How to convince an aging public to buy an inferior insurance plan; the problem with Medicare Advantage Plans How to convince an aging public to buy an inferior insurance plan; the problem with Medicare Advantage Plans. Like many Americans, I am approaching Medicare age. Switching to Medicare requires signing up through the Center for Medicare Services. While many of us do not realize how great this can be, many of us are duped into signing up for Medicare Advantage plans instead. It begins with a massive barrage of Read More
The Medicare advantage plans meant to curb Medicare spending is actually costing us more. The Medicare Advantage plans meant to curb Medicare spending is actually costing us more. I have warned patients for years about Medicare Advantage plans which are private insurers taking your Medicare coverage and privatizing it. Promoted as wildly popular due to the heavy marketing and bait-and-switch tactics boiler rooms are using to switch patients to these plans before they even sign up for Medicare. Talking to their experts who are Read More
Is your insurance agent selling you an inferior Medicare Advantage insurance plan in exchange for a fat commission check? Is your insurance agent selling you an inferior Medicare Advantage insurance plan in exchange for a fat commission check? It has been my experience that in business, incentives alter the behavior of those in the system. We see this in the healthcare space where finding caring and competent care is more difficult than ever. Visit an ER today and see what corporatization has done to the experience. The incentive is Read More
More reasons to be wary of Medicare Advantage Plans according to Medpage today. More reasons to be wary of Medicare Advantage Plans according to Medpage Today. Our blog has reported on the problems that exist with Medicare Advantage Plans. Many of these plans offer to give you an enhanced benefit in exchange for using a private insurance carrier. Most people find out the benefits disappear when they try to use a specialist or have an out-of-state healthcare emergency. Medicare Advantage, otherwise known as Read More
Are Medicare Advantage Plans leaving you at a disadvantage? Are Medicare Advantage Plans leaving you at a disadvantage? Medicare remains the gold standard for the care of our senior population in the USA. Patients are happy about their experiences with Medicare. During the yearly sign up period, Medicare Advantage Plans are heavily marketing to earn your business and get you to switch out of traditional Medicare. Should you consider this option? A number of years ago, the insurance industry Read More
United Healthcare and the Medicare Advantage scam; is this the tip of the iceberg? United Healthcare and the Medicare Advantage scam; is this the tip of the iceberg? If you have United Healthcare or Oxford Health Plans (purchased by United Healthcare a few years ago), you may have heard about the latest news on how United Health Group’s former finance director in Minneapolis, Benjamin Poehling, contends that his company and other insurers have been systematically bilking Medicare Advantage for years according to the NY Times. Read More
Medicare Advantage part C plans vs. Medicare and a supplement; buyer beware. Medicare Advantage part C plans vs. Medicare and a supplement; buyer beware. You have finally reached the age of 65 and are now enrolled in Medicare; is there a better option? Medicare was developed in 1965 and signed into law by Lyndon B Johnson as a way to help pay for the medical needs of those reaching retirement age as well as those with disabilities. Medicare Part A is free Read More
Private insurers have exploited Medicare for millions while applying roadblocks to needed care. Private insurers have exploited Medicare for millions while applying roadblocks to needed care. Over the years I have warned patients about private insurers and the push to have everyone use a Medicare Advantage (part C) plan. These plans offer the same hassles and pitfalls that you had prior to joining Medicare, with delays, recertification requirements, smaller networks, and no out-of-network coverage but you get a free gym membership. While the Read More
Why hospitals do not like the idea of Medicare for All. Why hospitals do not like the idea of Medicare for All. The current situation with healthcare in the USA needs to improve, and simplifying the system is essential. The problem is, hospital systems who are a huge part of the cost problem will fight anything that reduces their revenue. Due to the predatory activities of insurance companies who have harmed individual hospitals financially by lowballing reimbursements or creating tiered systems Read More
Medicare for all; Isn’t it about time we did something for the average American? Medicare for all; Isn’t it about time we did something for the average American? The problem. Bernie Sanders has many American’s in agreement that we need a change in how insurance works in the USA. Not everyone agrees with Bernie Sanders on how to make this happen. Our overly complicated system has been ruined by private interests which include insurers, hospitals, medical suppliers, and drug companies who often charge prices Read More
NJ health plan retirees must be wary of the new Aetna Medicare replacement plans; here’s why. NJ health plan retirees must be wary of the new Aetna Medicare replacement plans; here’s why. If you work for the state of New Jersey and are a NJ health plan retiree and are Medicare eligible , you are no doubt aware that there are changes to your coverage. We have warned our patients about most Medicare Advantage plans, since they are bait and switch vehicles for insurers to give you Read More
Attention 65 year olds signing up for Medicare. Make sure you choose options wisely according to CBS Money Watch. Attention 65 year olds signing up for Medicare. Make sure you choose options wisely according to CBS Money Watch. Obamacare plans are expensive and often confusing, but Medicare is much more straight forward, providing you know the rules. You have a seven-month initial enrollment period to sign up for Medicare. It begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65 and ends three months after that Read More