On Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Congratulations! After all your years of hard work, you made it!
But now there’s talk about California “Medicare for All.“
Are you worried that “Medicare for All” will mean “less for you?”
Worry no more!
Here are 5 things you need to know about Medicare for All if you’re on Medicare.
1. Would California Medicare for All mean that I would lose coverage?
NO, you would GAIN coverage, including vision, hearing, dental, drugs and long-term care.
Medicare for All is a step up from both Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage with more coverage but no provider networks and no out-of-pocket costs.
2. Could I see any doctor I want?
YES, with Medicare for All you could see any doctor you want – with no provider network limitations. All doctors would be included, just like how Traditional Medicare works today.
3. Would I have to wait to see a doctor?
NO. Some Americans already experience long wait times for various reasons including a shortage of physicians and a lack of local medical services. Medicare for All would put healthcare resources where they’re needed.
4. How would Medicare for All impact younger Californians?
Californians of every age would enjoy guaranteed coverage and healthcare security. Whether working at a job, working for ourselves or unable to work at all, we would no longer struggle to afford healthcare.
5. Will Medicare for All cost me more?
NO, you would PAY LESS than you’re paying now. You wouldn’t have to pay premiums, coinsurance or deductibles anymore, and you wouldn’t be on the hook for the “20% gap,” prescription drugs, vision, hearing or dental care.
Bonus Question:
Sounds great, but how do we pay for it?
Nothing is free, especially not healthcare. Everybody will have to pay their fair share.
Past analyses have shown that the plan could be financed by combining different taxes, such as a wealth tax and a payroll tax.
This combined funding approach spreads out the costs, meaning everybody – including young people, families and businesses – would contribute to the program and people who have the means to contribute more will be able to do so.
Bottom line, Medicare for All would cost less than what families and businesses are paying right now.
Features are based on the latest California single-payer bill AB1400, Guaranteed Health Care for All, introduced on February 19, 2021.
HEAL California is an independent news and information hub focused on the Medicare for All movement.
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Our Podcasts shine a light on the failures of America’s healthcare system, while explaining how Medicare for All could help.
Our Media page offers connections to experts and additional resources including links to legislation and studies.
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I receive Obama Care Medi-Cal and get a notice each year saying that when I die, Medi-Cal will come and take whatever assets I have to repay my debt,
Is this what will happen to the entire population if we have Medi-Care for all?
Sincerely,
Mary Innes
Absolutely not. There will be no “asset recovery” under Medicare for All. This is another reason why Medicare for All should be everyone’s first choice when it comes to health care. Not only will people on Medi-Cal enjoy dramatically improved access to any doctor they want, they will be free of the “asset recovery” burden. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but in 2017 California passed legislation (SB 833) that limited “Medi-Cal asset recovery” by re-defining which assets could be “recovered.” Here’s a link that explains how it was before 2017, and how it is now, after 2017. I hope that with this change, you no longer need to be concerned about this. Note, in particular, only assets that go through probate can be “recovered.” Read this carefully. You should likely speak with an attorney to find out how you can keep your assets from going through probate. Maybe establishing a trust would help! Good luck to you.
How can I get involved to help implement Medicare for all in CA, and on a nationwide basis. I find it to be a no-brainer that we need it more than anything right now. Plus, tons of entrepreneurs would start businesses, and companies would save money not having to pay out as much to cover their employees. It’s a win win situation. Please let me know what I can do to help. I was laid off a few months ago and feel this is the #1 priority needed to be addressed in this country. Racism is next, Climate Change, Cover 19 and the income inequality issues, i.e. RE Developers bribing city officials. Thanks for all that you do. Peace, Bill Robertson
Hi, Bill! Thanks for reaching out! I don’t know where you are in California, but there is a statewide grassroots organization called Health Care for All California fighting to win Medicare for All in California. There are other ways to connect to the movement as well, depending on your existing connections/interests. For example, if you are a physician or healthcare professional, there is Physicians for a National Health Program – California. Or if you are a Democrat, there’s a California chapter of Progressive Democrats of America that is very active on this issue. If you want to write with more details on your location and other interests, we can try to “fine-tune” a connection for you. Email me at healteam@heal-ca.org. — Georgia