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Dec 1, 2022·edited Dec 1, 2022

It is so frustrating not to be able to get to the root of what is being presented, namely WHY is it a "disadvantage" for us over-65s to get medicare advantage instead of medigap. I am currently not paying anything at all for my Tufts advantage program. I understand that it is less flexible in selecting doctors than a medigap program would be, but it's FREE (after I pay my $170/mo). Why is that not a better deal than medigap, which is not free? I really want to know! Thanks, C. Field (Massachusetts)

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I wish you had covered the following things, even for 2 minutes in your talk.

A comparison:

What’s it cost just for Medicare alone? I pay $170/month out of my social security.

What are the benefits and limitations of Medicare alone?

How much extra do you pay for Medicare advantage?

Is it the same for everyone?

How much is it for Medicare with Medigap?

what’s I wish you had covered even for 2 minutes in your talk.

I hate health insurance companies – we really need a single-payer system. But at the same time, I think you and Ralph need to disclose the difference with and without Advantage, what it costs, and more about Medigap policies.

Just as Ms. Heiter mentioned here in the comments, just changing over without knowing the risk, could be financially devastating if someone blows off the “advantage program” without thoroughly checking on exactly what is covered, and what isn’t. Should they need ER, or a hospital stay, it could easily wipe them out financially. With Blue Shield a couple years ago, for a 2 1/2 hospital stay I paid maybe $150. If I had Medicare only, I'm assuming that would have paid 80% and the balance would have been close to $5,000. I don't know what it would have been with Medigap, or even if that's different from what I have already.

Please set me straight if I’m wrong or misunderstood something, but that’s my concern.

Also, FYI, when I wrote Ralph about this before and asked about those kinds of details, he didn’t seem to know.

It's important to disclose these things I believe.

John Glascock

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Too bad someone who doesn't know what is going on in Medicare would be giving such false information. As a Medicare Broker who educates beneficiaries in ALL the ways of getting their Medicare benefits, it does not matter to me what Medicare option a client gets, however it is my job to give them ALL the details and advice based on their individual situation and health. How dare someone who hasn't gone thru all the licensing and training that an actual licensed broker has give any type of advice as to what is best for the general public! He can join the ranks of Joe Namath and Jimmy JJ Walker. Shame on Nader for being part of the problem instead of the solution!!!

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Great show about the MA programs but you didn’t answer the 20% question.

If you have Medicare and cannot afford the 20% or supplemental then what??

Medicare should privide a low cost supplemental? Or go to co-pay model of $50 a visit, etc?

Overuse can be cured by online requesrs for tests using algorithms and AI and having strict penalties for cheaters.

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