Of course, Part B is subsidized, but costs $93.50 per month.
Start with that expense, for nearly everyone. (It is means tested.)
Now, a supplement at age 65 is about $100 to $125.00 a month.
On top of that, an RX plan will be roughly $25.50 or more a month.
When that same person hits 70 or 75, however, the Supplement Plan premium usually is around $150 to $200 a month or more.
This is SURE to tick off Seniors, for this reason: Medicare Supplement Plan premiums are allowed to rise with age or claims experience -—
However, privitized “Medicare Advantage Plans” can take over the roles of Part A, Part B and Part D Drug Plans.
Medicare Advantage is also known as “Part C”.
Many of these plans have no premium at all.
Those that DO have premiums, have the same low premium, regardless of age.
So, this Obama idea hits the oldest the hardest.
As far as “claims” or “expense” is concerned -— Libs like to look at actual dollar claims, ONLY -— Obama and other Democrats rarely consider the administrative cost, the human resources necessary to handle claims processing and customer service, which is transfered from the government, or government contractors, to these PRIVATE Medicare Advantage Plans.
One other thing: Say what you will about Part D drug coverage -— the Medicare Advantage idea HAS been a partial success, in showing what privatization can do.
MAPD is a Medicare Advantage WITH Prescription Drug coverage.
Almost all of the Part D companies also have Part C or Medicare Advantage.
Part C and Part D are NOT really regulated by the State Insurance Departments, they are regulated by CMS, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The applications look nearly identical, accross companies and accross plans.
It is my guess that attacking Part C, Medicare Adantage, will have the effect of forcing companies out of the Part C and Part D game. They will drop BOTH!
Part D drug coverage has NOT been a big money maker for the Insurance Companies involved.
I understand the controversy in Republican ranks over Part D, and I must admit, as an agent, that Part D and Part C have been a royal headache, lately.
However, trust me, a full government takeover of Part C and Part D is NOT what we want!
By the way, our government just decided to cut commissions to agents who sell Part C and Part D. This was RETROACTIVE, back to policies that were sold under the last Annual Enrollment Period.
I know an agent that saw a $16,000 negative balance, in his commission run, due to this government medaling!
Spot on. Thank you for the details. This forum provides some of the finest insights from the best folks around. I have experience dealing with the VA, Mailhandlers, and TriCare regarding my father. I have told folks for years that if we get government subsidized healthcare, it will look exactly like VA. Not like what our "elected representatives" and their designated flunkies have.
Good post!
Obama and his Socialist comrades in Congress are intent on destroying private medical insurance. They want all doctors, hospitals and patients to be dependent on the government. Therefore, Obama is opposed to the private Medicare Advantage plans.
If the Socialists get their way, everyone will have to call 1-800-Obamacare to receive treatment. This will result in fewer doctors and hospitals, long waits for care, poor quality care, and lack of freedom of choice regarding the care of our own bodies. In addition, the research and development of new drugs and medical procedures will come to a screeching halt. Government does not innovate; it pushes paper and puts up roadblocks to innovation.
I have recently chosen an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan. Aetna has been extremely helpful. One of their guys spent 45 minutes on the phone with me, explaining the options, etc. Anyone can find their info online.