You want these folks running your healthcare too?

geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by stdreb27
http:///forum/post/2645614
You guys should probably site your sources...

This from Wikipedia: "Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans grew from 5.4 million in 2005 to 8.2 million in 2007. Enrollment grew by an additional 800,000 during the first four months of 2008. This represents 19% of Medicare beneficiaries. A third of beneficiaries with Part D coverage are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage enrollment is higher in urban areas; the enrollment rate in urban counties is twice that in rural counties (22% vs. 10%). " These figures also seem to agree with the US Census data, but those tables are very difficult to understand, so I'm going with the Wikipedia data for now.
 
stdreb27

stdreb27

Active Member
Originally Posted by GeriDoc
http:///forum/post/2646571
This from Wikipedia: "Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans grew from 5.4 million in 2005 to 8.2 million in 2007. Enrollment grew by an additional 800,000 during the first four months of 2008. This represents 19% of Medicare beneficiaries. A third of beneficiaries with Part D coverage are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage enrollment is higher in urban areas; the enrollment rate in urban counties is twice that in rural counties (22% vs. 10%). " These figures also seem to agree with the US Census data, but those tables are very difficult to understand, so I'm going with the Wikipedia data for now.
Well, I said that because he said one thing and you said another thing that was factually checkable.
 
reefraff

reefraff

Active Member
Originally Posted by GeriDoc
http:///forum/post/2646571
This from Wikipedia: "Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans grew from 5.4 million in 2005 to 8.2 million in 2007. Enrollment grew by an additional 800,000 during the first four months of 2008. This represents 19% of Medicare beneficiaries. A third of beneficiaries with Part D coverage are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage enrollment is higher in urban areas; the enrollment rate in urban counties is twice that in rural counties (22% vs. 10%). " These figures also seem to agree with the US Census data, but those tables are very difficult to understand, so I'm going with the Wikipedia data for now.

I don't like to take Wikipedias word for anything but I can't find anything to contradict what they claim. What I saw was on the news and said most receipients were opting for private plans. It's possible they were referring to new recipients or a certain area so I stand corrected.
I can tell you from firsthand experience that anyone who isn't using one of the private plans should take advantage of any mental health services offered by Medicare. I don't pay any more for the Plan I am under than regular old part B costs but my plan also includes prescription drugs and some other benes that part B doesn't.
So I will correct my statement.
Why is it that the private companies can offer better coverage than Medicare for the same price? Oh, and far as I know these private providers are not losing millions of dollars every year like Medicare does.
 
geridoc

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by reefraff
http:///forum/post/2647424
Why is it that the private companies can offer better coverage than Medicare for the same price? Oh, and far as I know these private providers are not losing millions of dollars every year like Medicare does.
easy - the private companies receive huge subsidies from Medicare. It has been estimated by OMB that elimination of the private Medicare Advantage would prolong the life of the Medicare trust fund by more than 18 months. We can debate about the politics or long term solvency of Medicare, but it is (has become) an efficient means of funding health care. Many of Medicare's costs come from Congress' limitations to eliminate the perception that the government is dictating individual health care. For example, Medicare cannot to a cost-benefit analysis on a procedure, it must just pay.
 
1journeyman

1journeyman

Active Member
If it is not solvent how can it be called efficient?
By the current logic, every person in the USA should have their own private Dr. and medical staff. That would provide the most efficient health care.
 
stdreb27

stdreb27

Active Member

Originally Posted by reefraff
http:///forum/post/2647424
I don't like to take Wikipedias word for anything but I can't find anything to contradict what they claim. What I saw was on the news and said most receipients were opting for private plans. It's possible they were referring to new recipients or a certain area so I stand corrected.
I can tell you from firsthand experience that anyone who isn't using one of the private plans should take advantage of any mental health services offered by Medicare. I don't pay any more for the Plan I am under than regular old part B costs but my plan also includes prescription drugs and some other benes that part B doesn't.
So I will correct my statement.
Why is it that the private companies can offer better coverage than Medicare for the same price? Oh, and far as I know these private providers are not losing millions of dollars every year like Medicare does.
All of us are a little crazy I guess.
 
stdreb27

stdreb27

Active Member
Originally Posted by GeriDoc
http:///forum/post/2647653
easy - the private companies receive huge subsidies from Medicare. It has been estimated by OMB that elimination of the private Medicare Advantage would prolong the life of the Medicare trust fund by more than 18 months. We can debate about the politics or long term solvency of Medicare, but it is (has become) an efficient means of funding health care. Many of Medicare's costs come from Congress' limitations to eliminate the perception that the government is dictating individual health care. For example, Medicare cannot to a cost-benefit analysis on a procedure, it must just pay.
For medicare to exist, taxes are going to HAVE to be raised. And since it is taxes I have no choice. VS a private company where I can just leave. This is a problem. Especially since I don't qualify for medicare anyway.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top