Former health insurance executive, whistleblower and author Wendell Potter has joined forces with Richard Master, CEO of MCS Industries, a major picture frame and mirror supplier, to launch Business for Medicare for All. Together they are articulating the need for sustainable, fair and economically sound healthcare policies and building a coalition of American businesses in support of a single payer system.
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Commentary
Wendell Potter, President. Business for Medicare for All
This morning, Kamala Harris announced her Medicare for All plan. Her plan allows private insurers to offer Medicare plans that “adhere to Medicare requirements on costs.” It may sound good, but it won’t work.
These type of plans exist today and are known as “Medicare Advantage.” Medicare Advantage plans are more restrictive than Medicare — that means they make it harder to see the doctor you want to see — and cost the government more than traditional Medicare.
I’ve been sounding the alarm on Medicare Advantage plans since as early as 2013:
It may come as a surprise, but one of the reasons the Medicare program costs taxpayers more than it should is that the federal government has for years been overpaying insurance companies to participate in the Medicare Advantage program…
It turns out, though, that those overpayments are not the only reason for MA insurers’ healthy profits. Many MA enrollees are finding that their plans – which offered discounts on gym memberships and hearing aids as an enticement to enroll – are not so willing to cover things like skilled nursing care when they get critically ill.
At a glance, Medicare Advantage plans may seem to offer more affordable coverage, but the reality is that these plans cost more and provide even less. They won’t work for consumers and they won’t provide health insurance cost relief to American businesses.
“Medicare Advantage for All” is not “Medicare for All.” We must remember that.
Onward,
Wendell Potter
President, Business for Medicare for All
P.S. Here is a list of articles I’ve written and/or have been quoted in dealing with Medicare Advantage plans and their less-than-capable abilities for comprehensive care.
- Who Wins With Medicare Advantage?
- Medicare Advantage – or DISAdvantage?
- Taking Advantage of Medicare Advantage
- Why Mom went back to traditional Medicare
- Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Ill Health Often Leads to Plan Switch
To schedule an interview with Wendell, contact: hello@
— Courtesy of Wendell Potter and Business for Medicare for All
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