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In reply to the discussion: The Sickest Patients Are Fleeing Private Medicare Plans--Costing Taxpayers Billions [View all]Babajida
(65 posts)140. 100% elder abuse
I'm a software engineer, used to dealing with complicated stuff on a daily basis and can't believe how ridiculously hard to navigate medicare is. I'm baffled that anyone dealing with it doesn't just throw up their hands in utter frustration. I opted for a medicare advantage plan because it was the only option I could afford while I was laid off but I keep worrying that if I ever really need it for something serious/expensive/life-threatening it will be a problem. Gods, why the hell can't we have a straight-forward single-payer system for everyone.
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The Sickest Patients Are Fleeing Private Medicare Plans--Costing Taxpayers Billions [View all]
question everything
Tuesday
OP
The first paragraph- which I snipped to keep the allowed ones -mentioned United Healthcare
question everything
Tuesday
#71
A friend recently received notice that her Advantage care was being cancelled.
Lonestarblue
Wednesday
#101
I am sorry about that. She should have been able to switch during open enrollment
question everything
Tuesday
#74
Thanks, you're very kind! And it sounds like you've been through the wringer more than most!
DFW
Yesterday
#116
Canada? So many of us are looking at the Canadian system as an example..
question everything
23 hrs ago
#124
I know they aren't switching to another M.A. plan. That wouldn't help at all.
Tadpole Raisin
Tuesday
#17
Sorry about that. Can the manufacturer help? They often do for expensive drugs
question everything
Tuesday
#70
Thanks for the suggestion. There's a manufacturer discount card. ...
littlemissmartypants
Tuesday
#83
They're already screwed by then. If you join Advantage you will likely be locked out of traditional Medicare supplements
tritsofme
Tuesday
#22
Hubs and I would pay 800 per month on original Medicare. And I have had excellent care...
Demsrule86
Tuesday
#33
Sadly, original Medicare covers only 20 days of nursing home care, after that you pay $204 or so for next 80 days.
Silent Type
Tuesday
#30
This is why we need long term insurance except they are getting so expensive
question everything
Tuesday
#78
Unfortunately, I see no chance of nursing home coverage in next 20 years at least. Good point about those who are
Silent Type
Tuesday
#80
This is bullshit. You can't go back to orginal Medicare after Advantage...unless you
Demsrule86
Tuesday
#31
You can go back to original Medicare, buy you'll pay 20% out of pocket unless you qualify for a Medigap policy, which
Silent Type
Tuesday
#35
Better go read that again. 63-day window applies to the FIRST YEAR you go on MA. After that, underwriting applies
Silent Type
Tuesday
#73
If your advantage plan is canceled that may set up a special circumstance
Tadpole Raisin
Tuesday
#66
You can definitely go back to original/heritage Medicare. But, there is no guarantee you can get a Medigap policy,
Silent Type
Tuesday
#76
Medicare alone (Parts A/B leaving you with a 20% copay) is a permitted switch.
Ms. Toad
17 hrs ago
#141
For 2025, Medicare Advantage plans have cut benefits and raised premiums and copays, across the board
dlk
Tuesday
#49
Humana is terminating 560,000 members because they are not profitable enough
dalton99a
Wednesday
#92
This happens with for profit companies. Their fiduciary is for their shareholders who expect them
question everything
Wednesday
#94
There are professionals who help individuals through the labyrinth of enrolling
question everything
22 hrs ago
#126
VERY Misleading article. I'll explain why. Typical of the WSJ though, siding with private insurers
CousinIT
22 hrs ago
#129
You may want to read the whole story again. I have no idea where you got your conclusions
question everything
19 hrs ago
#136
Medicare covers some stay when one is released from the hospital. Go read the original stroy
question everything
19 hrs ago
#137