Another health care trap

[watu05]

Another aspect of why health care expenses or serious illness is leading cause of bankruptcies. With health care and college expenses rising much faster than inflation, those higher costs are appear to be increasing paid by taking on personal debt. Nationwide, about 50 million people — or 1 in 5 adults — are on a financing plan to pay off a medical or dental bill,

How banks cash in when patients can’t pay - The Seattle Times

replica.seattletimes.com

 

[watu05]

Should doctors warn patients about the problems with Medicare Advantage?

Should Doctors Warn Patients About the Downsides of Medicare Advantage Plans?

Beneficiaries may not be aware of the plans' limited networks or prior authorization rules

www.medpagetoday.com

 

[Gmoney4WW]

Should doctors warn patients about the problems with Medicare Advantage?

Should Doctors Warn Patients About the Downsides of Medicare Advantage Plans?

Beneficiaries may not be aware of the plans' limited networks or prior authorization rules

www.medpagetoday.com

Most people I know, know that going in. They either stay off of it, or find one that has advantages, AND...
...most if not all of their doctors are in network for.

 

[watu05]

Most people I know, know that going in. They either stay off of it, or find one that has advantages, AND...
...most if not all of their doctors are in network for.

If someone is used to company provided health insurance, they may not find the Advantage restrictions that much different. And the billing and admin hassles will also stay the same or go up as one ages and needs more care.

 

[TU 1978]

If someone is used to company provided health insurance, they may not find the Advantage restrictions that much different. And the billing and admin hassles will also stay the same or go up as one ages and needs more care.

For many seniors it‘s a matter of perceived cost. Not having to purchase a medigap plan and part D drug plan seems like a savings for them, although in the end there is a lot of variability in the plans offered. Some are HMO plans, while others have more flexibility as PPO plans where referrals are not needed. The zero dollar copay plans are the ones that seem to be touted on TV and for people on a fixed income that can be appealing, until you can’t see the doctor or specialist that you need.

 

[aTUfan]

i have started with a,b d and f. after a couple of years a switched to c. i love it. I save $300 - $400 a month.

 

[watu05]

For many seniors it‘s a matter of perceived cost. Not having to purchase a medigap plan and part D drug plan seems like a savings for them, although in the end there is a lot of variability in the plans offered. Some are HMO plans, while others have more flexibility as PPO plans where referrals are not needed. The zero dollar copay plans are the ones that seem to be touted on TV and for people on a fixed income that can be appealing, until you can’t see the doctor or specialist that you need.

Agreed. There are some pretty good ones plans. Kaiser runs reputable HMO plans on the West Coast that some friends say is fine. I'm still on traditional because I have have relationships with doctors multiple networks and at some point may have to be living in another state. Also the administraton hassle is far, far less.

 

[aTUfan]

divert the money from welfare to pay for catistrophic illness bills.