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On Health and Money Blog -- U.S. News & World Report

Medicare Advantage Premiums May Rise $40 to $70 Monthly in 2010

April 07, 2009 03:55 PM ET | Michelle Andrews | Permanent Link | Print

Reader Comments

Medicare Advantage Plans

I just got my 2010 Anthem Smart Value Plus plan. The cost went from $0.00 per month in 2009 to $40.00 per month in 2010. Also the co-pays all went up, some as much as 300%. And some, like vision, disappeared altogether.

Private insurance sucks. It exists to provide the least amount of service possible at the highest possible cost to the insured.

We need a national health care plan that provides quality, affordable health care to all US citizens.

Scroll down to Mary!

Mrs Mary of MN nails it. I dont have to say anything except scroll down a few and read her post. Obama, what are you doing???

Advantage plan discontinued

Another result of the belt tightening is loss of the plan.

I was just notified that Advantra is no longer offering a plan.

When they can't make lots of money, they quit and leave us in the lurch.

cuts to Medicare Advantage Plans

Thanks for nothing Obama--you have really hurt the seniors. I have looked over the 20l0 benefits and we are getting the BUSINESS. Sorry that I ever voted for you--it was the first time I ever voted democratic and, turst me, it will be the very last!

What about MA policy holders under 65 and disabled?

I'm wondering what will happen to people on Medicare who are disabled and under 65 if MA is dropped. Will these people have no option other than original Medicare?

Premiums

Sirs:

Instead of higher premiums (mine is 0. I have an Advantage Plan. PUP. Why not charge a fee

when I go to my regular Doctor? I don't go that often.

I think what the Pres. is asking is wrong. We should be able to control our health care costs

better. How about a small tax on one thing we use, even one dollar, if the money would go

into Health Care for the people who do not have it. Iam behind that because it could work and

I think its a good idea.

Sincerely

Extra Costs of MA Plans

Why shouldn't the beneficiaries of the extra benefits of MA plans have to pay the extra 14%? These plans do work better for some people but not as well for others.I have no problem with MA plans but why should I have to subsidize them? I am sure that if this situation were reversed and the MA enrollees had to pay for benefits they didn't receive they would be very unhappy!

Mindlessly follow your liberal rhetoric

Having had a Medicare Advantage Plan, I have a basis for an intelligent opionion -- one based on fact rather than blind ignorance. Obie One and his ilk are killing one of the most successful government programs that I have ever studied. The program that I have combines both an expanded medicare health plan, a preventive and health management program, and a drug program (type D). The insurance companies are given the SAME premiums that medicare collects from my social security and they can offer all the extra (dare I say) advantages we all enjoy. The referred to 14% increase is do to the fact that the MA plan combines Medicare A, Medicare B, Medicare D as well as some vision, dental, preventive services, 24-hour registered nurse line. How can you cover all this with only the money from the regular Medicare premiums -- and make a make enought profit to pay commissions? Private capitalistic competition without all the government bureaucracy

MEDICARE COVERAGE

As a senior the enhanced services provided by my MA plan has been a life saver. The free diabetic management classes have taught how to better control my diabetes and I have seen a significant drop in my numbers and most of all feel a lot better. I am confident that will lead not only to a better quality of life, but will also keep me out of hospitals, less frequent doctor visits and increase life longevity. In addition, the free fitness club, dental and vision plans, which are included, have save me hundreds of out of pocket dollars. The best part is the zero premium. My friends who are enrolled in this and similar MA plans are also thrilled with this type of plan. Out government now want to take steps to get rid of such plans. As usual Congress is out of touch with reality. In the next election I will be voting against the incumbent---this I am sure of.

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About On Health and Money

Senior Writer Michelle Andrews reports on how to be a smart health consumer and get the best care for your money. Write to her at onhealthmoney@usnews.com.

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