I don't understand the "I like my private insurance" meme.

[flamin lib]

I've seen several posts saying things like "my copay for family Dr visits is only $, medicine is only $ and emergency room only costs $"

I'm on Medicare Advantage and my cost for all that is $0 with $0 premium.

What is so freaking great about employer paid private insurance? I had various employer paid plans for 40+ years and none of them compare to what I have now.

This is a serious question, please weigh in if you can.

[ret5hd]

1. I've got mine...you lazy unemployed/underemployed twits can f' off and die.

[SharonAnn]

12. They simply don't realize that it can be taken away, or changed, at any moment.

Then, when they tried to go on the open market they would find that it is incredibly expensive, doesn't cover everything, might have spending caps, might not cover pre-existing conditions.

It may be good today, but there's no guarantee about tomorrow when it's in the hands of private insurance with no regulations.

[ret5hd]

24. That simply wouldn't happen to an industrious and intelligent servant...I mean employee like myself!

I make myself valuable to my master...I mean employer. i show fealty to my overlord...I mean manager, and in return I get treats...I mean rewarded.

[MarcA]

120. It's part of the calvinist authoritarian mindset that has been ingrained

in this nation since its founding. BTW, that doesn't mean that in the wrong hands
a national healthcare couldn't be turned into a nightmare.

[Lonestarblue]

26. Plus, if your job is eliminated, so is your health insurance.

And if you’re in your 50s or 60s, you might find it harder to find a new job with health insurance and other benefits. The beauty of Medicare for All is that it can’t be taken away because of a job change for any reason, freeing people to leave employers and/or jobs they don’t like.

[rownesheck]

28. Totally!

For me, that is the number 1 reason to transition away from employer provided insurance.

[cannabis_flower]

39. And also...

Freeing employers to hire older workers without the fear of their healthcare expenses.

[sop]

62. Most small business owners say employee health insurance is a real burden

With something like M4A they wouldn't have to manage these plans. The biggest losers in M4A would be the for-profit health insurance companies, not employers or their employees.

[Jakes Progress]

148. Plus they could compete with foreign companies.

I think of the companies on the Canadian border that have to pay for their employees insurance as a part of their overhead.

[aggiesal]

105. And overall, it would be cheaper for everyone ...

a family plan through your employer could easily cost $500-$1000 per month.
Right now I pay $83 towards Medicare and $24 for Kaiser (who I really hate)
for a total of $107.

With Medicare Part E (which doesn't exist, but I call it that because E would represent EVERYONE
or AKA Medicare for ALL), I'd gladly pay double that if I knew I'd have covered medical insurance
for the rest of my life.

I believe that instead of calling it Medicare For All, which apparently scares the RWNJ,
just refer to it as Medicare Part E.
It may be the same, but it doesn't have that social program sound to it.

[Beartracks]

131. Medicare Part E. I like that.

=============

[radical noodle]

155. There is already a Medicare Part E

It's one of the supplemental plans. It would just create confusion to use that.

[aggiesal]

159. Thanks, looked it up ...

Last edited Thu Nov 7, 2019, 04:08 PM - Edit history (1)

There is also Medicare Supplement Plan D

“Plan D” should not be confused with Medicare Part D, which is Medicare prescription drug coverage.

So there is no reason we can't have a Medicare “Part E”.

[radical noodle]

160. I've heard some say that

Medicare for all will not be medicare as we know it anyway, so maybe there won't be A, B, and D... or any of the other stuff. Maybe Medicare A-Z would be good.

[aggiesal]

162. I like A-Z as well. It means it covers everything ...

When LBJ signed Medicare into law, the idea was that every 10 years or so,
that the age to qualify for Medicare would lower by 5 or 10 years.
Eventually, everyone would end up qualifying for Medicare.
If you still wanted your Cadillac plans, you can still have that too, you just
have to pay for it yourself.

I think that if we don't get medicare for all, then at least 55 & over should
qualify and everyone 22 and under should qualify plus all disabled people.
This would be taking care of the most vulnerable.

[radical noodle]

163. Medicare would benefit

by having younger, healthier people in the program. That's the reason that it's almost mandatory that you sign up for it at age 65 whether you already have insurance or not. I think it makes sense to open up Medicare to those 55 up who want it. I also like it for the younger folks. I think most disabled qualify for Medicaid, but I'm not sure about that. I know for sure that some are.

Medicare, as it is today, is confusing for many people. There's Medicare Part A and Part B, and there's Medicare Advantage. Then there's Medicare Part D and Medicare supplemental insurance. It's difficult to decide what's best for the long haul. We have A & B with a Plan F supplemental, but Plan F is no longer available if one isn't already in it. I've seen some in Medicare Advantage who've lost their insurance because the company folded. I also know some docs won't touch people with Medicare Advantage. It's a scary choice sometimes, although choice seems to be what many want.

[not fooled]

32. ++++++++++++

but apparently many people see only what's right in front of their faces at this moment, i.e. if their plan is working OK now because they've never encountered the factors you describe, they think things will stay that way.

I think many people are frightened of change, no matter how bad things are or could get. They will passively "accept" things deteriorating by remaining in their current course rather than actively seeking change.

In other words, they would rather stick with the current f*cked up system.

I'll bet that health insurers will be careful to not raise premiums much this year or otherwise screw people in order to allay fears as voters head to the ballot box.

[BeyondGeography]

59. They also have no idea how much it actually costs

Employers are picking up the tab for the most part. And employers absorb the bulk of the increase every year. What a wonderful thing it is for private insurers to have people fighting for them who have no idea what they’ve been up to all these years.

[farmbo]

81. The last three years have shown that Government mandated healthcare can also be taken away

Many people, myself included, are not particularly loyal to their private insurance carrier, but we aren't naïve about the many existential threats to government sponsored medical insurance posed by the Republican party and their powerful, billionaire enablers.

Given that they've stacked the courts with reactionary, Federalist society nut cases, there will be a constant flow of well-financed legal attacks against MFA the minute it goes into effect. And unless the SCOTUS is reformed, the conservative majority will constantly chip away at MFA coverage and may even strike it down entirely as "unconstitutional"; leaving even traditional 65+ Medicare in jeopardy.

And {{shutter!!}} if Republicans re-gain the levers of power in congress, look for another fifty or so Congressional votes to strike down "socialist" MFA because... "freedom!".

I happen to agree with Bernie and Elizabeth about the long term tax savings (and medical outcomes!) from MFA for middle class Americans. However, we live in a severely compromised democracy where the Empty States control the Senate and, perforce, the Judiciary. And don't even get me started on the Electoral College!

Much like the ACA, there is no assurance that MFA will not be substantially dismantled within an election cycle of its implementation. I have no loyalty to my private insurance carrier, but it has worked for my family; even through some long, costly medical challenges. It is our 'bird in the hand'.

FWIW, I do support a 'Medicare For Anyone Who Wants It' (MFAWWI) plan.

[Hortensis]

85. You do, but "they" don't? Good grief. Of course "they" do.

What a large majority of Americans want is BOTH a good national healthcare system for all AND choice for those who want to be able to keep what they have while it's working well for them. And we can have both, which brings us right here.

I"m not worried that this thing could prevail, but I am appalled at the assumption of virtue in oppressing all who want choice. A lot more respect for the rights of others is in order. A strong commitment to what Jefferson called the rights to liberty and pursuit of happiness is both the foundation of our democracy and a major difference between liberals and conservatives.

Wise people have always planned to offer a best, cheapest, national single payer option and let the vast majority choose it of their own volition and on their own timetable. The health insurance industry is already obsolete as a healthcare delivery mechanism, and all but niche lines will inevitably die a natural death. They already are of course. Most companies are trying to survive by morphing to functioning as administrators, not insurers.

[Voltaire2]

135. You have zero choice over the plans

your employer bothers to offer you.

It is such a bullshit talking point.

[Hortensis]

136. And your message diverts subject from knowledge to resentment.

Or attempts to. The kind of thing I expected when I saw your name.

Health insurance is already completely obsolete for the vast majority.

Insurance would be about as useful for the lifetime health maintenance we now both need and expect as planning to pay by winning at the lottery would be.

The ACA does not provide insurance, it provides healthcare access, eventually universal. And so would MfA if it could someday be enacted against formidable obstacles, including good sense.

The availability of a public/single payer option will be the final, fatal blow to insurers currently riding their gravy train to the very end, and the sooner the better. Death will be assisted by employers who can't afford and don't want to offer health insurance -- as soon as they can.

[Voltaire2]

137. So your plan is to indirectly remove

employee “choice” by indirectly abolishing private insurance.

Got it.

[Hortensis]

140. NO! Choice always remains. Private coverage will not be illegal.

REPEAT: Private access to health coverage will not be illegal.

And fwiw, I wouldn't be at all surprised to someday see some employers once again enticing high-grade employees by offering better healthcare coverage.

After all, MfA, ACA -- all government programs -- are vulnerable to the decisions of whoever's in power. Congress controls the pursestrings for all.

Should that happen, people would be able to compare whatever private industry is offering to what the anti-tax zealotry of tomorrow's conservatives does. And scream.

Knowledge is power, after all. And so is choice.

[Voltaire2]

141. And after employers stop providing insurance how

do individuals pay for the public option plan?

[Hortensis]

142. :) Tapped out? Thanks for that last comment,

which created the opportunity to make a last, very important point. Again of course.

[Voltaire2]

145. So nothing.

Workers with nice employers will have a generous subsidy for purchasing insurance. Other workers will have unaffordable policies available. Lose your job and hope you qualify eventually for a government subsidy.

Why are we even discussing work based insurance systems? It was a stupid mistake made nearly 80 years ago

[KPN]

73. That's about right.

Thanks for sticking your neck out by stating what seems true.

I say seem because the only other explanation I can come up with is fear that MFA won’t be as good as what they personally have right now; better to stick with the horse you know.

[Meadowoak]

2. +1

[RKP5637]

3. Same thoughts here. A total WTF. Maybe they are plants that say they love their private insurance.

[sop]

110. It's Harry and Louise!

Remember that fictional couple in tv ads paid for by health insurance companies, sitting at their kitchen table worried that Hillary's healthcare plan would take away their employer-provided health insurance? Hey, the nineties just called, they want you back.

[RKP5637]

112. Yep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! n/t

[NRaleighLiberal]

4. I think that part of it is change is hard for many people, esp around something as fundamentally

relevant as health insurance. It is really easy to froth up the fear factor (and politicians and media are expert at it)....so it is fear of the unknown as a component.

[lastlib]

45. This is it exactly.

People get comfortable with things as they are, and change is often hard to grapple with--even when it is beneficial.

[loyalsister]

63. Many people don't have the luxury of giving in to their fears

I stop and chat with homeless people sometimes, and I have noticed that many of them have lost jobs and insurance and are waiting on their SSDI appeals. Medicare doesn't kick in until a few months after that despite medical bills being the point of origin for the fire that burned down thier middle class lifestyle.

[fleur-de-lisa]

5. Nothing is freaking great about employer-paid private insurance.

I have had it my entire adult life (with various employers). I think my current plan is decent. I pay half, they pay half.

In the past, I have had fantastic plans through my former employers. The company paid 100% of my premiums. It still sucked. The insurance companies had much more say in my medical treatment than my doctors.

If I ever get a major illness, I will either die or go bankrupt.

I don't know why people cling to their bullshit existing plans. I guess it's fear of the unknown.

[RKP5637]

10. Same here. My co-pays just kept going up and up and up. n/t

[AllyCat]

69. Co-pays and premiums continue to rise, while the care provided just goes down

I work in a union job in a health care facility. Our insurance BLOWS. It is amazing the mental gymnastics the insurance company goes through to deny care. And after all the premiums paid, the amount they pay on a negotiated bill with an "in network provider" is about 20% savings. I would have done better this year to not have insurance. Or one of the old catastrophic plans.

I HATE my employer provided insurance. And if I lose my job, I no longer have coverage for me and my family.

It is a racket. And the sooner people realize that maybe they have it good now, but the gears are always turning to make it more costly while providing less service, right up to the point one loses the job.

[Bettie]

158. It is a racket

the insurance industry profit model is to rake in premiums and pay out only when they have no other choice.

But they make ever-increasing profits, which, I guess is why some people adore them.

[safeinOhio]

95. For 45 years I had BC/BS paid for

by the auto company I worked for. Can’t count the number of times I was denied. ER visits was the big one. Always had to go back and have the doctors confirm it was for life saving treatment. Then there were the test, MIRs, exrays etc they denied. For the last 5 years I’ve been on MC. Not once denied. BC/BS picks up 10% and they have to pay it now. The 20% MC doesn’t cover can be covered by private insurance.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. People feel safe when they're told they're covered and safe - like extended warranties /nt

[ancianita]

23. They "feel" safe, sure, but employer-based insurance doesn't give the total coverage that M4A does.

Period.

I had to pay a la carte medical services over the decades I had employer-base insurance, and it stopped covering stuff like glasses and dental, which I have now under Medicare's Plan F.

These people just don't know how totally, actually safe they'd actually be compared to how "safe" they "feel" these days.

[eppur_se_muova]

7. People who've never faced involuntary unemployment, you can be sure.

Lose your job and you lose* your health coverage immediately thereafter ? Sounds like a great idea, huh ?








*Technically, you don't lose it, you have the option of continuing it at an exorbitantly high price, which you can't afford to do because, well, you don't have a job.

[dawg day]

8. And it puts US employers at a disadvantage to those in countries with national health

My employer pays (I think) about $750 a month for my family's insurance-- I pay $200. There are more than 10K employees at this organization, and most are getting that same huge subsidy. I'm seeing a real disincentive here to hire-- now instead of hiring full-time permanent workers, they bring on part-time people, keeping them under 20 hours a week, so they don't have to provide the insurance.

In the UK and Canada, employers don't have to pay that direct subsidy. Presumably taxes are higher to pay for national health, but there isn't this huge cost just for this one "benefit", and so companies might have a real competitive advantage over US companies.

And of course, while many employed and insured workers don't quite realize this-- if they quit or are laid off or the company folds... they lose their insurance. It's amazing to me how some of my co-workers don't get that. One coworker was talking about quitting because he wanted to move to another state, and I knew his wife was under treatment for a serious condition. "You have to think about your insurance!" I reminded him, and he didn't know what I meant.

He thought he could take the insurance with him. Yes, there's COBRA, but you have to carry the entire cost then ($1000 a month or so), and it doesn't last forever. He thought that was going to still be $200 a month and forever.

[LiberalLovinLug]

50. Another aspect of that is international business bids

You raise a good point. US Conservative politicians and their voters should be made aware of these advantages when we argue for it.
And the world is only going more global.

When an American company bids on an internationally open contract, they have to factor that cost in when they compete with other countries companies where every single one them does not have to factor in employee health insurance costs. Because their employees individually pay for it through their own taxes. Now there could be extra insurance benefits that some bigger companies will add....but the major costs of the basic coverage is not their responsibility.

Warren especially should be highlighting the advantages for business.

[brooklynite]

9. "I don't like something so nobody else should"?

A large share of voters who DO like having a private option think, and DO think it's better than a non-existent public plan will be. If the public option is so much better, people will freely choose it, given the option.

[flamin lib]

36. I can see the attraction to having it both ways; I can if I want to but I don't

HAVE to.

But it seems to me that there is sizeable savings to be had by just making the transition. Cost seems to be the big bugbear in MFA and it seems to me that the incremental approach, while better than status quo, is also incremental in cost thus giving the for profit insurance companies a wedge issue.

Savings come from size of the pool, streamlined claims system (only one instead of one for each insurance) and reduced personnel costs. Plus MFA will not end private insurance. The advantage plans are administered by private insurance companies. Like Canada's system there are things their system covers and others that are covered by private carriers.

[AllyCat]

72. If people look at the vast sums of money they are spending right now on insurance

(premiums--both the employee and employer parts, co-pays, deductibles, and reasonable stuff the insurance companies just won't cover), they would realize that putting that money into paying for MFA or some other facsimile would be a cost SAVINGS to them. And everyone would have coverage. Heck, even a part of what we pay now would be better care than the $hit I am paying through the wazoo for right now.

If anyone in my family got really ill with cancer or something, we would LOSE OUR HOUSE with both adults working, and some money saved up. And we HAVE insurance. It is a crock of $hit. And every single insurance company deserves to go the way of the dodo bird. They all suck.

[JoeOtterbein]

11. +1 and I would LOVE the chance to get MFA for a four percent tax!

Go Bernie!!!

[LonePirate]

13. It's the old Republican trope where the government cannot do anything right and private is best.

It’s also part of the reasoning why they say having a choice is preferable to have something cheaper and better.

[Fiendish Thingy]

14. Fear of change, plain and simple

Democrats shouldn't vote with their amygdala's, leave that to the Republicans.

[KPN]

86. THIS

[mopinko]

15. a lot of people wouldnt be here w/o their insurance coverage. you get fond of a lifeline.

i just enrolled in medicare and bought a supplemental. it was a ridiculous trial, and those little roadblocks are all there because politicians like to play games.
i've had 3 different policies this year. all bc/bs. only medicare was a crazy pain in the ass.

i had bc/bs for decades. i never had a problem, and believe me, my family used the heck out of it. it was a cadillac plan and it was never a pain to use.
the few times i had to talk to them on the phone, they had some of the best customer service i have ever seen.

if that system had saved your kids life, you would like it a whole lot, at the least.

[Boomer]

38. Thank you for saying that so well

I'm not against Medicare, but even though I qualify for it now (just turned 65) I'm in no hurry to sign up. My employer insurance is excellent, straightforward and pays without any hassle. I haven't worked out the cost to see if I'm paying more for it or not, because it's an expense I can afford and I'm willing to pay.

I dread retirement and having to navigate through the Medicare information, plus supplemental insurance. So much room for bad mistakes.

[flamin lib]

55. Not been my experience. Mandated coverage and cost controls make

the differences in plans and companies minimal. Yeah, you can be confused by the minutia but even a 'bad' decision has minimal repercussions and you can make a change next enrollment.

[Bradshaw3]

108. Not that hard - an agent will walk you through it free of charge

Ask about a good agent, one who does it all the time. Pick your plan and then it just renews if you like it.

[emmaverybo]

123. If you have access to a retirement benefits site, go there and get a comparison chart. If not,

go to AARP. Never read my booklet, but between Medicare and my supplemental insurance plan,
everything is taken care of 100 percent. Many will recommend UHC. Not bad. Even covers overseas urgent care and emergency. But there are better tier too. I have not found any holes, however, and never been denied. Access to a great clinic in my locale.

You can usually get case manager services too and a group PPO type supplemental will mean you can be seen by most providers. My clinic does ask for a referral to their specialists.

It is not laborious to figure out and there’s so little red tape!

[Skinner]

16. The health care debate in America is all about "loss aversion"

Those of us who want to change the health care system talk about what people stand to gain.

Those who want to keep the health care system the same talk about what people stand to lose.

But here's what we're up against:

The pain a person feels from losing something is greater than the pleasure they feel from gaining something.

The idea that people might lose their private insurance causes fear. The promise that they might get something better in return does not outweigh that fear.

So, maybe people don't even like their current insurance very much -- telling them to gamble with their family's health care is scary.

[mopinko]

48. family is a pretty weighty word here.

if you have a sick kid, you dont want anything to change, unless you have no coverage at all.

[yaesu]

17. They say that untl they get a bill in the mail for $15,000 for 3 screws that their insurance

wouldn't cover, yep, this happen to a lady who had foot surgery.

[Uncle Joe]

18. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread flamin lib.

[Bradshaw3]

19. I wonder what's changed from 2008 when we all agreed that the system was broken

Back then we as Democrats all agreed that we had to do something to fix what was clearly a broken system. Now on DU it seems to be the opposite for some.

Well now bankruptcies due to medical costs are at or near an all-time high and the ACA has been shown to be something the reupubs can tear down. Yet we're told by some on here that the current system of private insurance is great and the ACA just needs a tweak or two. I don't get it either, other than as others have posted, it is self-interest on the part of some or those who haven't had to actually use their insurance for anything other than minor stuff. My Medicare and suplplemental are far better than private insurance I had in the past.

[jberryhill]

20. I think most people are fine if other simply drop dead

If preventing others from dropping dead would inconvenience them in the slightest, then that is too much.

It's simply how most people think. I didn't used to think it was "most" people, but I've become convinced that it is.

I'm all for others having health insurance so long as it costs me nothing and I keep what I have. But if the difference between someone I don't know dropping dead or not is that I'd have to change anything that affects me, well, no, they'll just have to drop dead. End of conversation.

Go ahead and add, "Some of those other people might not be white" and you can just forget it.

[LuvNewcastle]

79. This

[Kahuna7]

21. My private insurance is $190 a month. I'm transitioning to Medicare in January...

My monthly cost for part b, d and g will be 305.00 a month.

[vsrazdem]

27. You didn't mention your deductibles and copays. Many people have lower premiums, but

have an 8000 or more out of pocket deductible. My private insurance went to a $400 copay just to go the ER. I am thrilled to be on Medicare with total out of pocket of 185/year for medical. Granted I would like to see the prescription drugs go down, because they are not near as good as I had with the employer insurance, but all in all I am paying roughly the same as with my private insurance.

[Kahuna7]

93. My private ded is $1500. Medicare ded will be $185 with 0 copays.nt

[SharonAnn]

29. Maybe your part of private insurance was $190 a month, but your employer paid much more than that.

[Act_of_Reparation]

35. Does it cost $190 a month, or does it cost you $190 a month?

I.e., is it through your employer?

[Kahuna7]

94. It cost me $190.00. Employer pays half. nt

[Act_of_Reparation]

99. So the total cost of the plan is $380 per month.

I don't know if this standard across the board, but I know my employer prorates their contributions based on how many hours the employee works. Part-timers, for example, pay a lot more than half the total cost.

[BeyondGeography]

134. The average employer pays a much higher percentage than that

https://www.axios.com/2019-employer-coverage-workers-premiums-deductibles-ea2cbdf3-91bd-4b4d-9611-71fd72b1140c.html

[flamin lib]

42. I don't understand how that can be.

I'm just a regular patient and have no special needs or conditions. I pay $0.

[Pacifist Patriot]

64. Is your private insurance a $190 pre-tax payroll deduction...

with your employer paying a percentage of the premium, or are you sending a check straight to the insurance company for the entire premium?

[jberryhill]

91. That's hard to believe

That's astoundingly hard to believe.

I'm well over $1k a month with substantial deductibles and copays.

[Kahuna7]

96. Do you have private or Medicare? nt

[jberryhill]

98. I'm 56 years old

...and run my own law practice.

I get that DU skews older, but, goddamn, people who have any form of Medicare objecting to trying to come up with a way to get decent coverage for people who are under 65, and don't make as much as I do, is just astounding to me.

[catrose]

128. Medicare Advantage might be cheaper

But I've had that 2 years, different plan each year because the insurance company kills the plan I have each year.

[Kahuna7]

129. I'll keep that in mind for next year. Thanks. nt

[pnwest]

22. These are the same people who are afraid

of change of any kind. (Most of them, anyway). They mean to say “I understand how my insurance works, and I’m afraid of learning something new.”. Some people do still have really great insurance with low copays, nearly everything covered...but those are hard to find anymore. Mostly, it’s people who resist change.

[George II]

25. A big part of it is that the Medicare you and I are on isn't at all like the "Medicare"....

....that is being proposed in these "Medicare for All" plans. The only thing similar is the use of the word "Medicare", nothing else.

[vsrazdem]

31. I don't understand why they can't offer the same sort of Medicare that exists now with people able

to purchase GAP plans through private insurance. That way at least you can have some choice.

[KPN]

84. How so? Which "these plans" are you referring to?

[George II]

89. All the plans that use the moniker "Medicare".

[KPN]

111. I'm on Medicare. How are they different other

than the “For All”?

[George II]

113. You'd have to read and compare them, but the most obvious is that the two plans....

...(or one plan with two ways of funding it?) call for the elimination of private insurance companies. The current Medicare that you and I are on is administered in a large part by private insurance companies, NOT the SSA or CMS. After my initial enrollment I haven't contacted either.

Doing away with private insurance companies would drastically alter and hinder the administration of our Medicare.

[KPN]

116. I thought only Medicare Advantage was private

insurance — aside from Medicare supplements. I’m not on either — straight Medicare, Part A and Part B. My wife and I also have a private insurance plan since she’s not eligible for Medicare for another year plus. It’s great! No out-of-pocket for me aside from reasonable premiums.

I think the only plan that does away with private insurance is Warren’s, but I’m not even sure hers does fully. Seems like I recall her plan even allowed for private insurance over and above Medicare For All for those who choose to buy it as additional, but everyone is on MFA at least/no option.

I’m not worried about the details. Her plan won’t happen immediately, but it’s a great plan as a target.

[George II]

117. Sanders' plan is to phase out pvt insurance within four years, not sure the time frame for Warren...

SSA and CMS have subcontracted much of the administration of Medicare to the private insurance companies. In six years, other than during my initial enrollment (which was done by telephone in ten minutes), I haven't had to deal with either.

I have supplemental insurance, and once a month I get a statement from them detailing what my treatment was billed by the doctor, what the "negotiated" cost was, and what was paid by CMS and the insurance company. Other than normal Medicare premiums and $25/month supplemental premium, my cost has been virtually non-existent. Between us we have four prescriptions, our monthly co-pays are $2.00 each or $8.00 total.

I had two cataract surgeries - the first was with my wife's employment insurance, the second on Medicare/supplemental insurance. The final bill for me was about $4,000 for the first, $900 for the second.

[KPN]

132. That's pretty darned good. You've piqued my interest.

I’m have to look into CMS, it’s contract with Medicare. It would be good to understand better how Medicare currently operates in order to understand how proposals for M4A might affect things for sure. On the other hand, having worked for the federal government, I don’t have any strong reservations about government administered universal health coverage. The devil’s in the details for all of us of course. At the same time, I’m not overly concerned generally about change. If we can provide affordable health access and care for everyone, that’s a huge plus. I’m not at all confident we can do that via private insurance.

Regarding Medicare Advantage and supplemental insurance (all private), they are subsidized with Medicare tax dollars, including profits. If we can do that for everyone, I.e., sustainably subsidize private insurance elements of a M4A, I have no general objections to that.

[Hoyt]

30. I think people just want to see the MFA plan and try it out before

giving up what they are familiar with. Plus, they just don’t trust politicians. It’s gotten worse lately.

If we enact a Public Option, I bet 80% will be signed up in less than 5 years. Then MFA - whether you want it or not - is easy to mandate.

[mr_lebowski]

43. Agree, also people much prefer something called 'xxx OPTION' over 'xxx FOR ALL' nt

[treestar]

33. I don't get it either

They will learn if they lose the job. They must feel immune from lay-off

[Bettie]

34. From what I see

a lot of people like having a two or three tier health care system, as long as they are at the top.

I also hear: "It will be harder to get an appointment if everyone can go to the doctor".

I also suspect that people never really add up all the stuff they pay for, because it comes in snips and bits, but when you add it up, it's a significant amount.

[NewJeffCT]

37. when my mom retired back in 2004 or 2005

she was stunned at how little Medicare covered compared to what she had for the previous 20+ years in the private sector.

It may have changed, but you no longer could have annual physicals covered - you got one physical when you started on Medicare covered and that was it. No more physicals covered even if you lived another 30 or more years.

[snowybirdie]

40. Medicare is a very different insurance

Geared to seniors and you can't be cancelled for large bills. Secondary supplements must be purchased for more complete coverage. Younger people have different needs. And some large corporations offer full and excellent coverage to workers. No wonder some prefer that to a govt. run plan. As to your Advantage program, many of us can't use it and must pay dearly for a Secondary plan. If one has two homes in two states, it's not a viable option. Plans only allow certain local doctors and hospitals. Testing needs approval, and some have cancelled participants who's medical problems become very severe and expensive. So everyone needs to review their needs and decide for themselves. I believe the goal of universal care is a long way off and we need to fix what tRump has destroyed quickly.

[flamin lib]

51. My experience in the last 6 years has not shown any of that.

I can't speak for two residences but I'm covered when traveling out of state by going to any "doc in the box" no cost out of pocket.

As for networks and such, yes they exist but I've not been able to find a doctor that isn't 'in network'.

Even my dentist that has never accepted any insurance for routine care is now notifying their patients that new medicare coverage is being accepted.

I do pay a copay of $35 every two years for carotid artery sonograms. k

[snowybirdie]

75. True for you

But when you need care for chronic problems in two venues,a doc in the box won't do. Everyone has different needs for care which is why a one size fits all really can't work in the short term. It's all so complicated. That's why I like Biden's idea to build on what's already in place. A quicker fix for needed in today's healthcare problems.

[flamin lib]

82. I can see that in your situation with two permanent residencies.

I only travel for recreation so my situation is different.

That said you point out an issue that should be addressed. If health care is a human right it should be a human right regardless of where you are at any given time.

[lagomorph777]

41. It's a very popular theme on M$NBC, with their nonstop Pharma and Insurance ads.

Gosh, I wonder why?

[Anon-C]

67. In Pharma's case those ads are tax-payer subsidized, so...

...enjoy the show.

[woodsprite]

44. I get to select my drs, change if they're assholes, decide what specialists I go to, if needed.

If one is subpar or not a good fit for me, I am free to read reviews, ratings, etc. and choose another. I'm on our state employee's Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Being able to make those decisions and have that control makes me feel more in command of my own care. I also use the state wellness initiative through our Health Coaching system. I'm sure they get something from insurance companies or from the state (same with free to all Diabetic counseling), but it is no cost and you weren't even required to provide them with any insurance info. The Health Coaching is through a teaching/research program at our local University.

I've worked here 35 years for the benefits, and I don't want to give them up.

[flamin lib]

60. In the last six years I've changed drs 4 times for the reasons you cite: jerk,

sub par care and personality conflicts.

It was more difficult to get a specific dr in the past but more and more clinics and doctors are reading the hand writing on the wall and accepting Medicare patients. Ain't there yet, but getting closer.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

46. people love paying for health care plus skyscrapers, private jets, golden parachutes, advertising

[rwsanders]

47. Better than Medicare for all would be Tricare for all

I have a $1200 out of pocket maximum.
One year my wife had to go to the ER 7 times.
We paid $0.00. No doctor bills, no ER bills, no co-pays, nothing.

[Thekaspervote]

49. Whether "we" think they should see it a different way is not the issue

Years that I had health insurance thru employers it was the best.

So they don’t want to change for the same reason, I don’t blame them!!

[yellerpup]

52. If people knew what a relief it is to be fully covered

for anything and everything free of charge. I get care through the Indian Health Service and I don't pay a cent for anything. I'm on medicare and also have a $0 premium and there is no copay; all my prescriptions are free. I'm 70 and need healthcare and I get great healthcare there. Noticibly, the wait time in the doctor's office is minimal--much less than private doctors and you don't play around with needless referrals, however you can be referred to an outside doctor if your situation requires, no duplicate cover-your-ass testing, either. It's like a miracle and I'm sure that those who get a chance to avail themselves of government health care will take it.

[BannonsLiver]

53. Americans are fear addicted

the insurance meme falls into that category. Most people probably would rather not have it tied to employment, but they've been conditioned to be afraid of that leap by the media and their corporate overlords. Lest we forget this is a country that went out and bought reams of plastic sheeting because of media hysteria less than 20 years ago.

[dansolo]

54. I don't like it, but I still think M4A is bullshit pandering

Apparently either you support M4A, or you are a selfish shit who wants people to suffer.

I am a realist, and I know that M4A will not pass, and if it were to manage to pass, it won't be as it is written, and will either cost significantly more than is claimed or will not cover everything it claims.

My concern is how much backsliding will occur in the meantime. Progressives were happy to see Republicans chip away at the ACA, because then they got ammunition to argue for something else. They had very little concerns for the people who were hurt in the process.

What I am in favor of is much tighter regulation of the insurance industry, not the elimination. I think a mixed system where basic coverage is universally available with a tightly regulated insurance market added on. I do not like the current system, but there are changes that can be made to the existing system to make it better for all.

[JohnnyRingo]

56. Medicare was a severe downgrade for me from GM insurance.

What used to be $110/mo now costs me $130, plus another $40 for prescription coverage. Copays for the five scripts I need have gone from $.85 average to $15 average per month each. Each year I now pay a $300 deductible on what they call "tier two" medicines that have no generic equiv. Oxygen supplies eat up another $50 a month. I can't get Spiriva that costs almost $10 a day copay. Rescue inhalers run $80/month so I don't get those anymore either. I often joke that I can't afford to breathe.

After 40 years of surviving on employer based insurance I'm now running an average of a $300 deficit beyond my monthly pension and SS. Medical bankruptcy is likely just one more illness away.

Still, I hate to complain because so many have it worse than me. I understand if someone goes from bad or no insurance to Medicare it's a Godsend, but if someone has real health problems, I don't know how they can afford it.

[eilen]

149. My Mom had the same issue

She was paying the premiums for A, B, & D + copays. The total came much higher than someone on her income (she only had SS and her totals came to be over 33% of her monthly income) who would get almost their entire insurance premium subsidized on the ACA but she was ineligible because she was already covered with Medicare and some of her costs increased as part of the ACA legislation.

[OKNancy]

57. Advantage plans you still have to pay your Medicare part B

so it's not completely free. I looked into advantage plans. The zero premium doesn't cover enough to suit me.
Plus all of them have crappy prescription plans. I am paranoid however since I went through cancer treatments with my husband.
They only pay 80% of chemotherapy drugs. One does of Keytruda is $14,000. So I passed on that and stayed with my supplemental plan and a $14.00 a moth prescription plan. I had knee replacement and paid nothing. Oh and a gall bladder removal and paid zero.

So I'm paying more but I feel more secure.

--- sorry, this is a little off topic

ETA: more off topic. My husband's cancer bill was under Obamacare. $6,000.00 deductible but that's better than $220,000.
We paid the hospital $200.00 monthly. When he died the hospital waived the balance.

[BlueMTexpat]

58. I don't understand it either.

[Pacifist Patriot]

61. Many people have no clue how their insurance works...until it doesn't cover ...

what they assume it covers. That emergency room visit may only cost $X, but other things involved in that visit and subsequent care may end up costing a whole heck of a lot more out of pocket.

They also have no idea how premiums work and how that should be included when calculating their total compensation. They want both higher wages and a low to zero payroll deduction for medical coverage having no idea that means their employer could be paying thousands of dollars a month to cover a family with a decent plan.

Sure, I like my private insurance. But I'd like medicare for all even better.

[IronLionZion]

65. You've also paid into Medicare your whole life before drawing benefits upon retirement

that keeps your costs lower than MFA.

Many employers have been switching to high deductible plans with HSAs the last several years so the cost when a person actually uses care for something major is much higher than they expect if they only considered the premium and copay.

[brooklynite]

66. I'm reading some brilliant campaign messages in this thread...

People with private insurance are greedy

People who support private insurance are conservative plants

People are too stupid to know what private insurance costs them

[flamin lib]

77. I'm seeing that too and it wasn't my intention to provide a platform

for that.

It is disheartening to see that when we're all Ds here.

[bitterross]

68. It is a false sense of security. They THINK they're covered. But they aren't

These people have never had a real medical issue where they had to pay those deductibles and co-pays to the full amount. Or hit their caps on their coverage.

They are completely unaware they are in such jeopardy.

[Hangdog Slim]

70. I find it shocking

Take even a cursory look at personal chapter 13 or chapter 7 bankruptcies and you will see that upwards of three quarters of those filings are as a direct result of medical costs. No other developed country can say that. My health care plan gets more expensive each year and my out of pocket and deductibles increase each year. Medicare for all is how I'm voting.

[Perseus]

71. Its an industry and republican meme, that is all

80% of people understand private insurance sucks, and those who do not understand it are young people who never get sick, but all it takes is one visit to the Dr. to find out how much private insurance sucks.

[Politicub]

74. It's discouraging

To see so many people waving their privileges and advantages in people’s faces. It’s especially disheartening to see people in the Democratic Party do it.

[Turbineguy]

76. I think the attractiveness

lies in the myth that you will have a semi-private room in a hospital instead if lying in the ward with the rabble who may make rude noises.

[eilen]

150. Hospitals don't have wards in the way you have illustrated anymore

In fact, they are moving away from the semi-private rooms to all private rooms to conform with privacy and infection control regulations. That is the trend and why you see so much construction happening at hospital sites.

[Turbineguy]

151. That's why I put in the word "myth".

Most of what wingnuts believe is myth.

[CrispyQ]

78. I don't get it either.

If you change jobs, or your company changes insurance companies, you sometimes have to find all new health care providers.

There used to be a time when a company's benefits package could be used to attract top talent & everyone in the company had the same plan. Now companies offer tiered plans where if the employee can afford to spend more of their paycheck on health care they can buy a better plan, so the directors & VPs can still choose a gold plan while most of the worker bees go with the bronze, if they even qualify for benefits. In the new gig economy, the lower level workers are classified as contractors in a lot of businesses so they get nothing. It's crazy stupid.

Someday we are going to have a health care crisis & one set of people is going to point their fingers at another set of people & whine, "Why didn't you go to a doctor when you first felt bad?" Maybe then we'll regret that we made health care so unaffordable for everyone?

[CentralMass]

80. The industry spends a lot lobbying dollars to push that narrative.

Last edited Tue Nov 5, 2019, 03:41 PM - Edit history (1)

[moose65]

83. I don't understand it either

I have insurance through my employer, the State of North Carolina. We don't really have a choice of insurance providers, though - we have to pick between a 70-30 plan and an 80-20 plan offered through Blue Cross of NC, which is a for-profit company. I am currently on the 80-20 plan, so I pay $50 a month, and my employer pays something like $570 per month. I've never really had to use the insurance much until this year, when I had pancreatitis and had to have my gallbladder removed. I reached my out-of-pocket maximum before the end of January this year, but I still had to pay $5,000 (which I am still paying on, and will pay for the next 6 months).

Don't get me wrong - I was glad I had the insurance, but I don't think I've ever said that I "like" it. It's adequate, but I'd ditch it in a heartbeat if something better came along. Blue Cross of NC used to be a non-profit, but they've been for-profit for several years now.

[barbtries]

87. the propaganda machine.

the thing to me is, nobody anymore can be totally secure they're going to keep their job. things ain't the way they used to be.

[onecaliberal]

88. Even if you have that great job and what you think is great insurance.

You can experience a very significant health crisis that will bankrupt you in a single day.

[relayerbob]

90. My Medicare doesn't cover most of my doctors

... and the one doctor that takes it, ordered a simple test - for the heart condition I am on Medicare for, and they wouldn't cover it.

Medicare has issues too. They don't cover everything. They don't pay the doctors on time. Severe limits on who you can see. And preventative health care? Ha. They don't cover most holistic approaches, nor most family counseling, etc. There is a lot of paperwork involved, and God forbid the doctor or hospital enter a code into their system wrong. I had a hospital and Medicare in a battle for months over an incorrect code, that had I not fought it would have cost thousands of dollars. Medicare told me the problem but wouldn't actually do anything to fix it. The hospital said Medicare told them the code incorrectly. Whatever ... why should the patient be required to figure this shit out, when it's a CODE! Medicare is far from perfect.

Btw, I hate insurance companies too, they have their own host of well-documented problems, but I don't find Medicare to be particularly better, just a different set of problems. Sadly, the VA medical system is what Medicare for all might end up being, and in any case, it'll be a political football for decades to come. Health security, pfft. The GoP will ensure that doesn't exist

Managed healthcare is the root of the problem - Letting other people decide your health care, when all they (either insurance companies or Medicare) should be doing is handling the money. As far as I'm concerned, anyone who denies treatment, whether private insurance or public option/Medicare, without meeting you, and fully understanding your medical history should be liable for malpractice. Health care should be between patient and doctor only.

I'd prefer a completely different system, where a non-profit organization handles the money and (except in solid cases of fraud that could be taken to court) has nothing to say, at all, about what is covered and what is not. But, I'm not holding my breath on any of the options actually fixing the state of the industry.

[EveDibb]

92. Bankruptcy attorney

I'm a bankruptcy attorney in Ohio. the vast majority of my medical bankruptcy filings are for people who have health insurance. I would estimate only 5% of my clients do not have health insurance.

And do you know how many medical bankruptcies I've filed for clients that are 65 and over - 0

I wish other people could see my clients like the person that had stage 4 cancer and was getting harassed by collectors, the person that had had two heart attacks and couldn't afford the medical bills. A younger person who became disabled and was not accepted by a nursing home until we filed the bankruptcy..

So morally I am a bankruptcy attorney who is for Medicare for all.

[area51]

100. Welcome to DU, EveDibb.

[EveDibb]

103. Thank you for the welcome

I believe I have a way to frame this issue. Anyone that's against medicare-for-all tell them you're so excited because they have now agreed to give you their Medicare whether they're 65 or not. Tell them that an attorney has said that you can contract with someone and take their Medicare. I don't think you can do this but boy wouldn't shut them up.

[Moral Compass]

97. Don't get it either...

My wife and I pay a good chunk for our private insurance. It is good insurance but it is a PPO and you have to make damn sure you stay in network or whatever you’re buying is not covered at all until you reach a huge deductible.

If you go to the emergency room you better be going to an in-network hospital and hope that no out of network physician consults on your case or that bill won’t be covered. This is called a surprise bill and Texas has tried to make it illegal, but don’t think it is yet.

I would drop this plan like a hot rock. Even fee-for-service with a Medicare supplement plan would be far superior.

Our private insurance system is a nightmare.

[Crowman2009]

101. Frankly, I don't trust my private insurance.

Because you never know when they'll ditch you because of a major illness.

[calimary]

102. The main thing that bothers me about private insurance

is that you’re completely beholden to the employer. And if the company has (what it considers) a tough year and needs to cut costs, the employee health care plan often is first to get shaved.

And if there’s a change of ownership, good luck. The new boss will want to cut costs. They ALL do. That’s part of being in charge. I’ve never worked anywhere for anybody where the bean counters didn’t want to cut costs. Often it was to protect or offset other aspects of the company that were big money gobblers - like equipment upgrades, some big talent with a big contract and a big agent, or, of course, the executive “benefit package.” After all, somebody’s gotta pay for that golden parachute.

And if there’s a union involved, the first thing management will demand when it’s time for co Tracy renegotiations, will be concessions.

So cling to that employee benefit package while you can, I guess. It’s been my experience as a worker bee that most of ‘em never last. And for certain the “good parts” won’t last, either.

[Kurt V.]

104. i think ppl say that bc we're so conditioned to being consumers 1st and foremost

[gibraltar72]

106. So you have a private insurance plan funded by Medicare.

[Indykatie]

107. Don't You Pay Medicare Part B Premiums Which Covers the Medicare Advantage Plan?

I'm beginning to plan for retirement now after working 30+ years in the benefit administration and healthcare strategy space. I am clueless about Medicare though. I have been told I need to enrol in Medicare with the SS Administration and can then select a Medicare Advantage plan in Indiana. My monthly cost for Medicare B will be more than $350 based on my annual income from 2 years ago. Many people don't want Employer based insurance eliminated because they have blinders on when it comes to government run programs. I know most Medicare plans are administered by large carriers like Anthem and United but the average person they thinks Medicare is run by the "government". I also think the Unions will not fully support eliminating all Employer based insurance. Better Health and Welfare benefits are a big part of the value that Unions deliver to their members. The other barrier for the M4A as I see it is there will never be sufficient votes to implement such sweeping legislation. That's a cold hard fact of politics. The idea of totally dismantling the current insurance markets and healthcare infrastructure will have more than a few Democrats who don't support it. The costs and loss of jobs will be enough to scare many Dem politicians.

The fact that it would probably take a decade or more to implement may be a moot point I guess since I don't see it ever getting to that point.

[flamin lib]

114. There are a number of $0 premium plans. In most cases Medicare picks up the actual premium so you

see no monthly premium. There are still some items not covered like some specialists but total out of pocket cost for the insured is $2-6 k depending on the plan. My current plan has $4k max out of pocket. Last policy year I paid $3.97 out of pocket. That includes two doc in the box visits (emergency room by definition).

I'm lucky to be quite healthy and see a doctor twice a year to monitor blood pressure. BP drugs are generic and no copay. Some drugs aren't 0 copay and what I have to pay goes to max out of pocket aka annual deductable.

If you use a lot of medical services you might be better off with a Medicare supplement. Not a $0 plan and covers the stuff an advantage plan doesn't. I recommend you see an agent after your 64th BD to make that comparison.

[vsrazdem]

119. You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan, and then Medicare pays them a premium to handle your

healthcare. You sometimes get better drug coverage with the Advantage plans, but you have to stay within their MD system, OR you can go with regular Medicare and choose a medicare GAP plan. I did not want a Medicare Advantage plan because I want to be able to select my own doctors, so I went with a GAP plan, which picks up the other 20% of the 80% medicare pays. You will want to research which is more advantageous to you.

[MineralMan]

109. Change. People Fear Change.

That's it, in a nutshell. Of course, their employer-paid insurance can go away in an instant, but people tend to believe things will continue as they are. That's a strong cognitive bias.

So, they fear what is different from what they have, because they don't understand it. Of course, they don't understand what they have, but that doesn't matter. They have it.

It's the biggest obstacle to coming up with any kind of universal healthcare system. People want to keep what they have, because they don't know what the next thing will be like.

[yuiyoshida]

115. Kamala's answer

[catrose]

118. I can only assume that they've never tried to use it.

Never had to claw the benefits you've paid for, never had to get errors corrected, never pushed to providers or drugs you didn't want because the ones you did want/need weren't on the approved list...

Either that or they're lying Russian trolls.

[myohmy2]

121. I'm with ya, Brother...

...it comes down to whether you believe healthcare is a Right or Privilege...

...if you believe it's a Right then MFA is for you...

...I, like you, am on Medicare and it's better than any of my former employer based coverage...it's not perfect but it will become much better under MFA...

...unless you work for a fortune 500 company or are part of the 1%, MFA is the ticket for you and your family...

...you can't go broke with MFA...

[TexasBushwhacker]

122. And not every employer provided plan is good

But you're stuck with it. Lose your job? COBRA payments are usually unaffordable.

[shadowmayor]

124. They should be saying

I like my death panel.

[OhZone]

125. I think for some -

it's comparing their plans to their friends who work for worse companies.

My cousin works for a hospital at an offsite and they have a pretty good plan. Her prescriptions are like zero, but she has to pick them up at the hospital during working hours. That's hard for her.

[gulliver]

126. Create a Medicare Advantage (with drug and dental) plan option, and let them decide for themselves.

Those who don't want it at first can be persuaded over time. Those who need it right away get it right away. Then, everyone will be behind the plan. What I don't understand is the "I don't see why people won't vote the way I want them to, because I'm right" meme.

[BlueIdaho]

127. I loved my insurance

But I know I’m an outlier. I was a college professor. We had the best damn insurance plan of anyone in our area. We also have a rock solid pension that is still super secure. If someone had told me I needed to give up my plan for... say... Medicare, I would have said no thank you. Now I am on Medicare Advantage and it’s not bad - but it can’t hold a candle to my “employer provided” insurance.

So I can understand why some who have worked hard and negotiated a Cadillac healthcare plan as part of their compensation might not want to walk away. As I said - I’m the exception rather than the rule, but I’m not alone.

[customerserviceguy]

130. It depends on your employment

If you work for a big company that pays well above the minimum wage, chances are, you have really likable health care coverage. This is especially true of union jobs where better than average healthcare benefits have been negotiated.

If you've worked at non-union jobs for small employers, chances are you have a less than positive experience with employer-paid insurance in some parts of a lifetime of work.

[Locrian]

139. dont bet on it....

Fortune 100 company here. HC plan SUCKS ROCKS. Both office and factory plans have been dismantled over the last decades, and they continue to chip away. Now with health care "metrics" (smoking, weight, cholesterol, BP, etc) that you meet numbers or pay more.

Sure, my uncle retired at 59 in the 80's - got FULL paid HC from the company (and pension) till he was in his 80s'.

Not for current workers. HSA plan but deductibles $3000 per year, 300/mo payments. But he still says corporations provide better than gov. Ironic since he's on medicare and loves it.

[customerserviceguy]

144. Well, I guess my impression

is out of date. I've been retired for nearly three years now, and my last job (lasting over eight years) was with an international company, and I had a union.

I did have the high deductible plan at that job, but it cost only five bucks a week, and the company chipped in $75 a month towards my health savings account. Between my non-taxable contributions to it and theirs, I still have well over three-quarters of it stashed away, and I'm only a bit more than a year away from Medicare.

My lady has been going through one hell of a hassle, same employer's plan, but the scaled down one for retirees. She spent an hour on the damned phone yesterday trying to get a chest X-ray required by her surgeon for a procedure she's going in for next week. It was so much of a hassle on the phone with the insurance company to try to find a provider in our area, finally, she said, "Screw it, we're just going to have to drive two hours to the hospital in Charlestown again."

It does seem sometimes that the only option we have is to not get sick until it's time to die.

[Locrian]

146. yeah it's definitely changed....

NOBODY I know likes their *insurance* provider. The do like their doctors etc.

No transparency, not accountability either.
We've been told that we could only use generic by the provider, but the pharmacy part of the care will only fill brand xx. Mutually null set of approvals. So no prescription.

Upon check in for surgery - we were told it was $8000 more than previous (thankfully it was an error) - but who could be sure?

[customerserviceguy]

147. If air travel

was sold the same way healthcare is, we'd have each passenger arriving at an airport spinning a big wheel, and whatever number it landed on, that's what they'd be charged for the flight they just took.

Yes, an entire aircraft can have dozens of different price points for the seats in it, but in that case, everybody knows exactly what that seat will cost before they stick their butt in it.

[NCLefty]

133. FOMO - But in this case Fear Of having something taken away and getting something worse.

People can't imagine a better system and Republicans spread the lie that it's impossible to cover everyone.

[wysimdnwyg]

138. My own personal experience...

I'm lucky. I've got a good job, with good insurance (Blue Cross), I make a quite comfortable living, and I've been reasonably healthy. In part BECAUSE I've been healthy, I chose the High Deductible plan at work. I typically spend very little beyond an annual wellness visit, but occasionally spend my deductible (like a few years ago when I broke my ankle).

So this year has been a fun one, with a shoulder injury that pretty much capped things, and more recently, an ER visit that's more than covering the rest. Thankfully my work contributes toward my deductible in an HSA, so very little of this has been out of pocket.

And still, I'm seeing holes that need to be filled. From arguments about whether PT was needed for my shoulder, or having to wait to get a prescription filled while the pharmacy, my dr. and the insurance company work out whether the dosage is approved, even good private insurance can be difficult.

Would I give up my "good" private insurance (and honestly, it could be a whole lot worse than what I've experienced) in favor of a small tax increase to get MFA? Oh, hell yes. And for most people, they'll actually end up with MORE money in their pocket. IMO, only those who don't understand the concept or how it gets paid for can argue in good faith that their private insurance is better.



*** All of that said, I recognize the world in which I live is not yet ready for MFA, and an interim step (or three) will be needed to get us there. I still like candidates who promote MFA, because if we don't ask for it, we'll never get there. ***

[LogicFirst]

143. You pay a premium.

The premium is taken out of your SS check. I, too, am on an Advantage plan, but I pay for some prescriptions and for visits to specialists and urgent care. I like your plan better. What is it? Thanks.

[moonscape]

152. I wonder if part of it could be employer plans

with dental, vision, hearing, etc.? Current Medicare doesn't cover those.

I have to say, I have Medicare original and it has been -great- for me! I have cancer, have had some form of chemo for 4 years, 3 surgeries, 2 months rehab, countless/constant tests and MRIs and scans, etc. I choose my own docs and hospitals, no pre-authorization stuff, etc.

I have a supplemental plan that costs 160/month. No deductible. All of the above have been/are 100% covered. Not a penny out of pocket (except premium cost of course).

[bluescribbler]

153. I have the best health care plan the US has to offer

I have the VA.

[JNelson6563]

154. I'm in a union.

I'm a baker in a grocery store in the middle of nowhere. Don't make a lot of money but have GREAT insurance for less than $100 a month. It's in my union contract. My employer pays like 90% of my premiums.

I would love for everyone to have this. I am not eager to give it up, can you blame me? Or am I being a self-centered 1%er who doesn't care if you all die?

[radical noodle]

161. This is what some people miss

Union workers take their insurance from job to job as long as they remain in that profession. I've worked with the IBEW, Laborers, Operators, Pipe Fitters and all of them have insurance that is paid primarily by whatever employer they're with at the time.

[ecstatic]

156. Here's a specific example:

Setting aside the fact that my employer covers 100% of my insurance premiums, I have a number of questions about how MFA would be implemented.

For example, for people with an ADD /ADHD diagnosis, there are several prescription medications available, some way more expensive than others ($250+ per month). Under Medicare for all, I'm assuming everyone would be forced to take the cheapest option. One of the cheapest options is Adderall, and for good reason. Not exactly the smoothest experience.

But it's not just about medications. What about medical procedures, etc? Would we be able to choose between options, or would the cheapest option be dictated to us? What type of birth control would be covered? A couple years ago, I got a $1000 IUD implanted with no out of pocket cost to me. Would that be allowed on an MFA plan?

These types of questions would need to be addressed in order for the public to come along.

[Dem4Life1102]

157. I like my private insurance

and it’s not a meme. I have very good private insurance through my employer. I’ve also dealt with Medicare for my mom. And there is no way I want to trade my private insurance for Medicare. Your experience may be different. I understand that but don’t demean the opinions of others who have had a different experience from you.