Posted on 07/09/2013 11:15:43 AM PDT by Bob Ireland
For some years I have listened to Rush Limbaugh, and heard him picture Medicare recipients as some sort of ungrateful leaches sucking off of the public dole. He characterizes them as resisting having to pay a dime for their medical coverage.
Being a fan of Rush, I have tolerated this misguidance on his part and sent him e-mails [I am 24-7 member] trying to save him from being caught in a 'lie'. He has never responded to these e-mails - for whatever reason.
Then yesterday - Monday - he mentioned a story about the Congress considering a bill to make Medicare recipients pay 'a few pennies' for their medical coverage - and the bill going down to defeat. I simply cannot remain silent in the face of this total fabrication.
I have been on Medicare for 15 years. My Medicare Part B presently costs me a little pocket change short of $100 a month - a little less that $1,200 a year. That money is deducted out of my Social Security check before I ever receive it. That benefit offers to pay 80% of my allowable medical bills, and I am responsible for the other 20%.
In my case - since I look at government programs with a jaundiced eye - I have signed my Medicare obligations over to a private HMO [called an Advantage Plan]. However, Obama's health care plan has drained the Medicare treasury by hundreds of billions of dollars; therefore the future of the program is in question. In some states I understand the Advantage Plans have already been canceled. Many doctors and hospitals are trying to figure how to get free of Medicare since the Medicare payments are either delayed, diminished or missing altogether. I still cannot be sure my HMO will be part of Medicare next year.
BUT, back to the main theme of this article: How many FReepers pay $1,200 a year for their medical insurance? Probably some do; likely most do not. I am not complaining about paying for my health care - I voluntarily and happily pay the premium.
Furthermore, if it becomes a matter of saving the dollar from total collapse I would accept the cancellation of Medicare altogether. Just stop charging me $100 a month and send the program into the Bermuda Triangle. I have led a fruitful life. HOWEVER, under Obama's healthcare program, that cannot happen. My Medicare could be cancelled and I could be set with the old Indian squaw by the side of the road to waste away - but I would still have to pay my health care premium in order to provide health care for younger folk.
Would someone who can get through to Rush Limbaugh get these points across to him - if he is really interested - so that people can understand the truth about Medicare - not a bunch of myths and misrepresentations.
I pay $1800 / year for private insurance. Like Social Security, Medicare was never envisioned to look like it does today. People are living far longer than SS envisioned and medical technology was prehistoric in 1964. Current medicare recipients should keep it. Like SS, there should be an age established that transitions to private programs. If you don’t like Rush, don’t listen. Re farmers: Archer Daniels Midland ain’t a farmer. Govt farm programs are corporate welfare.
That is the way of investing in govt... when I say 'end the program' I am prepared to forgive all the 'promises' that were foolishly given.
Adding to my post 198, I pay that nearly $5,000 a year for insurances and I go to the doctor once a year to renew prescriptions and have a blood test. Medicare and insurance companies are making money off me but it’s there if I need it.
Look, I’m 80, but I was on my husband’s company policy until I was about 74, so I haven’t even been on Medicare many years. I know some older people have bad health and I want them to be able to be treated, but I’m still healthy and hope to remain that way. Right now, I’m paying that almost $5,000 a year for one doctor visit a year.
And my comments were made in response — comments backed by facts that you seem determined to ignore.
Tricare costs you right now. Tricare for Life starts when Medicare starts (usually at age 65). Tricare for Life is free and pays the costs not covered by Medicare. Essentially it is a Medicare supplement.
Exactly! If the govt cannot afford to carry the program then stop the program! ...and stop making us pay if you stop the program!
You will when you reach 65 after paying into Medicare for decades and never using it once.
I have certainly learned a lot about what others pay for their health insurance on this thread. I turned my Medicare over to a private insurance company, and I presume if they cannot make it work they will stop coverage [at least fraud is not a consideration!] I can stand not having any health coverage if necessary... I just do not want to continue to pay for others while being told to go away. No private insurance company could do that without being charged with fraud.
I NEVER SAID THAT! IF you like, please convince the govt to cancel Medicare now! As I said, I turned my Medicare over to a private insurance company; if my payments are not covering costs then they are crazy to continue to cover me. Please tell them to stop!
So, how will Obamacare be any different? /sarc
They could cancel medicare, you could save that $100 bucks and month then pay the Obama tax for not having coverage.
That would be a hoot.
We’ll see I fully plan on all I have been forced to contribute to being gone before I get there.
Like most of the people on this thread you are in over your head. When you learn to read, read the post again and you will see that I have signed my Medicare benefits over to a private insurance company. When they start losing money I presume they will quit the business - and if I am left without health insurance so be it! I said nothing complaining about my payments - I said I resent being told I am getting it for free.
Are you saying that veterans shouldn't pay for ANY medical expenses or should not pay for service-related expenses?
Huge difference.
Oh, in case you care. We have been paying for our own health insurance for years, it's currently $700.00 a month with a $20,000 deductible.
Quit your whining, you have it better than most.
I asked a question, not stating any fact....
Instead of answering politely, you were rude..
Try being civil next time.....
Who appointed you spelling Nazi?
I think you are being a little unfair. I think most people on this thread are just having a little trouble feeling sorry for someone who pays less than one tenth than they do for health insurance.
Too right! As for Rush, I like him ok... I just do not understand why he sticks with this myth and I would like to dissuade him from it.
Message finally arrives after long dance through a thick skull. Got it. I'd be pissed, too. I get the same kind of pissed at people who say Social Security should be "means tested" because it's unfair Bill Gates can get payments.
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