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

Reader Comments
Back to blog

Medicare was a big Ponzi scheme cooked up by one of the crookedest politicians ever, LBJ. Like Social InSecurity, it will soon be insolvent.
The lame-brained actuaries that cooked up this program never counted on the increase in life expectancy we have experienced.
Suck up the cuts, seniors. It is impossible to tax us working folks enough to pay for all the benefits you think you are entitled to. No one would want to work at the high tax rates! As for our baby boom generation, we can probably forget most of the government handouts you guys got. We will probably be paying out of pocket on foreign shores for needed surgeries.
And here is another surprise for you: no physicians will want to treat you in the coming years for the money-losing fees they will be paid. Unless the government puts guns to their heads- and says "Do the surgery at our price- or else!"

Kim Henry of GA 7:09PM December 27, 2009

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.

Richard DeMars of WI 8:43PM October 30, 2009

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???

Brody of NC 7:47PM October 30, 2009

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.

Dorothy Schumacher of PA 11:19PM October 10, 2009

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!

Bobbi Gillis of FL 10:16AM October 03, 2009

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?

Ann Marie Arnesen of SC 7:27AM September 28, 2009

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

Bonnie Bixby of FL 9:28AM September 18, 2009

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!

Dan of IN 9:14AM August 26, 2009

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

Mrs Mary of MN 10:16PM August 17, 2009

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.

TOM MCGEE of NJ 12:50AM August 09, 2009