Idea from DC to “Save
Medicare”, Combine Medicare A and B into one Plan:
President Obama and Congress are looking into a proposal
from 2010. The Bowles-Simpson Commission proposed to combine Parts A and B into
a $550 deductible and 20% coinsurance rate with $7,500 out-of-pocket maximum. This
looks familiar, “Holy Medicare Advantage Plan Batman!”
Can’t beat Medicare Advantage Plans, I guess the Government
wants join them. Medicare Advantage Plans are structured very similar to most “Employer
Group Insurance Plans”. I like idea of structuring
Original Medicare this way, it might make the transition to Medicare simpler
for people as they retire.
Impact to Medicare
Advantage Plans:
IF this happens, I would look for Medicare Advantage Plan
organizations to strength their HMO Network Plans. Medicare does not have a “Network”,
so the benefits will be standard. In contrast, private companies offering MAPD
Plans, may be able to partner and offer comparatively strong benefits within an
HMO.
Impacts on Medicare
Supplement Plans:
IF this happens, I anticipate a competitive environment.
Obviously the benefits for each of the Medicare Supplement Plans would have to
be restructured completely, but Medicare could still regulate a set of
standardized Plans that offer a different degree of coverage. The Supplement premiums should be more affordable too because Medicare would include a max out of pocket, which would limit the insurance companies exposure.
Again, this is just one of the ideas floating around
Washington, if you would like to know more about Medicare and/or Obamacare
please read my articles, or contact me.
Robert Bache aka “MedicareBob”
http://youtu.be/YYAx_L9S8EA
