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My self-employed DH and I paid our own insurance premiums for the last 35 years so I have little sympathy for those who complain about how much their insurance costs. We listened to people complain for 35 years about their co-pay going from $0 to $20 and thought "Gee we pay out of pocket for everything, why are they complaining."
People get used to (entitled) to what they have and when it changes they hate it. Complain to the CEO? hahaha. Hope you have a job offer at another company in your back pocket. Change is hard but necessary for the stability of the country. I agree that the increase in premium is a cut in salary and your company is at fault for your lower paycheck. Look for a company who does a better job with it's overhead expenses. Or become self-employed and let me know what you have to complain about then, there are lots of things you'll be paying for until you reach Medicare age retirement.
I wish I could vote for Pres. Obama again but have been enjoying the watching the presidential Republican scuffle (can't call it a campaign). The one great thing about getting older is Medicare, best birthday ever.
The one great thing about getting older is Medicare, best birthday ever.
I'm not so sure about that.
For someone who has been uninsured, yes, Medicare would probably be welcome. But before celebrating, I would suggest checking with your present doctor, and any other providers you use, and find out if they accept NEW Medicare enrollees. Sometimes, you will see a sign posted: "We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid".
For someone who has been uninsured, yes, Medicare would probably be welcome. But before celebrating, I would suggest checking with your present doctor, and any other providers you use, and find out if they accept NEW Medicare enrollees. Sometimes, you will see a sign posted: "We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid".
We're thinking about that now, with Medicare 2 years away. Two years passes quickly!Many doctors will not accept new Medicare patients, but will keep established patients once they become Medicare eligible. Its hard to even find a primary care doctor taking new patients at all, let alone one you actually like. The time for doctor-shopping is before you go on Medicare!
For someone who has been uninsured, yes, Medicare would probably be welcome. But before celebrating, I would suggest checking with your present doctor, and any other providers you use, and find out if they accept NEW Medicare enrollees. Sometimes, you will see a sign posted: "We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid".
We live in Florida and all our doctors are very happy to accept Medicare, I do not know of a single doctor who does not accept Medicare, many are top rated board certified. I asked about this when my husband was getting close to 65 and was told by two different nurses that they actually prefer Medicare because they pay fast (as required by law).
This may be different in other parts of the country but in Florida the majority of the population is over 65.
My husband has the same doctors he had before Medicare, nothing has changed in the quality of care, but he is saving about $6000 a year in premiums.
What is an issue is that there are not enough primary care physicians and many do not take on new patients. We ran into this pre-Medicare so not related to that. just a shortage of these doctors here.
We live in Florida and all our doctors are very happy to accept Medicare, I do not know of a single doctor who does not accept Medicare, many are top rated board certified. I asked about this when my husband was getting close to 65 and was told by two different nurses that they actually prefer Medicare because they pay fast (as required by law).
This may be different in other parts of the country but in Florida the majority of the population is over 65.
My husband has the same doctors he had before Medicare, nothing has changed in the quality of care, but he is saving about $6000 a year in premiums.
What is an issue is that there are not enough primary care physicians and many do not take on new patients. We ran into this pre-Medicare so not related to that. just a shortage of these doctors here.
Primary care doctors are the most difficult to find. You can always find an orthopedic surgeon willing to do a hip replacement. If they keep the same patients year after year something's wrong! Same for other type of specialists that are a one-shot deal. Even specialists for long-term issues, such as endocrinologists, rheumatologists, etc, usually refer you back to your primary care physician for ongoing treatment.
PCPs, however, are among the lowest paid physicians in the medical hierarchy. They must limit their practices to be able to have a manageable patient load. You really need to get established with a PCP at least a few years prior to Medicare.
It's called being deemed. If a practitioner sees a single Medicare member, they agree to Medicare through the 'deeming' process. They can't, legally, not participate with Medicare unless they never see a member in the first place. That is referred to as 'not accepting assignment'.
Only 2% of practitioners in this country 'don't accept medicare'. Why? Sheer numbers: it is the largest payor in the country. That doesn't include MA. Plans.
For someone who has been uninsured, yes, Medicare would probably be welcome. But before celebrating, I would suggest checking with your present doctor, and any other providers you use, and find out if they accept NEW Medicare enrollees. Sometimes, you will see a sign posted: "We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid".
Agreed, lots of doctors don't accept Medicare.
In addition: Medicare is not such a bargain! It only covers 80% of medical services (in other words - large co-pays).
So most people, to avoid being socked with a huge bill if you need to see a lot of doctors or G-d forbid end up in the hospital one day, buy a supplemental plan.
Supplemental plans can cost over $300/month in New York. So for a couple: $600/month for "Medicare coverage". Seems quite pricey to me, especially for people who are either elderly/retired or disabled
If you ever visit or lived at another country with full healthcare subsidized countries. You'll find plenty of doctors in those countries and there's no need for prescriptions for most non-addictive drugs and no health insurance needed. You simply walk in and get service.
In America, there's a doctor shortage and most doctors don't even work on weekends. You have to get a prescription for all common meds that are clinic strength. Over the counter stuff is too weak.
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Same for other type of specialists that are a one-shot deal. Even specialists for long-term issues, such as endocrinologists, rheumatologists, etc, usually refer you back to your primary care physician for ongoing treatment. 
