About those Medicare discount cards...

Hi, Diana.

>>card holder is locked in for a year but the drug companies can change the prices daily or weekly.<<
Hate to sound like Ed, but that's discussed in the linked op-ed piece, which likens that "feature" to "bait-and- switch."

-- Dave K, Speakeasy Moderator
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

The opinions expressed above are my own,
and do not necessarily reflect those of CNET!

I received an application for a discount card and found that it would cost me way more for the "discount" than what I already pay!
Plus there is a deductible that had to be met! Thank you I will stay where I am.
Glenda

Hi Glenda;

Yep, noticed that with my wifes application too. Told her to stay with what she has. I'm very lucky so far, in not having to pay for my prescriptions.

George

Not just pushing folks into Medicare HMO's, but letting employees decrease benefits with a "you've got that from the government so we can cut there without hurting people" excuses.

Whether businesses and the writers intended it or not, this is likely to do more toward getting national (and probably less for many) insurance than any of the reasons put forth by those professing caring.

I've said before, it may end up where national health insurance (with good and bad results) is our only option. Giving businesses excuses to cut benefits because they're "redundant" etc, is a step to putting us in the position that we have to have government health care. I'm not sure that was intended, but it's the likely results.

RogerNC

click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

Just between you and me . I have long favored a national plan. Most RNs of my era do.

I think Medicare is well administered, especially when compared to some private companies. So, I think a national plan could be, as well.

The charge of, "I don't want the government into my medical records" is nullified by they already are- by all insurance plans. After all, we all sign that permission slip bfore we see the doctor or go into the hospital/

IMO, medical savings plans are a joke.

Angeline
click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

My problem with all health care or even health insurance being nationalized is more based on the cynical view that the government is the most inefficient business there has ever been.

Sigh, eventually I'm afraid there will be either national health insurance or even half the working middle class won't be able to afford it.

And while some blame drug companies making out-of-line profits, I blame ridiculous lawsuit awards just as much or more. And I don't really see that advertising prescription drugs that a doctor has to approve on the prime time tv network as a legitamate business expense for the drug companies. No more than I do for utilities that have a monompoly. I don't see why in either case the public should pay for good will advertising.

RogerNC

click here to email semods4@yahoo.com

Why do they advertise meds on TV? A waste of money IMO and a way to raise more money! It is getting to the point with all these lawsuits that it is nearly impossible to find a Doctor that will deliver babies! Almost everyone I know has started going to midwives, which I think is a bad move Just my opinion there!
I have needed surgery for my sciatica, but because of my health the Doctor told me no one will touch me, They are afraid I will get another blood clot and sue them


And while some blame drug companies making out-of-line profits, I blame ridiculous lawsuit awards just as much or more. And I don't really see that advertising prescription drugs that a doctor has to approve on the prime time tv network as a legitamate business expense for the drug companies. No more than I do for utilities that have a monompoly. I don't see why in either case the public should pay for good will advertising.