We have Government Health Care Already!  Hows it doing?  They say its going broke, we need to strengthen it.  How, by cutting 500 billion dollars over the next 10 years.  It won’t happen, let me explain.

First question that should come to mind is, how can this be.  Medicare is Federally ran program that is funded by TAX dollars that are being with held from pay checks every week.  Medicare was started around 1965 and provides coverage for the fastest growing population the United Sates has.  Those over 65, and a number of people with certain disabilities.

Every year Medicare raises deductibles an co-insurance amounts that these people are required to pay.  Instead of increasing their benefits, the Government continues to cut benefits.  Don’t take it from me, ask anybody on Medicare or better yet look at the “Medicare & You” handbook that is published each year.  Location www.medicare.gov

Part A – Hospitalization – Days 1 – 60 Medicare will cover all APPROVED inpatient cost except a $1100.00 deductible per benefit period.  Think About that for a minute!   100% of approved inpatient cost except $1100.00 for first 60 days of stay.

Part B – Medical – Outpatient Benefits, Doctors, Surgeons, Test and other Out patient expenses including OutPatient Hospital.

“CMS” Center for Medicare Services controls how much and if a service is going to be covered.  NOT the insurance company.  If Medicare approves the charges than private insurance “Medicare Supplements will pay.

Thomas Jefferson once said “A government that is big enough to give you every thing is big enough to take it all away.”

Are you aware that the Government actually determines how much a procedure is worth.  The Government sets the limits on what a Doctor, Hospital or any other medical practitioner receives.  Oh, by the way if the Surgeon wants to charge more “Not Accept Assignment”  than what the Government determines can charge no more than 15% over and above what Medicare Approves.  THAT IS A LAW!

In 2006 the Government created want is known as Medicare Part D, prescription drugs coverage.  Regardless of your politics, Part D is one of the biggest Benefits that Medicare recipients have received in many years.  It’s not perfect, but it is better than what was available prior to 2006.  Navigating the Part D program can be confusing for many people.  I have included a short video that may provide some help.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This website provides the best way for people to see if their medications are covered.

With Medicare Part C “Medicare Advantage” & Part D “Prescription Drug Plans” certain Drugs are not eligible for benefits by CMS.   Certain test are not covered. The government sets guidelines as to when and how often test can be done.

Ex. MRI / CT-Scan type procedure 1600.00 / Medicare approved 191.00   Surgeon Fee Hip Surgery 5000.00 / Medicare approved 400.00.  These are examples I have personally seen.  This is one reason that cost for others is climbing!

Every year Congress rolls back cuts to Doctor fees.  So the truth of the matter is the 500 Billion they want to cut.  IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN!

Thank you for reading this post.  Please Retweet and share with others. I will try to provide a more in depth post on all Four Parts of Medicare.

As our Government leaders are throwing around all the ideas of Health Insurance reform, I want to ask you a couple of questions.  As a licensed health insurance professional, my job is to educate my prospective clients on options that are available to them.  Hoping that they feel comfortable with and find value in what I have to offer.  Let me share with you some insight!

1. What is the Purpose of Health Insurance to you?
2. What benefits do you expect?
3. What is your responsibility?

1.  Purpose – The real purpose of health insurance is to transfer the risk to a company?

Based upon the sex, age, lifestyle and health conditions you currently have and the benefits you desire we can determine the cost of coverage. 

Examples – Auto Insurance, Home Owners Insurance…

Do you expect your Auto Insurance to cover EVERYTHING?

Oil Changes
Gas Fill ups
Carwashes
New Tires
Wiper Blades
Pre-existing Damages

Could you imagine the cost if everything was covered?  Or do you carry auto insurance to cover the unexpected accident?  Just a thought!

Home owners insurance, does it cover regular maintenance, change light bulbs, cleaning out the gutters each Fall.  Pay for keeping the lawn maintained?  Just a thought! What would it cost to cover all of this?

2. What benefits do you really expect? – Are you willing to pay for it?

Here’s another question to think about.  Why is Health Insurance a bad investment or a waste of money if you don’t collect on it?  Do you get mad because nobody broke into your home or because the house didn’t burn down.  NO, you carry insurance just in case something happens. But most people never think of it this way.  I once asked a gentleman if he would like me to back into his car so he could collect on his auto insurance.

3. What is your responsibility?

When was the last time you took your car into the Mechanic and said this cars not running right.  JUST FIX IT!  No way, first question is can you give me an estimate?  Most people never ask what the cost is on Health Care nor do I really need this test.  How about generic drugs instead of Brand Name?

I can’t begin to tell you the number of times I get phone calls asking for quotes on Health Insurance just to find out that they have pre-existing conditions they now want covered.
Ex. Last week I received a call from a young lady that hasn’t carried coverage for some time.  Now she is being told by her doctor that she needed a particular surgery. Now she wants coverage!  Every couple of weeks I get a call from somebody wanting coverage for maternity.  Ready for this already 6 – 8 months pregnant!

What is wrong with our thinking?  Where did we go wrong?  If your house is burning down and you don’t carry Home Owners insurance, do you really think you can get it RIGHT NOW?

Share this post with others, ReTweet it share it on Face Book.  The bottom line is We as a group need to start taking our Health Care matters more personal.  Then and only then will the costs begin to come down.