The hottest Medicare Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

Project 2025’s Medicare Changes Would Restrict Older Americans’ Access to Care and Imperil the Program’s Financial Health

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Healthcare Public Health Policy Insurance
  1. Project 2025 wants to make Medicare Advantage the main choice for people, but this could limit their healthcare options. Instead of giving patients more freedom, it may hand over more control to companies.
  2. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare could become harder, which may trap people in plans that aren't right for them. This can lead to worse care for those who are sick.
  3. The changes could cost taxpayers billions and weaken Medicare's financial health. Instead of saving money, it might enrich insurance companies while jeopardizing the Medicare program's future.

America’s Seniors Are About to Pay a High Price for Wall Street’s Growing Disenchantment with Medicare Advantage

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1139 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Insurance Medicare Finance Policy
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage may soon face tough choices as big companies like Aetna and Humana say their plans aren't as profitable as expected. This could lead to changes that affect healthcare access and costs for those enrolled.
  2. As these companies look to boost profits, they may increase scrutiny on medical claims and require more approvals for treatments. This means patients could find it harder to get the care they need.
  3. Some seniors might end up losing their Medicare Advantage plans entirely, forcing them into new plans with less coverage and higher costs. This shift could leave many feeling trapped and worried about their healthcare options.

A Former Republican Lawmaker’s Constant Fight with UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plan to Stay Alive

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 26 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient Advocacy Chronic Illness Medicare Disability Rights
  1. Healthcare can be a huge struggle, especially when battling a serious illness. Many people might face denied coverage and have to fight tirelessly for the treatments they need to survive.
  2. Financial strain can impact access to necessary medical treatments. Some individuals may even resort to fundraising or selling personal belongings to cover their medical costs.
  3. Certain Medicare Advantage plans can limit access to essential care and providers. This can be frustrating for those who need specialized treatments, forcing them into difficult situations.

While an Insurance Industry Front Group Pushes Against Medicare Advantage Scrutiny, Rural Hospitals Remain Unswayed

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Issues Medicare Patient Care
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are being pushed heavily by some insurance groups, but many rural hospitals are rejecting these plans due to issues like payment delays and limited coverage.
  2. Reports show that people on Medicare Advantage can face higher out-of-pocket costs and less access to necessary care compared to those on traditional Medicare.
  3. Many rural hospitals are opting out of Medicare Advantage altogether, indicating that this choice may leave beneficiaries with fewer options and potentially lead to financial burdens.

Medicare Advantage's $64 Billion Supplemental Benefits Slush Fund

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 999 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Policy Insurance Health Equity
  1. Medicare is spending around $64 billion on extra benefits for Medicare Advantage plans, like dental and vision care. But we don't really know if people are actually using these benefits.
  2. Many seniors are drawn to Medicare Advantage plans for these added perks, but some end up losing access to their preferred doctors. It's important to understand what you're giving up when switching plans.
  3. There's a growing call to improve how Medicare Advantage plans operate and to provide similar benefits to those in traditional Medicare. Everyone should have access to the same quality of care and benefits.
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Medicaid and Medicare Claims Managed by Insurers Are Rising. Why Aren’t They Worried About Their Profits?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 819 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Practices Medicaid Medicare Profit Margins
  1. Insurers are seeing more claims for Medicaid and Medicare, but they aren't worried about profits. This is surprising to many people looking at the rising costs.
  2. Insurance companies can limit patient care by using tactics like prior authorization, which makes it hard for people to get needed treatment. This helps them keep their profits high.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans allow insurers to charge seniors more out-of-pocket costs. Insurers do this to maximize their profits while still getting a steady payment from the government.

IMPACT: After HEALTH CARE un-covered’s Reporting, Medicare Profiteer Shuts Down

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 659 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Medicare Insurance Regulations Fraud
  1. A health insurance company known for misleading advertising has shut down after reports revealed their shady practices. This is good news for Medicare and its beneficiaries.
  2. The government made new rules to protect seniors from aggressive marketing tactics that this company used. These changes likely contributed to the company's downfall.
  3. Even though the company is gone, there's still a problem with how commissions are set up, which may still push seniors towards less beneficial Medicare plans.

Medicare Advantage Insurers Hurt You Because Their Profits Depend On It

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Insurance Medicare Patient Care Public Health
  1. Many seniors using Medicare Advantage plans face serious obstacles, like having limited access to doctors. This can lead to long travel times and difficulties in getting proper care.
  2. These plans often require a lot of extra steps to approve treatments, causing frustrating delays for patients in need of immediate attention. It can take weeks or months to get the care they need.
  3. Switching from Medicare Advantage back to traditional Medicare can be tricky and risky. Many people may find they can’t get the additional coverage they need after becoming sick, thus leaving them stuck in a difficult situation.

Nightmare on Wall Street for Medicare Advantage Companies

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1498 implied HN points • 05 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Government Finance
  1. Medicare Advantage companies are struggling as Wall Street is disappointed with payment increases from the government. The payment increase for 2025 was lower than what these companies wanted.
  2. Insurers like Humana and UnitedHealth have seen their stock prices drop significantly, losing billions in market value. This fall has been alarming to investors who were used to seeing these companies perform well.
  3. The Medicare Advantage sector may look to influence politics by supporting candidates who favor their interests. Companies are likely to invest heavily in campaigns to get more favorable treatment in the future.

Celebrating Medicare’s 59th Birthday Amidst Troubling Trends

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 259 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Public Health
  1. Medicare has helped millions of seniors access health care since it started 59 years ago. It was created to ensure older people could get medical services without going broke.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans, run by private companies, often cause more problems than they solve. They can lead to higher costs and less access to care for seniors.
  3. Big health insurers are getting extra money from the government through Medicare Advantage, which is hurting the traditional Medicare system. Regulators are now starting to pay attention and could help protect this important program.

CVS CEO to Wall Street: People in Medicare Advantage Are in for a World of Hurt as We Focus on Profits

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 919 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Patient Advocacy
  1. CVS Health is under pressure to boost profits, which may lead to reduced coverage for Medicare Advantage plans. This means people might not get the treatments their doctors recommend.
  2. Expect higher premiums and limited benefits as CVS plans to adjust its Medicare offerings to make more money. Many seniors could find themselves losing access to necessary care.
  3. The changes happening now in Medicare Advantage could disrupt healthcare for many. Once someone is dropped from these plans, it can be tough for them to find affordable alternatives.

The Press Is Beginning to Take Notice of How Health Insurers Are Raiding The Medicare Trust Fund

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1019 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Policy Insurance Public Health Regulation
  1. Health insurers are overcharging Medicare by about 22%, costing taxpayers a lot more than if seniors received care directly from traditional Medicare.
  2. Recent reports highlight how private Medicare Advantage plans have historically not saved money and often result in higher overall costs for the program.
  3. The media is beginning to spotlight the negative impacts of Medicare Advantage, leading to more scrutiny and awareness about how these plans operate.

The Real Cause of Health Care Dysfunction

In My Tribe • 1002 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Health Health Policy Medicare Insurance
  1. A big reason we spend so much on healthcare is that we often get expensive tests and procedures that don't help us much.
  2. Simply making more people eligible for Medicare won't fix the problem of overspending in healthcare.
  3. Many people like to think that healthcare costs are high because of greedy doctors or insurance companies, but that's not the main reason.

Famed Florida Retirement Community, The Villages, is Being Fed Medicare Advantage Propaganda

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Health care Policy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are getting a lot of positive coverage, but they can have significant downsides that aren't being reported. Many seniors might not understand the risks involved with these plans.
  2. Recent changes in funding might lead to reduced benefits for seniors using Medicare Advantage. This could mean higher costs or lower quality care as insurers respond to cuts.
  3. Some experts believe Medicare Advantage plans are overstated and actually cost the Medicare system more. Seniors are encouraged to consider traditional Medicare options with supplemental plans for better coverage.

Where Does Medicare Go From Here: Profit-Driven Chaos or Patient-Centered Community?

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 679 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Insurance Healthcare Reform Patient Care Policy Analysis
  1. Medicare is facing serious issues due to privatization, which could harm millions of seniors and disabled people who rely on it for health care.
  2. Insurance companies are overcharging the government for Medicare Advantage plans, leading to higher costs for both the program and patients.
  3. There are two possible futures for Medicare: one that could focus on patient care without profit motives, or one that could worsen access and services for people who need care.

BIG INSURANCE 2023: Revenues reached $1.39 trillion thanks to taxpayer-funded Medicaid and Medicare Advantage businesses

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 779 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Policy Medicaid Medicare Healthcare Reform Corporate Influence
  1. Health insurance companies in the U.S. made $1.39 trillion in revenue last year. A lot of this money came from government programs like Medicaid and Medicare Advantage.
  2. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped many people get insurance but also allowed insurers to profit tremendously. This has led to higher out-of-pocket costs for consumers and medical debts for many families.
  3. Big insurance companies have grown a lot over the last decade, and their executives are making huge salaries. Reform is needed to control these companies and make healthcare more affordable for everyday people.

The Heritage Foundation's Medicare and Social Security Blueprint

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare policy Social Security Medicare Political Ideologies Legislative Process
  1. The Heritage Foundation is working to change Medicare into a system more like private insurance, which may not provide the same level of care for everyone. This shift could leave many seniors without sufficient support when they really need it.
  2. Currently, many people are choosing Medicare Advantage plans because they seem to offer great perks. However, these plans might limit their care options when serious health issues arise, potentially putting them in a difficult situation later on.
  3. If reforms are passed, Medicare and Social Security could become benefits available only to those in the greatest need. This would transform them from universal programs into something more like welfare, affecting millions of Americans.

Medicare Advantage gets walloped in the press as the federal government's rate notice looms

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 779 implied HN points • 25 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Regulation Advocacy Policy
  1. The federal government will soon decide how much money to give private health insurers running Medicare Advantage, affecting millions of seniors' healthcare options.
  2. Many reports are showing that Medicare Advantage plans may not be as beneficial as claimed, often leading to overcharging taxpayers.
  3. More groups are speaking out against the industry's tactics this year, pushing back against pressures to increase funds for these insurance companies.

UnitedHealth Group, the Biggest Private Health Insurer on the Planet, Made $8.5 Billion in Profits in Q1 2024

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Medicaid Healthcare Regulation
  1. UnitedHealth Group made $8.5 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2024, showing strong financial growth despite recent challenges. Their revenues have tripled over the last decade, indicating a significant increase in business.
  2. A big part of their success comes from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, where enrollment has jumped in recent years. This growth has helped them dominate the market alongside a few other large competitors.
  3. Despite their financial success, many healthcare providers are struggling due to a cyberattack on a subsidiary. Advocates are concerned that profit-focused practices may lead to patients not receiving necessary care.

The great Medicare Advantage marketing scam: How for-profit health insurers convince seniors to enroll in private Medicare plans

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1338 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Insurance Health Advocacy Healthcare policy
  1. Seniors receive a lot of ads for Medicare Advantage plans that often oversell the benefits and don't mention the downsides, like limited networks and requiring approvals for care.
  2. More than half of seniors are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage, a shift that many believe is driven by aggressive marketing tactics from insurance companies.
  3. Complaints about how Medicare Advantage is marketed have doubled recently, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on these advertising practices.

More than half of every dollar spent by Medicare drug plans goes to private health insurers' pharmacy benefit managers and wholesalers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1318 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Medicare Drug Pricing Pharmacy Benefits Healthcare Reform
  1. More than half of the money spent on Medicare drug plans goes to middlemen like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and wholesalers, not to the actual drugs.
  2. These PBMs are making huge profits, taking over 40% of the funds while people often end up paying more for their medications.
  3. Lawmakers need to act on this issue because if they can reduce PBM profits, there could be funds to support important health programs for low-income Americans.

The federal government will soon announce its payment rates and policy changes for the Medicare Advantage program. Here's how you can influence their decision.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Policy change Insurance Health Outcomes
  1. The government will soon decide how much money to give to private Medicare Advantage insurers for 2025. People are encouraged to voice their opinions to influence this decision.
  2. Many Medicare Advantage plans cost taxpayers more money and often provide worse care than traditional Medicare. There's a call to demand better use of tax dollars.
  3. The marketing of Medicare Advantage plans can be misleading, impacting vulnerable seniors. It's important to push the government to avoid giving more funds to these insurers.

Hospitals across the country are dumping Medicare Advantage plans and canceling their contracts with insurers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare access Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. Many hospitals are canceling their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans due to lower payments and extra work to get approvals. This creates difficulties for both hospitals and patients.
  2. Patients on Medicare Advantage plans may face delays in receiving care and might get stuck with high medical bills. This is because these plans often deny or delay necessary services.
  3. There's a growing concern about whether Medicare Advantage plans are good for seniors. People are questioning if these plans truly provide the best care or if they profit from denying treatments.

As Medicare Advantage's shortcomings echo in the press, key legislators still push to privatize traditional Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 639 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Insurance Medicare Policy Analysis Legislation Healthcare access
  1. There are concerns about the move to privatize Medicare, especially with more seniors being pushed towards Medicare Advantage plans. Many seniors might not know the downsides of these plans, which can include delays in care and unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans often have strict rules that can limit care for patients, and these plans are favored because they make profits for private insurance companies. Some patients have difficulty getting necessary treatments due to these limitations.
  3. There's a push from certain lawmakers to make Medicare Advantage the default option for new Medicare recipients, which could make traditional Medicare less accessible. This raises worries that Medicare as we know it could disappear in favor of profit-driven plans.

Life on the Social Security Plantation

donaldjeffries • 1257 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Security Medicare Healthcare Government
  1. Social Security and Medicare are seen as entitlements, but workers pay into these systems their entire working lives.
  2. There are ideological differences in views on Social Security, with conservatives aiming to end it and liberals revering it as sacrosanct.
  3. The current Social Security system faces criticism for its sustainability, lack of means testing, and income cap, highlighting the need for reform.

BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR: How Medicare Advantage care denials affect patients

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Patient rights
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are often denying care for patients, which can lead to serious health issues. Insurers like UnitedHealth prioritize profits over patient care, creating barriers for those who need treatment.
  2. The process of 'prior authorization' used by these insurers causes significant delays in receiving necessary medical care. This system can sometimes result in life-threatening situations for patients who are waiting for approval.
  3. Organizations like People’s Action are working to help patients navigate the complicated insurance system and advocate for fair treatment. They aim to expose the challenges faced by patients and push for changes to the healthcare system.

Bi-partisan pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform bill gets endorsement from AARP

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Legislation Medicare
  1. A new bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) is getting support from AARP, which is important for many Medicare beneficiaries.
  2. The bill aims to change how PBMs are paid, moving away from linking their fees to drug prices, which can lead to higher costs for patients.
  3. Bipartisan support for this reform shows that both political sides agree on the need to address high prescription drug prices.

Reports and lawsuits allege UnitedHealth uses AI algorithms to cut off care for the elderly and disabled

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 699 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Medicare Regulation Legal issues
  1. UnitedHealth is accused of using AI to deny necessary care for elderly and disabled patients. Some families have filed lawsuits claiming that these algorithms lead to severe treatment cut-offs.
  2. Employees at UnitedHealth face pressure to deny care based on algorithmic targets, which can lead to risky patient outcomes. Many fear losing their jobs if they do not comply.
  3. There is concern about the partnership between UnitedHealth and AARP, especially during Medicare open enrollment. Ads promoting these plans often do not mention the potential dangers of enrolling in private Medicare plans.

Private Medicare blitz: for-profit health insurers are pressing hard for new enrollees in their taxpayer-supported Medicare businesses in 2024

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare Costs Consumer Rights
  1. Private Medicare plans are trying hard to gain new members, often using appealing offers like gym memberships and grocery cards to entice seniors.
  2. Many seniors who switch to these plans may face unexpected costs, like high deductibles, and risk being denied coverage for essential medical services.
  3. It's important for seniors to carefully consider the long-term impact of switching to private Medicare plans, especially if they have serious health needs.

BIG INSURANCE 2022: Revenues reached $1.25 trillion thanks to sucking billions out of the pharmacy supply chain – and taxpayers' pockets

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 539 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Pharmaceuticals Government programs Healthcare Costs Regulation
  1. Big insurance companies made a lot of money in 2022, reaching $1.25 trillion in revenue. They mainly got this money from managing drug benefits and government health programs.
  2. Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are becoming really important for these insurers, as they now make up a huge portion of their profits. They control a lot of the drug pricing and decide which pharmacies patients can use.
  3. Most growth for these companies is coming from government programs like Medicare, while their commercial insurance business is struggling. Many people are now finding it harder to afford their healthcare costs.

The choice between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage? It’s easier than you think.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Healthcare Insurance Costs Policy
  1. Traditional Medicare lets you see almost any doctor or hospital in the U.S., while Medicare Advantage usually limits you to a specific network of providers.
  2. Medicare Advantage plans sometimes deny necessary care, while traditional Medicare generally ensures full coverage for services recommended by your doctor.
  3. You might save money with Medicare Advantage in the short term, but if you need expensive care later, it could cost you much more than traditional Medicare.

The choice between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage? It’s easier than you think. (PART 2)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Insurance Healthcare Costs Policy Analysis Patient rights
  1. Traditional Medicare can be expensive upfront due to high out-of-pocket costs, especially if you need supplemental coverage. Many people choose Medicare Advantage for its lower immediate costs and out-of-pocket limits.
  2. Companies often push retirees into Medicare Advantage plans because they save money and get better benefits for these groups. However, retirees might lose important access to doctors and hospitals by switching.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans may advertise extra benefits, but these can come with hidden costs. People often struggle to access the care they need due to strict rules and limited provider networks.

The lunacy of 340B and Medicare’s inability to negotiate drug prices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Pharmaceuticals Public Health
  1. Medicare can't negotiate drug prices, which means taxpayers often pay more than necessary for medicines. It doesn't seem fair that businesses get better deals than we do.
  2. The 340B Drug Pricing Program was created to help hospitals get lower drug prices, but it has grown too big and complicated. Now, many hospitals may be making more money from these discounts than they should.
  3. There is a lack of transparency regarding how much hospitals charge for drugs compared to their purchase prices. This raises concerns about fairness and accountability in the healthcare system.

The $175.3 Trillion Doomsday Clock Is Ticking – That Is The Estimated Unfunded Social Security And Medicare Liability

OpenTheBooks Substack • 170 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
💰 Finance Government spending Social Security Medicare
  1. The estimated unfunded Social Security and Medicare liability is a staggering $175.3 trillion, which is a major financial crisis threatening the future.
  2. The funding gap for Social Security and Medicare over the next 75 years is projected to be $78.3 trillion, leading to potential options like increased borrowing, higher taxes, or reduced benefits.
  3. The $175.3 trillion gap is a result of a lack of significant reforms in recent decades, with the projection showing significant challenges with Medicare Part B, Social Security, and other programs in the future.

In New York, the left and right are united in a fight against the corporate takeover of Medicare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Reform Medicare Corporate Influence Public Policy Political Opposition
  1. People from different political sides are coming together in New York to oppose a plan to move retirees from traditional Medicare to a private insurance plan. This shows that healthcare issues can unite folks regardless of their politics.
  2. The mayor's proposal could harm retirees financially, pushing them to a private plan with higher costs and less freedom in choosing doctors. Many might not truly have a choice once they face increased costs to stay in their current Medicare plan.
  3. There's growing awareness about how private insurers are negatively affecting Medicare. More people, including those in government, are recognizing the problem and starting to speak out against it.

Are Medicare and Medicaid Patients Required to Weigh-In?

Weight and Healthcare • 199 implied HN points • 09 Nov 22
🏥 Health Politics Policy Healthcare Public Health Medicare Medicaid
  1. Medicare and Medicaid do not require patients to weigh-in at their appointments, despite common misconceptions.
  2. Physicians are incentivized to discuss weight and create treatment plans for patients with a BMI over 24.9 due to quality score impact on reimbursement.
  3. Patients on Medicare/Medicaid can opt-out of weigh-ins, and providers must exclude them from performance calculations, even though technical challenges may arise.

NYC Mayor Adam wants to move retirees into so-called Medicare Advantage plans. See my testimony against it.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Public Health Political Advocacy
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are not truly Medicare, and they don't really benefit many people. These plans are designed more for profit than for helping retirees.
  2. Insurers are making a lot of money by making Medicare Advantage plans look better than they really are. They're getting extra tax dollars because they claim people are sicker than they are.
  3. The move to push retirees into these plans will primarily help insurance companies earn more money, not improve the health of retirees. This decision can hurt many people financially.

NYC mayor’s misguided and dangerous plan to move city retirees into a private Medicare replacement plan dealt another blow

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 219 implied HN points • 18 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Health Policy Medicare Public Health Healthcare Costs
  1. New York City retirees are fighting against a plan to move them to a private Medicare replacement that could limit their healthcare options. Many retirees feel this plan is risky and unnecessary.
  2. Recent opposition resulted in the city council not voting on the mayor's proposal, showing that collective action can influence decision-makers. The retirees are determined to continue their fight, even if it means taking legal action.
  3. The mayor's plan could lead to increased healthcare costs and less choice for retirees. There are suggested ways for the city to save money without cutting benefits, like conducting audits and improving its own systems.

NYC's call to move retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan is being opposed by a 9/11 hero. She's backed by hundreds of retirees.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jan 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Medicare Policy Retirement Insurance
  1. A retired EMT, Marianne Pizzitola, is fighting against NYC's plan to move retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan. This change could hurt many retirees and reduce their healthcare coverage.
  2. Retirees are concerned that Medicare Advantage plans may limit the care they receive. These plans can require approvals for necessary treatments, which can delay or deny important medical care.
  3. The fight against the Medicare Advantage plan is uniting many retirees from different backgrounds and political views. They all agree that retirees deserve better healthcare options and shouldn't be forced into a plan that may not serve their needs.

The majority of big insurers' health plan revenues are subsidized by American taxpayers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 279 implied HN points • 07 Sep 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Subsidies Policy Government
  1. Most big health insurers, like UnitedHealth, get a large part of their money from taxpayer funds, not from private customers. This shows how our tax dollars support these companies.
  2. Many insurers focus on getting more Medicare Advantage enrollments because the government pays them good money for it. This has become a major source of profit for them.
  3. Despite receiving big subsidies, many people using ACA marketplace plans still face high out-of-pocket costs, making them effectively under-insured. This means they might struggle to afford healthcare even with insurance.