Understanding What is Happening With Medicare

When we look at the Medicare system of healthcare for individuals age 65 and above, it is important to look at the amount of coverage seniors receive, the amount of co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses they are responsible for and just how it all works in today’s economy.

With the economy as it is currently, it has become very difficult for individuals and families to pay for the very basics, much less any extras.  Because costs have escalated enormously – especially during the past couple of years – people, especially seniors, have to make some truly difficult choices as to what they can and cannot pay for, and how it is possible to find the funds to do so.

Unfortunately, Medicare has become one of those things that seniors have to make difficult choices about.  With over 44 million individuals on Medicare, there is a lot involved in these choices.  For instance, AARP has stated that most beneficiaries of Medicare are under the false impression that the program is all-inclusive and pays for everything.  They do not realize that most Medicare recipients are paying at least 25% out of pocket for medical care.

If that isn’t bad enough, there is talk of raising the premiums for the plan.  So, in addition to paying co-pays for everything from doctor visits to prescriptions to hospital and nursing home stays, the monthly amount to keep individuals covered through Medicare could go up, too.

Every year for the past five years, Congress has raised the premiums for Medicare in order to cover payments to physicians.  Rather than fixing the system, Congress has continued to raise the premiums that seniors have to pay.  Unfortunately, this has put any seniors at risk and in a situation where they need to choose between medicine and medical care they need and food, shelter and clothing. 

It is right and fair for seniors to pay their share; however, it is not fair that the costs continue to rise constantly.  Congress needs to look for another way to cover these expenses and find a way to give seniors a break.  They are looking at different ways to get this done.

If you are a Medicare recipient or will be one soon, it is important to do your research, find out what is best for you, and determine what you can afford.  Visit www.medicare.gov or www.keepmedicarefa.org for information on Medicare coverage and premiums, plus the efforts to keep premiums fair and affordable

Filed under: General-Medicare

Tags: AARP, co-pays, General-Medicare, Medicare beneficiaries, medicare coverage