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General discussion

HMOs benefit from "Medicare Reform" well before seniors...

Dec 9, 2003 10:24PM PST

Discussion is locked

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So?
Dec 9, 2003 10:37PM PST

Hi Dave,

Medicare's payments for services are abysmally below cost for many services offered. Is it any wonder that fewer and fewer providers even take Medicare patients? Let's not forget why the providers get paid -- Medicare is actually paying for the senior's care, so this is an increase to THEIR benefit. Hopefully this will encourage more providers to take on and care for Medicare patients.

Evie Happy

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Re:HMOs benefit from
Dec 9, 2003 10:40PM PST

This at least might prevent the added charges the HMOs charge from going up. I have Blue Shield Senior Advantage. Besides what my Medicare A & B pay them, I also have to pay extra every month. The amount depends on how much coverage is provided . It has 3 tiers. Ofcourse it boils down to how much more you can afford to pay and it still doesn't cover most drugs at least on the tier I am on. For many seniors 2006 will be too late, if they can't get the medications the need now.

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Help is on the way in Ohio MK
Dec 9, 2003 11:07PM PST
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Living/ap20031210_943.html

Many other states, already have similar plans, including mine. It seems to me that most of these plans are more targeted to the seniors and others that really need the assistance. I believe most offer the lower prices through bulk buying discount deals with manufacturers -- much more efficient than "insurance" subsidies. The fed should do it's part by reforming the drug approval/patent process and treating prescription drug trade as any other with regard to "fair trade".

Evie )
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Re: Thanks Evie. Good news if it goes thru (NT)
Dec 9, 2003 11:14PM PST

.