If they can move more than half of Americans off traditional Medicare and onto these corporate plans, it’ll provide the political cover to kill off Medicare altogether — and they’re nearly there now
But first, our citizens must motivate Congress to "...stop these for-profit parasites who are steadily draining “real” Medicare of funds and resources while producing billions in profits and often outright stolen funds for the insurance industry," because our legislators certainly won't do the right thing on their own. Unfortunately, as long as money is speech and corporations are people, the oligarchs will control our public sector decision-makers (so we're more likely to see more Joe Namath commercials and less likely to see healthcare legislation that promotes our general welfare). It's not complicated. It's not chess, and it's not even checkers. It's Tic-Tac-Toe and the morbidly wealthy sociopaths get the first two squares.
... the game of Monopoly, winner take all. The original concept ("The Landlord's Game" - Elizabeth Magie, 1904.) was meant to show the unfairness of economic privilege with regard to real estate ownership and rent. But really, it could apply to everything of value mostly flowing toward the morbidly wealthy under a system of unfair advantage and wealth disparity on steroids -- a game everyone else is destined to lose.
I've learned that many go on Advantage plans because they can't afford the needed Supplement plans, especially if they are only receiving Social Security. We are doomed.
Jul 23, 2022·edited Jul 23, 2022Liked by Thom Hartmann
I received a letter about a new MA offering. It appears to say I can stay with standard medicare and just get the supplemental plan to include dental and vision. They say $60 a month.
Hum, if it sounds too good to be true........................
When I read closely, however, I see "weasel words". They could mean a MA plan replacing everything.
I'm going to call them Monday. My wife and I need dental work. I might switch for a short while, then switch back.
I spoke with relatives in Naples, Florida today. Typical red state lowbrows, they all believe Social Security and medicare should be ended. I suspect they will get their wish.
I had fun when I asked them how their retirement funds were doing, including the medical fund, since their nitwit grandparents voted for Reagan to eliminate pensions, and now they wanted to get rid of everything left.
Pause, silence, then they wailed about HRC eating children under pizza parlors 1,000 miles from where she lives, and some other BS, so I jumped in and asked how their retirement plans could be financially based on what Democratic politicians do.
The eye shutters went down and the phone went Click.
I tell my patients this is Medicare Disadvantage but they don't have a choice because these are the only plans that are affordable. The "Affordable" Care Act that you continue to endorse and defend expanded MA plans and has increased premiums for nearly everyone apart from the 9% of the population on the exchanges. Meanwhile Biden and Democratic leadership turn Americans against a national health care program with their lies. You can keep propping up the Democrats as if they are heroes, but the truth is they look good against the evil of Republicans but are not and have not been serving our collective interests for the past 40 years.,
The reason I got an Advantage plan is to get dental and vision coverage. I now understand why Bernie Sanders was advocating to add these components to Original Medicare, and I now also understand why that effort failed!
It's unbelievable how predatory the advertising has become concerning Medicare Advantage, as if the name wasn't deceptive enough without that. Last year I reported an agent from my state that used a letter to solicit me. It was very threatening and would be scary for someone without any sophistication on the subject. The state insurance oversight people reviewed the letter and concluded they could not do anything, but kept a report on him. I am hoping with the Democrats in charge that the Feds will keep tightening restrictions on the advertising and the approach they can use in mailers.
There is a scam on top of the scam. It's these lines and companies set-up to act as a middle person to "match" you up with your "needs" and availability in your area. Needs change and quite quickly after 65. You can bet they do not begin the conversation with "you will be leaving Medicare and entering a preferred provider limited network". Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz do infomercials at the end of their shows now. A woman comes on and they "interview" her about how this wonderful company will help you get the most out of your medicare. That's horrible because docs have credentials; what an unethical way to make money from them! Thom could send them a copy of the book, but they probably know the political game. Anything for a buck!
I read the Daily Stack "Season for Scammers" article. Sounds like CMS is getting complaints galore on the scammers. It also lists how folks can remedy some of the damage. Seems they are trying to keep up with the crooks. Good article to pass to your friends along with this Report. Complain to your congressional members as well. I hope Thom is working with Bernie to get the new book distributed to Congress as well, and entered into the record if possible.
But first, our citizens must motivate Congress to "...stop these for-profit parasites who are steadily draining “real” Medicare of funds and resources while producing billions in profits and often outright stolen funds for the insurance industry," because our legislators certainly won't do the right thing on their own. Unfortunately, as long as money is speech and corporations are people, the oligarchs will control our public sector decision-makers (so we're more likely to see more Joe Namath commercials and less likely to see healthcare legislation that promotes our general welfare). It's not complicated. It's not chess, and it's not even checkers. It's Tic-Tac-Toe and the morbidly wealthy sociopaths get the first two squares.
... the game of Monopoly, winner take all. The original concept ("The Landlord's Game" - Elizabeth Magie, 1904.) was meant to show the unfairness of economic privilege with regard to real estate ownership and rent. But really, it could apply to everything of value mostly flowing toward the morbidly wealthy under a system of unfair advantage and wealth disparity on steroids -- a game everyone else is destined to lose.
I've learned that many go on Advantage plans because they can't afford the needed Supplement plans, especially if they are only receiving Social Security. We are doomed.
I received a letter about a new MA offering. It appears to say I can stay with standard medicare and just get the supplemental plan to include dental and vision. They say $60 a month.
Hum, if it sounds too good to be true........................
When I read closely, however, I see "weasel words". They could mean a MA plan replacing everything.
I'm going to call them Monday. My wife and I need dental work. I might switch for a short while, then switch back.
I spoke with relatives in Naples, Florida today. Typical red state lowbrows, they all believe Social Security and medicare should be ended. I suspect they will get their wish.
I had fun when I asked them how their retirement funds were doing, including the medical fund, since their nitwit grandparents voted for Reagan to eliminate pensions, and now they wanted to get rid of everything left.
Pause, silence, then they wailed about HRC eating children under pizza parlors 1,000 miles from where she lives, and some other BS, so I jumped in and asked how their retirement plans could be financially based on what Democratic politicians do.
The eye shutters went down and the phone went Click.
I tell my patients this is Medicare Disadvantage but they don't have a choice because these are the only plans that are affordable. The "Affordable" Care Act that you continue to endorse and defend expanded MA plans and has increased premiums for nearly everyone apart from the 9% of the population on the exchanges. Meanwhile Biden and Democratic leadership turn Americans against a national health care program with their lies. You can keep propping up the Democrats as if they are heroes, but the truth is they look good against the evil of Republicans but are not and have not been serving our collective interests for the past 40 years.,
The reason I got an Advantage plan is to get dental and vision coverage. I now understand why Bernie Sanders was advocating to add these components to Original Medicare, and I now also understand why that effort failed!
It's unbelievable how predatory the advertising has become concerning Medicare Advantage, as if the name wasn't deceptive enough without that. Last year I reported an agent from my state that used a letter to solicit me. It was very threatening and would be scary for someone without any sophistication on the subject. The state insurance oversight people reviewed the letter and concluded they could not do anything, but kept a report on him. I am hoping with the Democrats in charge that the Feds will keep tightening restrictions on the advertising and the approach they can use in mailers.
There is a scam on top of the scam. It's these lines and companies set-up to act as a middle person to "match" you up with your "needs" and availability in your area. Needs change and quite quickly after 65. You can bet they do not begin the conversation with "you will be leaving Medicare and entering a preferred provider limited network". Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz do infomercials at the end of their shows now. A woman comes on and they "interview" her about how this wonderful company will help you get the most out of your medicare. That's horrible because docs have credentials; what an unethical way to make money from them! Thom could send them a copy of the book, but they probably know the political game. Anything for a buck!
I read the Daily Stack "Season for Scammers" article. Sounds like CMS is getting complaints galore on the scammers. It also lists how folks can remedy some of the damage. Seems they are trying to keep up with the crooks. Good article to pass to your friends along with this Report. Complain to your congressional members as well. I hope Thom is working with Bernie to get the new book distributed to Congress as well, and entered into the record if possible.
What is the government sponsored alternative? Link anyone?
What is a link to the alternative?
SFCK
I want to know what problems I might run into if I leave Medicare Advantage. Where can I get this technical advice?
https://socialsecurityworks.org/