Comments on: Seniors Know More than Polltakers

By: Thomas W. LaGrelius MD, FAAFP

Thomas W. LaGrelius MD, FAAFP — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:28:02 +0000

How the hell do we get out of this mess John? I’m thinking of leaving the country I’m so discouraged. However, my concierge practice is booming so it’s not hurting me. I just fear for my kids, my patients, my country. Obama is a disaster. When is it going to dawn on the public?

By: Jennie Fiedler

Jennie Fiedler — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 23:54:09 +0000

All of this makes me think that when I become a senior citizen in a few years my “medical” will either be exceptionally good health or a bottle of prescription pain killers and a fifth of Jack Daniels. Nothing in between because I won’t be able to afford it.

By: Art Fougner MD

Art Fougner MD — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:07:18 +0000

Maggie Mahar is trying to make a big deal about this … that Seniors’ opposition is merely lack of knowledge.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:31:30 +0000

Ron, your giving me hope.

By: Larry C.

Larry C. — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:22:18 +0000

Why is it that seniors are most betrayed by the organizations that claim to represent them?

By: Ron Bachman

Ron Bachman — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:21:22 +0000

I spoke to many Tea Party meetings last year with 40-60% of the audience being Medicare beneficiaries. They knew they were going to get “hosed” with health reform. What the Dems ignore is that the fastest going block of voters may not be the Hispanics, but the Baby-Boomers turning 65. They will shift to Republican votes in key states like Pa. and will be critical offsets to the Dem. strategy of solidifying minorities to will in 2010 and 2012. These folks don’t forget being called un-American, mobsters, and worse. Hurry November!

By: John Goodman

John Goodman — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:50:01 +0000

I’m all for paying Medicare Advantage programs the same as we pay Medicare, provided the playing field is level. But I’m not for pulling back from Medicare Advantage and turning around and spending more taxpayer dollars on drug coverage that previously was being covered by MA plans. Or in pulling back on rural MA plans and then stepping up taxpayer subsidies for rural care.

My solution for reforming Medicare is here: http://www.ncpa.org/pdfs/st315.pdf

By: steve

steve — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:24:45 +0000

Why do you support Medicare Advantage given that it costs about 14% more than regular Medicare? What mechanism do you propose to cut back Medicare spending that does not lower physician fees?

Steve

By: MOEY

MOEY — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:05:02 +0000

This quiz is a joke. They ask if it is true about the wellness/physical check covered under Medicare! Are they nuts – that benefit has been there for years – it is nothing new under this ‘bill’ recently passed.

This is a lopsided organization from my view and I’m a senior citizen who still works 40 hours a week – FOR insurance coverage.

By: Virginia

Virginia — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:46:06 +0000

Isn’t Newhouse’s vision a good thing? If we start having seniors pay an annual premium (I’ve heard that there are doctors that are already doing this), then we’re creating more incentive for consumer choice. It seems like, over time, the annual premium would get higher, and the per visit government reimbursment would get smaller.

The longer the system is solvent, the longer we have to wait for consumers to do the right thing.