Election issues for adjusters: Part 2

One of the primary groups that could benefit from Medicare for All would be fraudsters who rip off Medicare, Medicaid, the health insurance and casualty insurance industries for well over $100 billion annually. (Photo: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock)

From the Democratic debates, it is quite evident that health insurance will be a major point in the 2020 election. The “moderates” want to retain what is left of the old Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) and make improvements to it, while the “progressives” want to throw it out and have “single-payer” or “Medicaid for all.” We’ve addressed this before.

Being on Medicare, I’m aware of how wonderful it is. One goes to the doctor, shows his Medicare card, and the doctor pokes and probes, no billing. Well, not quite. There’s also a Medicare Supplement Policy at $4000 to $7000 a year, and at least one bill a month from the doctor for what those two programs don’t cover, usually a “co-pay” or “deductible.” Plus, there’s another few thousand for a prescription coverage premium called “Medicare Part D,” and that comes with deductibles, co-pays, and what is delightfully called “the donut hole.” (Some donut … insureds provide the dough!) None of these cover dental bills, eyeglasses, or the cost of hearing aids. That’s all extra. And if you are wise, you’ll also have an “excess medical policy,” in case expenses exceed what Medicare and the supplement will pay.