It was completely open and impossible to control costs on. The PFFS plans have been largely phased out after the cutbacks, I think just rural areas have them now.
The PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan is less costly to operate because the insurer has a little more control over the flow of services provided. Right now the average PPO MA plan costs anywhere from $20 to $60 per month depending on the area and insurer. And it does not cost more than Medicare.
The HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan is even less costly to operate because the insurer uses a smaller, far more controlled network of providers. Right now the average HMO MA plan costs anywhere from $0 (yes, zero dollars) to $20 per month depending on the area and insurer. And it costs less to operate than Medicare.
And more:
Medicare Advantage plans not only cover many of the gaps in Medicare, they provide excellent preventive coverage as well. Traditional Medicare has deductibles and covers only 80% of expenses. Medicare Advantage plans use simple co-pays. An excellent example is the simple doctor visit, covered under Medicare B. Many people who have only Medicare just don't go to the doctor because they can't afford the $140 annual deductible. With a Medicare Advantage plan, there is no deductible and the co-pay may be $10 or $20.
Oh, and most MA plans
include the Part D drug coverage. When seniors buy those plans standalone to go with Medicare Supplements, they cost $30 to $75 per month. But
no extra charge for them in MA plans. How cool is that!
I could go on, but why bother? This argument isn't about facts, it's about politics. The misinformation being spread is counterproductive, if predictable. I do wish the partisan bullshit would at least slow down a bit, this is important stuff.
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