As Bernie Threatens, Insurers Respond With More Medicare Benefits

As Bernie Threatens, Insurers Respond With More Medicare Benefits: Despite Bernie Sanders single payer push to eliminate private health insurers, companies are offering more Medicare benefits under new Trump administration rules.

Want to Expand Medicare? Then Answer the $5 Trillion Questions.

Want to Expand Medicare? Then Answer the $5 Trillion Questions.: If you think the fight with insurance companies is tough, just wait until single-payer advocates have to go head-to-head with doctors.

New poll shows Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans when it comes to health care - MarketWatch

New poll shows Americans trust Democrats more than Republicans when it comes to health care - MarketWatch: Democrats enjoy a 17 percentage point advantage over their Republicans counterparts.

Democrats Add Single-Payer Champion Ady Barkan To 'Medicare For All' Hearing | HuffPost

Democrats Add Single-Payer Champion Ady Barkan To 'Medicare For All' Hearing | HuffPost: No single-payer advocate is going to question this man's perspective.

LETTER: Single-payer insurance is the frugal way to go | Opinion | wvgazettemail.com

LETTER: Single-payer insurance is the frugal way to go | Opinion | wvgazettemail.com: Editor:

LETTER: Single-payer insurance is the frugal way to go

• 8 hrs ago
 

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Editor:

They say Medicare is going bankrupt and Medicaid is already gone at the federal level, as I understand it. They also say that health insurance premiums are rising and deductibles are growing so fast that, before long, no one will be able to afford either healthcare or health insurance.

It looks to me like health care, as presently structured, isn’t working in the United States. What’s more, Trump and his ilk are now wanting to do away with the ACA again, so millions more will be uninsured.

You can blame doctors’ fees, hospital bills, pharmaceutical costs and every other reason you can think of for our predicament. And, they all may be true. But, let’s look at the facts to try to figure out what’s really wrong:

1. My Medicare insurance premium, which supposedly covers 80 percent of my doctor and hospital costs, is $135.50 per month ($1,626/year);

2. My Blue Cross Blue Shield supplemental Medicare premium, which supposedly covers 20 percent of such costs, is $241.20 per month ($2,894.40/year).

Using these same ratios, if I was paying the same rate for Blue Cross Blue Shield as I am for Medicare, my monthly premium would be only $33.87 — $207.33 per month less than I am now (about $2,500/per year less).

I probably sound like some flaming liberal, which I’m not. I just like to follow the facts to their logical conclusion. So, I think it’s about time to call a spade a spade and urge our legislators to recognize that a single-payer system is far more frugal for taxpayers than the so-called capitalistic, free-market or multiple-insurer version of health care coverage.

It’s really a question of whether you would rather be governed by your elected representatives or the profit-driven insurance companies.

Bert M. Grimm Jr.

CBO to release report on single-payer health care next week | TheHill

CBO to release report on single-payer health care next week | TheHill: The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said Thursday that it will release a report on single-payer health care next week.

Hospitals Will Do Fine Under Medicare for All – People's Policy Project

Hospitals Will Do Fine Under Medicare for All – People's Policy Project: Hospitals can offset revenue cuts with increased administrative efficiencies.

Comment by Don McCanne

Based on current media reports, it seems as if the nation has just discovered that hospital prices are very high, and for that reason, we will not be able to enact a single-payer Medicare for All system because hospitals will not be able to survive on the lower rates that Medicare pays compared to private insurers. But there is a fundamental problem with this deceptive framing.

First is that there is a tremendous amount of administrative waste in our hospitals, much of which is recoverable by switching to a well designed single payer system. Second, although the reform proposal is labeled "Medicare for All," it will not involve simply changing to current Medicare payment rates. Third, operating costs will be covered by global budgets, much as we cover fire departments. Fourth, facilities and major equipment acquisitions will be funded through separate capital budgets with local need determined through regional planning.

Right now the two major hospital associations are partnering with other members of the medical-industrial complex to publicize the fact that hospitals will have to shut down if we enact and implement a single-payer Medicare for All program. Not true! You should be prepared with your response when this comes up:

"Single Payer Medicare for All not only recovers a tremendous amount of administrative waste, but it also uses regional planning, global hospital budgets - like fire departments have - and separate budgeting of capital improvements to ensure that we will always have adequate capacity in our hospital system."

Hospitals Stand to Lose Billions Under ‘Medicare for All’ - The New York Times

Hospitals Stand to Lose Billions Under ‘Medicare for All’ - The New York Times

They don't get payment for ER visits by uncovered folks and build that loss into other charges. Hospitals should be put on a budget (instead of the ridiculous itemized bills they have to issue now) and be required to coordinate services in sensible regional areas to ensure maximizing care access to all citizens. Profit-seeking companies also should have no place in our hospital system.

Readers Write: UnitedHealth CEO and single-payer, Amazon's size and success - StarTribune.com

Readers Write: UnitedHealth CEO and single-payer, Amazon's size and success - StarTribune.com: Motivations matter in debate over the future of health care.

 Letters to the Editor in Mpls Star Trib:

Motivations matter in debate over the future of health care.

April 18, 2019

Jim Mone • Associated Press

The UnitedHealth Group campus in Minnetonka. Speaking to investment analysts as his company announced a 22% jump in profit for the first three months of the year, CEO David Wichmann criticized the prospect of a government-led single-payer system.

……….

The April 17 article “UnitedHealth sounds alarm on single-payer system” ought to have more forcefully explained David Wichmann’s clear conflict of interest on this topic. According to statements filed for the 2017 fiscal year, Mr. Wichmann made $17,389,976 as CEO of UnitedHealth Group, an average of $47,643.77 per day for a 365-day year. When he makes pronouncements about the future of health care in the United States, and about making sure more of us have access to quality care, it’s important to understand that his job and all his personal incentive centers on the stock price and the profitability of the company he runs, and none whatsoever on the well-being of the citizens of this country.

Of course he is speaking out against universal care of any kind; it would hurt the finances of the company he heads. He almost certainly has a whole team of people on this campaign. It’s startling to think he could buy a new car, and a nice one, outright, daily.

Merrill Aldrich, St. Paul

• • •

How about a little transparent light on health care and turn off the gaslight? Fifty-eight countries have some form of universal health care. Switzerland has an interesting combination of government-subsidized health care and private insurance. The private insurance is strictly regulated by the government. A ranking of 11 industrialized countries measuring quality, efficiency, access, equity and healthy lives ranked the U.S. last, No. 11. The World Health Organization has ranked us 37th globally. We have the most expensive health care system with the worst outcomes. We pay astronomical prices for medications. The last two years with our current president has seen a rise of 3.2 million more people now uninsured. Twenty-eight million people in this country have no insurance.

The American health care system run and regulated by corporate America is a disgrace. We all deserve better.

Claire Auckenthaler, Minneapolis

• • •

Wichmann was quoted as saying some startlingly inaccurate assumptions about the proposed system of “Medicare for All.” He stated that a universal health care system would “surely jeopardize the relationship people have with their doctors … and limit the ability of clinicians to practice medicine at their best.” Meanwhile, the Japanese, who have a universal health care system, visit their doctors and clinics at a rate almost three times the global average and have some of the best health outcomes in the world.

Americans are far less likely than comparable countries to have long-term relationships with primary care physicians and are much less likely to seek out care due to high costs. The Medicare for All system would significantly decrease the apprehension Americans have in seeking out care, thereby making health care far more accessible and improving our health outcomes.

Wichmann also claims that a universal health care system would have an “inherent cost burden” on the economy; however, when compared with Germany’s universal health care system, which is mostly funded through premiums paid for by employers and employees, German employers pay 10% less than American employers in health insurance premiums, making their system a better deal for all involved, especially considering the amount of health care services individuals are entitled to through that system.

The evidence can be seen here in the United States as well: According to a Gallup report, there is a 77% satisfaction rate with the Medicare system, compared to 65-69% satisfaction rate with the employer or individual buy-in system and only 41% satisfaction rate among the uninsured.

The profiteering on human lives and health in this country is abhorrent, which is why a universal health care system that would guarantee health care for all is the best choice for the progress of the American society.

Ali Jacobson, Minneapolis

• • •

I’d like to hear Wichmann explain just exactly how a single-payer health system would “jeopardize the relationship people have with their doctors.” Sounds to me like he’s trying to stoke up irrational fear to preserve a vested interest. Company earnings of $3.47 billion in three months. I’m an old coot; I’ve had many doctors for many things, specialists for one thing or another that don’t require ongoing relationships. I’ve changed doctors for my convenience. One moved to San Diego; I found another. What’s the big deal?

As to “destabilizing the nation’s health system,” that system is precisely the problem that needs solving. When I have a medical problem, I don’t want it regarded as a “claim” with some question as to whether it’s “covered” or “in-network.” I just want it taken care of without having to plead my case. Nor do I want what I pay for medications depend on a panel at Optima deciding how much of a sky-high arbitrary asking price that pharmaceutical companies peg their products at will be accepted, keeping quarterly earnings in mind.

James Wallace, Eden Prairie

• • •

I retired a few years ago, forcing a switch to Medicare from my employer-paid (except for my 20%) health insurance. The only disruption I experienced was a premium reduction; my Medicare premiums, including the part D supplement, were cheaper than my 20% contribution to my employer’s plan. I kept the exact same set of doctors and other health care providers, and even had my coverage through the same insurance provider.

A couple of years ago, I switched to an even cheaper plan with a different provider. But again, I continue to see my same doctors. The copays on this second Medicare Supplement plan are higher, but my premiums are lower. And the annual out-of-pocket max for both of my Medicare Supplement plans are lower than the annual out-of-pocket max for my former employer’s plan.

To summarize my experience switching from employer-paid insurance to Medicare: same docs, lower cost. I haven’t found this especially disruptiveJohn Trepp, Minneapolis

Robin Vos unmoved by poll showing support for Medicaid expansion: 'Sometimes you have to lead by what you believe in' | Local News | madison.com

Robin Vos unmoved by poll showing support for Medicaid expansion: 'Sometimes you have to lead by what you believe in' | Local News | madison.com: Meanwhile a new UW-Madison study found Medicaid expansion could save up to $100 million a year in Wisconsin.

SeniorCare prescription drug program to continue for 10 more years

SeniorCare prescription drug program to continue for 10 more years: The program is an alternative to Medicare Part D prescription drug program that supporters tout as more comprehensive and less expensive.

High-Deductible Insurance Linked To Delays In Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment : Shots - Health News : NPR

High-Deductible Insurance Linked To Delays In Cancer Diagnosis And Treatment : Shots - Health News : NPR: Her employer offered only a high-deductible health plan; that meant she'd have to pay up to $6,000 out of pocket each year. Advocates for patients say this sort of underinsurance is snatching lives.

Bernie Sanders's Medicare for All Goes Too Far for Most Americans - Bloomberg

Bernie Sanders's Medicare for All Goes Too Far for Most Americans - Bloomberg: The U.S. health-care system needs serious reform, not a radical remake.

A 'Medicare For All' Question Backfired At Bernie Sanders’ Fox News Town Hall | HuffPost

A 'Medicare For All' Question Backfired At Bernie Sanders’ Fox News Town Hall | HuffPost: The audience was not afraid of the 2020 contender's plan to switch all Americans to a government-run insurance plan.

Why Butte County needs Medicare-For-All more than ever – Chico Enterprise-Record

Why Butte County needs Medicare-For-All more than ever – Chico Enterprise-Record: New Medicare-for-All legislation (The Medicare for All Act of 2019, HR 1384) was just introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash) with 103 cosponsors.

Comment by Don McCanne

The Butte County fire in which the beautiful town of Paradise was destroyed was a heart-wrenching experience for my wife and me, especially wistful since we had visited our dear friends there frequently in years past. Our friend and health care reform colleague, Paul O'Rourke-Babb, describes in his article what this meant to so many residents of Butte County. It was a terribly tragic event that only those who were there to experience it can truly comprehend.

So why does this belong in a blog on single payer Medicare for All? Paul tells us. Although they lost their hospitals and clinics, the surrounding communities were there to help. But they were restricted by the deficiencies in our highly dysfunctional health care financing system. Imagine if, instead, everyone was covered by a single payer Medicare for All program. All attention would be directed to providing the care needed, with no concerns about insurance coverage, cost sharing, provider networks, prior authorization requirements, or any of the other cruel, parsimonious features of our current system.

When the fire and forest services were battling the blazes destroying the homes, they did not first check to see if the homes were registered to qualify for fire services nor did they have to obtain prior authorization to extinguish the blazes. We have often said that health care should always be there for you just as the fire department is when you need it. We would have that with a well designed, single payer Medicare for All.

Maybe it would not have made much difference during the urgent moments of the fire, but it can make a very big difference now for those who lost their work and the health insurance that went with it and are now facing medical bills that compound the financial hardships that they are facing. We can do only so much to try to console those facing grief, but at least we can take worries about paying for health out of any future tragedy like this - by enacting and implementing single payer Medicare for All.

Medicare for All: How health insurers are working to undercut Democrats' push for universal public coverage - The Washington Post

Medicare for All: How health insurers are working to undercut Democrats' push for universal public coverage - The Washington Post: An audio recording from a health insurer's employee town hall reveals its strategy.

'How Will You Pay for It?' Bernie Sanders Tackles Key Question on Medicare for All

'How Will You Pay for It?' Bernie Sanders Tackles Key Question on Medicare for All: "Under every single one of these options the average American family will save thousands of dollars a year because it will no longer be writing large checks to private health insurance companies."

Read Bernie Sanders’s 2019 Medicare-for-all plan - Vox

Read Bernie Sanders’s 2019 Medicare-for-all plan - Vox: Sanders proposes a generous benefit package that would require almost no out-of-pocket fees.

Bernie's latest Medicare for All bill has a key difference from his last one – VICE News

Bernie's latest Medicare for All bill has a key difference from his last one – VICE News: The legislation was co-signed by four other 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

Bernie Sanders’s Medicare-for-all plan, explained - Vox

Bernie Sanders’s Medicare-for-all plan, explained - Vox: The Vermont senator’s plan has lots of details about what single-payer would cover. It has less information on how to pay for it.

America’s high health care administrative costs, in 2 charts - Vox

America’s high health care administrative costs, in 2 charts - Vox: A new paper from the Center for American Progress looks at one key metric that sets the US health system apart from other countries’.

State eyes new medical ride provider as patients complain of late, missed pickups | | madison.com

State eyes new medical ride provider as patients complain of late, missed pickups | | madison.com

Gov. Tony Evers wants prescription drug price information disclosed

Gov. Tony Evers wants prescription drug price information disclosed: How much of the information would be publicly disclosed, and what its effect would be on prices, is unknown.

Don't let single-payer perfect be the enemy of the universal healthcare good - MedCity News

Don't let single-payer perfect be the enemy of the universal healthcare good - MedCity News

It's Time for Medicare for All

Health care: Bernie Sanders sharpens the choice Democrats face - CNNPolitics

Health care: Bernie Sanders sharpens the choice Democrats face - CNNPolitics: Congressional Democrats are locking arms to protect the Affordable Care Act -- the party's signature achievement during Barack Obama's presidency -- as President Donald Trump renews his efforts to repeal it.

How we can bypass Mitch McConnell and the Republican-controlled Senate to get Medicare-for-All now | Salon.com

How we can bypass Mitch McConnell and the Republican-controlled Senate to get Medicare-for-All now | Salon.com: As far as Medicare-for-All is concerned, the question is: Do we really want it? If we do, we can have it right now

Want to Combat the Opioid Crisis? Pass Single-Payer Health Care.

Want to Combat the Opioid Crisis? Pass Single-Payer Health Care.: A for-profit health care system that has generated billions for Big Pharma won't combat the opioid crisis.

As Democrats Talk Single Payer, Insurers Tighten Grip On Medicare

As Democrats Talk Single Payer, Insurers Tighten Grip On Medicare: Health insurers continue to expand private Medicare benefits despite Democrats' promises to end the insurance company's role in seniors' coverage.

House Democrats on key committees receive funding from anti-single payer groups – ThinkProgress

House Democrats on key committees receive funding from anti-single payer groups – ThinkProgress

Is the FDA Misleading Congress About the Safety of Imported Medicines?

Is the FDA Misleading Congress About the Safety of Imported Medicines?: Prescription drugs can cost 80 percent less in Canada, Australia, and the UK—why isn’t the FDA supporting safe importation?