posted on September 4, 2004 01:07:29 PM new
Medicare premiums to jump 17%
Largest increase ever attributed to new prescription drug plan and expanded preventative services.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday afternoon the largest increase ever in Medicare premiums, an increase of over 17 percent that will affect 38.9 million Americans.
Starting in January, the elderly will pay $78.20 per month for non-hospital services, up $11.60 from $66.60 this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said.
Most of the increase will cover the program's new prescription drug coverage and preventive services, including an initial physical exam and other tests, said Mark McClellan, head of the federal health insurance program for the elderly and disabled.
The remaining amount, about 25 percent, will be used to help build up Medicare's trust fund, he said, adding that the higher upfront costs will help save money elsewhere.
"Medicare beneficiaries are saving money. They're paying a little more in premiums, but they're getting more savings in their out-of-pocket costs as a result," McClellan said.
But the premium increase is likely to renew controversy over the cost of the new Medicare law passed last year.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill would cost less than $400 billion over 10 years. But after the bill was signed by President George W. Bush, the administration revealed that its own expert put the cost at $534 billion.........
"Die, you freeloading old pigs you. Haliburton needs the money!"
posted on September 4, 2004 01:21:29 PM new"Medicare beneficiaries are saving money. They're paying a little more in premiums, but they're getting more savings in their out-of-pocket costs as a result," McClellan said.
Only a republican can use that type of double talk to justify an increase.
So, IOW, there really is no savings on 'scripts when you consider your premiums are costing you more. Won't take long for people to figure this one out.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
posted on September 4, 2004 01:35:41 PM new
Agreed seniors aren't going to be happy about the increase. They never have been happy about any increase. But as more and more doctors were refusing to take Medicare payments as payments in full the benefits paid to doctors sorely needed to be increased.
$11.60 is very small compared to how all medical care premiums are increasing.
When President Bush gets elected and strives to put caps on medical lawsuits...the insurance premiums AND the cost of doctor visits may just come down.
posted on September 4, 2004 02:04:47 PM new$11.60 is very small compared to how all medical care premiums are increasing.
$11.60 may seem small to you and I who have jobs and have a steady income. However most seniors rely on Social Security benefits and have no additional income to support themseleves. I am sure they would not consider the $11.60 small.
Let's have a BBQ, Texas style, ROAST BUSH
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YOU CAN'T HAVE BULLSH** WITH OUT BUSH.
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We the people, in order to form a more perfect Union....
.....one Nation indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for ALL.
posted on September 4, 2004 02:09:27 PM new
Kerry: Bush Aims to 'Bamboozle,' Hide Medicare News
Sat Sep 4, 2004 01:40 PM ET
By Patricia Wilson
AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - Democrat John Kerry rebuked President Bush on Saturday for trying to "bamboozle" U.S. voters and burying the largest increase in Medicare history with an announcement at the start of a long holiday weekend amid a rush of news at home and abroad.
Kerry questioned the timing of the Bush administration's announcement late on Friday that older Americans will have to pay about 17 percent more next year for their government-run health insurance, the largest increase in Medicare's history.
"He promised again a couple of nights ago to strengthen Medicare," Kerry told a rally at a baseball stadium in Akron. "Then you wake up when a lot of the news is being hidden by what's happening in the hurricane down in Florida, what's happening in Russia with 200 people tragically killed by terrorists."
The centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services announced at the start of the Labor Day weekend that the elderly will pay $78.20 per month for non-hospital services, up $11.60 from $66.60 this year.
"The news is hidden but it isn't going to be hidden for long on Americans, because what they did yesterday was this president made history twice," Kerry said.
"They're trying to fake it to the American people," he said. "They're trying to bamboozle you and throw around so much mud that you can't really break through and grab onto the things that are real in your lives."
The Massachusetts senator said that with the release of anemic August jobs growth, Bush would become the first president since Herbert Hoover "to be absolutely certain on Election Day to have not created one single new job."
"And ... medical premiums go up for senior citizens 17 percent, the largest increase in Medicare premiums for 40 years," Kerry said. "Who are they going to send the bill to? They're going to send the bill to our senior citizens, they're going to send the bill to all of you."
posted on September 4, 2004 02:12:59 PM new
logansdad - Did you miss the part of my post where I said they won't be happy?
And, I don't work.
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What you need to understand is that for too long Medicare has been paying a very tiny amount out to doctors. Many doctors have been/are refusing to see Medicare patients for that reason. Some ask for payment up front from those who have Medicare.
Also our population is aging...there will be more and more seniors going on Medicare very soon. We needed to make some changes to deal with that fact.
If I'd had a vote I would not have voted for the Medicare bill.....way too expensive, imo. But the democrats were only fighting for more funding to be put into the system, while at the same time complaining that it cost more than it was projected to cost. So I wouldn't have won either way, but it costs less than it would have under a democratic Congress.
Some of the benefits won't be starting until 2006.
posted on September 4, 2004 02:46:08 PM new
We happily accept Medicare where I work. They pay more consistently and more timely than any other insurance we accept.
My parents are on Medicare and they DO know what is going on. Most seniors are on SS. I know for a fact that most seniors do not receive enough to keep them in their meds or anything else for that matter. Most have no retirement benefits - they were either taken from them when companys closed or they weren't offered in the first place and so must rely on SSI and Medicare for their survival. I do know about this issue - it affects my parents and I have to know. Of all the countries in the world, the U.S. is the worst at caring for their elderly.
I pity all you who support this. I only hope that someday you will know what our seniors are facing. It could be you.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
posted on September 4, 2004 03:06:26 PM new
According to the most recent SS #'s I could find.....40% rely on SS for 90% or more of their income.
Seniors who have medicare and choose an HMO do have drug coverage. Under the new medicare drug prescription program ....according to income some seniors do have prescription coverage. More benefits will be coming in the future...2006.
cheryl I don't see anyone whose posted here so far that has stated they 'support' this. But this is a FACT of life. Just like seniors getting their rents raised...or their house insurance costs go up...car insurance costs go up...heating and eating costs go up. It's a reality of life.
posted on September 4, 2004 03:38:04 PM new Misleading claims about the Social Security and Medicare Projections.
Cost of making Bush tax cuts permanent is three times the Social Security shortfall: One other comparison bears noting. If the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts are made permanent as the Administration has proposed, their cost over 75 years will be about $11 trillion —three times the Social Security shortfall and nearly the same size as the Social Security and Medicare Hospital Insurance shortfalls combined. Over an infinite horizon, the cost of the tax cuts is more than 1˝ times the Social Security shortfall.
posted on September 4, 2004 03:53:00 PM new
Ya, here go those oh-so kind hearted Righties with THEIR "facts" and Figures.
Her answer to poor seniors....get over it , it a fact of life. She's not that old ,SHE's not that poor so F--- the elderly...such a kind American way of thinking......
YUP, the world's "greatest Country" can't take care of it's elderly.....shameful.
Oh, I'm ever so sorry this wasn't a POSITIVE message but I'm not going to apologize for CARING for somebody besides myself.
posted on September 4, 2004 04:09:30 PM new
How many of you are seniors? How many of you are on Medicare? How many of you will this increase affect?
I'm not a senior but I am on Medicare because of the Social Security Disability (SSD) I receive each month.
The dollars that are deducted from my SSD for the Medicare payment is a hell of a lot less that what comparable private insurace would cost me.
I know for a first hand fact, a number of states, including Texas have a program via the Dept of Human Resources (in Texas) where by the cost of the monthly Medicare premium is reimbursed. Twice a year I complete the form for my mother.
So if you know a senior on Medicare, have them check with the state dept human services about their reimbursement program.
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The 17 percent increase largely results from increased payments to doctors and reflects rising medical expenses generally, officials said. The rise has nothing to do with a program that will start in 2006 to offer prescription drugs, for which beneficiaries must pay a separate premium.
Last year, Medicare premiums rose about 13 percent from $58.70 to $66.60, the second largest hike, according to The Associated Press. The year before, it rose 8.7 percent.
McClellan acknowledged that about $1.75 of this year's $11.60 premium increase results from the billions Medicare is paying private health plans to encourage them to offer Medicare Advantage, or private, health plans.
As Medicare cut costs in recent years, many private health insurers quit the program, leading the number of beneficiaries in private plans to drop to 4.6 million last year, or 11 percent of the program, from 6.3 million, or 16 percent of beneficiaries, in 1999. With higher administrative costs, private plans are generally more costly than regular Medicare and thus need subsidies to provide services.
posted on September 4, 2004 05:04:50 PM new
I don't understand this reimbursement program, Bear.
I am not a Senior Citizen, but I have the responsibility for a parent. He collects Social Security, and is on Medicare, but has to have supplementary insurance to cover his medications and to pay the other 20% or more of what Medicare doesn't pay.
Social Security takes $70+.00 for his Medicare, and he pays an additional $131.00 a month for supplemental insurance. Now with this increase, he will be paying around $212.00 a month for his health care.. not to mention what ever his meds cost above his deductible..
I would be interested in learning more about this reimbursement program.
Most of us here on this board are probably not Senior Citizens yet.. but I would bet that many of us are helping one or both of our parents..
The care of our Seniors is one area where I believe our government is falling short. These aged people, worked hard all their lives, paid their taxes, fought for their country... only to be neglected at an age where they are helpless.. many go without their necessary meds... only because they can't afford them...
Are we the only Country on earth who disrespects and dishonors our Senior Citizens? I can't think of another country that treats their elders like something used and disposable, the way we do..
Take care everyone, our time is coming. Doc
posted on September 4, 2004 05:23:44 PM new
[quote]But as more and more doctors were refusing to take Medicare payments as payments in full the benefits paid to doctors sorely needed to be increased. [/quote]
posted on September 4, 2004 05:43:19 PM new
Actually, Medicare pays doctors quite well considering. They have paid our doctor more than Medicaid and in some cases, more than private insurance companies. The only one that pays more all the time is Workers' Comp. Payments have always been timely to us and their billing process is far easier and far superior than any of the others I am currently billing.
Edited to add: The additional money won't be going to the doctors and hospitals. I don't believe that for one minute.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
[ edited by CBlev65252 on Sep 4, 2004 05:44 PM ]
posted on September 4, 2004 05:59:17 PM new
DrDo, I don't know where you live, but contact the agency that regulates the food stamp program. This is the same agency that in Texas regulates the reimbursement program.
My mother has a supplimental insurance policy that costs her $66.00 a month with meds coverage. So with the reimbursement it is like the policy is free.
posted on September 4, 2004 06:45:42 PM new
Hey, bear, thanks here, too. I'll advise my parents. The cost of their meds is killing them! They are considering alternatives right now.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
posted on September 4, 2004 10:23:44 PM new
I am on SS and have been for 3 years. Every year we do get a small raise but with the % that Medicare takes the raise amounts to nothing. Now, that isn't a negative statement. I honestly don't know what my Medicare payment is a month. My supplement costs me $242 every 3 months.
Preventative Medical Benefits free with Medicare, free yearly Mammogram, Free Pap smear every 2 years, and BTW that is the requirement if you have had negative pap smears. One free bone density exam. One free colonoscopy. I also think there is a prostate test also that is free. Those in itself make Medicare a lot cheaper than most health insurances.
Now I recently had Cataract Surgery. Both Eyes. I call the best eye doctor in the area. He charges $8,000.00 an eye. I asked how much out of pocket expense I would pay since I am on Medicare with a supplement. They said he only takes the Medicare Payment. What I paid for my surgery was my $100.00 deductible that is a requirement from Medicare.
I am not against this raise because of the benefits they they are going to provide and for what ever else they need it for. The baby boomer's are now going to start collecting and rest assured with all of them SS will be tough to fund. Another perk is that I get my medication free from a patient assistant program which BTW if a patient qualifies they can get medication free also.
Nobody owes me a living except myself. That is my philosophy.
The Seniors cried and cried about the high cost of medications and granted they are high but now Medicare is trying to help so someone has to give a little and that someone is me and I am not complaining.
Cheryl talked about Seniors paying faster and yes since I worked in a clinic I can relate to that. Most company health insurance has co-pays. Well the patients were highly insulted if you asked for a copay. If co-pay is paid immediately it costs that facility less as then they don't have to bill the patient. Many times it takes many billings before they would pay it.
posted on September 4, 2004 10:32:20 PM new
Libra, you mentioned that you get your medications free from a patient assistance program? Now, both you and Bear have mentioned two different programs that I knew nothing about. I will look into them. Thanks Doc
posted on September 4, 2004 10:41:58 PM new
Thanks again Libra.. it is 12:30 here and I'm off to get some shut eye.. will read the link in the morning... G'Nite.. Doc
posted on September 4, 2004 10:42:39 PM new
BTW Doc the Patients physician or nurse should be able to tell you if your friend's medication is on a patient's assistant program. At least they should be able to tell you. For some reason it is a guarded secret and it shouldn't be.
Now that should be better. Sorry I didn't see your post until today but now this should work. I will try it first thought.
[ edited by Libra63 on Sep 5, 2004 07:54 AM ]
If the URL doesn't work go to yahoo and in the search put free medication.
Good luck to all and I hope these can help in some small way. We all deserve a better life. If we are not here to help each other than we have failed in life.
posted on September 5, 2004 08:12:56 AM new
I dont know whether this is off the topic,but i notice doctors tend to prescribe the new prescription drug,eg,lately they prescribe Nexium because it is new.
Now that Prilosev generic is available over the counter,i dont hear too many prescribing Prilosev.
WHY??
Someone points out that we are all guinea pigs!!
-sig file -------we eat to live,not live to eat.
Benjamin Franklin
The drug companies aren't making enough money on the generics, that's why. I've noticed my doctor keeps lots and lots of little samples of the high priced drugs around. Gotta wonder about kickbacks.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
[ edited by Bear1949 on Sep 4, 2004 04:25 PM ]