I can see from the inside how medicare works....and believe you me....it DOES NOT ALLOW FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO PAY AS THEY GO TO FIND OTHER SERVICES.....you ARE a number, an ICD.9 code and you may have this treatment and these drugs and this amount of time and THAT IS ALL.....
Medicare is not mandatory. You can refuse service and purchase your own health care privately if you so choose.
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. John Kenneth Galbraith
Medicare is not mandatory. You can refuse service and purchase your own health care privately if you so choose.
here's a news bulletin...if you dont sign up for medicare by 65 they start to take out a 'penalty' from your SS.......not to mention once EMR's and the nationalhealthcare crap really gets going the healthcare system will be the likes of the railroads in Atlas Shrugged....you shall not find a participant to take your $$ because it has no worth outside the system because they cant function outside the system...
the choice is to remove oneself completely or kill it before it kills you
ahhhhh coercion
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
And while it's not mandatory, they automatically take it out of your paycheck for so many years, under the auspices that you're doing it because you WANT to, hence the "Federal Insurance CONTRIBUION Act," the FICA tax.
When you turn 65, do you have to sign up for Medicare?
My husband is younger than I am and plans to keep working for several more years. I'm covered on his plan and would like to keep that coverage. What happens if I just ignore the birthday (ha ha ha) and don't sign up for Medicare? 3 years ago Report Abuse .
Old Guy
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker
You don't have to sign up if you don't want to, BUT, and this is a big BUT, you'd better check into it to make sure you are not shooting yourself in the foot by not signing up on time. The penalty for screwing up is ending up having to pay an additional 10% penalty for each year you are late in starting. The current premium for Part B (for the year 2009) is $96.40 per month.
The second "BUT" to take into consideration (and this could be a good one for you) is that in your particular case, you might not have to sign up for Medicare at age 65. And if you don't have to, you "most likely" won't be penalized that 10% more for each year you wait beyond age 65. And I say "most likely" because even though common sense tells me you "won't" have to pay a penalty; with the government, it's always wise to ask whether you've interpreted their written word correctly. If you make assumptions that are not correct, and later ask them to be understanding, you could find yourself greatly disappointed.
The third "BUT" is that you or your husband (or both) need to talk about this with someone at your husband's employer's human resources department to find out how his employer handles their insurance program, and then determine from that whether it would be better for you to sign up for Medicare or not. It's different with each employer. You need to have them explain it to you or your husband (or both). If they won't do that, you need to get the documentation from them and try to figure it out yourself, or get an insurance attorney to figure it out for you. The expense of the attorney will most likely be more than worth it.
In the mean time, go to the link below to find out what Medicare has to say about all of this at the Social Security Administration's website. Links are pasted below.
4. At this questions page, click on question #14, which is "Is there an increase in premiums if I enroll in Medicare after age 65 and what is a special enrollment period (SEP)?" Doing that will take you here: http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.…
5. On this answer page, you'll find out about the 10% penalty some people have to pay for each year they wait beyond age 65 to sign up. At the bottom of this page you'll also see information about exceptions to the rules. Read the 3 short two-line paragraphs located after the word "EXCEPTION." I think you'll agree that your particular situation will exempt you from having to sign up for Medicare at age 65. But whether taking advantage of not signing up for Medicare at age 65 is a good idea or not will depend on what you find out from your employer. Also at the bottom of this page is a link to the SEP (Special Enrollment Period) publication. You might want to click on that to see what that has to say. But I think that the biggie is to talk to your husband's employer to find out what they have to say. If they are helpful, you'll be equiped to make a smart decision. If you can't figure it out, and they won't explain it for you (maybe because they don't understand it either) consider going to an insurance lawyer to have him figure it out for you. The lawyer will need a copy of the insurance paperwork from you. To me, going to a lawyer if necessary would be worth it. That's because a lawyer most likely wouldn't charge you more than 4 or maybe 8 hours of work (a day's pay) to put your mind at ease. And that's a lot cheaper than it might end up costing you if you make a mistake. Remember that Medicare will be charging you those penalties for the rest of your life. And that can add up to much more than one day's pay for an attorney.
When reading your question, I got he impression that you have a sense of humor, and I like that in a person. I wouldn't want the government to steal that pretty smile off your face--so be careful and make sure you understand where you stand with them, because when it comes to money, they can be pretty cold. And if there's one thing they love to say, it's "Ignorance of the law is no excuse."
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
same thing as having a DOH survey...they start off their speech with(in authority), "...since you have VOLUNTARILY participate in a medicare payment program....blah blah blah...."
it's an F'EN JOKE....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Years ago two organizations began working in tandem to provide quality healthcare to a large group of people; medical insurance AARP United Health Care is now a powerful team, offering important health care coverage to a large group of seniors. United Healthcare offers several suitable health care options to AARP members including programs designed specifically for Medicare.
AARP
AARP is the largest organization within the United States designed to represent and assist people aged 50 and older. Many seniors turn to AARP as a trusted resource when it comes to issues like health care. Membership into AARP not only gives seniors a larger cumulative voice, but it also offers members generous discounts on a variety of services.
United Health Care
United Health Care is a medical insurance provider that has been in business for almost thirty years. This company is one of the more respected and recognized health insurance companies within the United States in addition to serving some international markets. United Health Care boasts several million members within their network of care.
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Medical Insurance AARP United Health Care Information
Medical insurance AARP United Health Care includes more than one option for members. Some offerings available through the combined efforts of these companies include: •Medicare RX Plans are available through AARP, provided by United Health Care. This plan can potentially save members a substantial amount of money on prescription refills. •Personal Health Insurance Plans are available through AARP and underwritten by United Health Care in a limited number of states. Members can obtain health insurance coverage that is potentially much less expensive than if it was purchased without AARP membership. •Discounted medical supplies are available to AARP members through Prescription Solutions, which is a company run by United Health Care. Medical products discounted through this program include supplies for both Diabetes testing and respiratory products.
Seniors who struggle with paying for medical services - whether doctor visits, supplies, or prescription medicine - may find that the programs offered through AARP and United Health Care allow them to save quite a bit of money in medical expenses. AARP members who do not currently carry medical insurance may want to take a closer look at this plan because it may make necessary medical expenses more affordable. AARP members who are eligible for Medicare benefits can also save some money using one of the plans offered through these companies.
Find More Information
For more information regarding AARP United Health Care insurance, visit either the AARP website or the site for United Health Care. •The website features information regarding the programs offered alongside United Health Care in addition to some of the other valuable programs and discounts available to AARP members: ◦Dental insurance ◦Long term care insurance ◦Vision insurance
•The United Health Care website features information regarding special AARP programs in addition to a wide variety of other valuable information: ◦General health insurance information ◦Health information ◦Assistance in choosing an appropriate health insurance plan
Both websites allow visitors to contact representatives through the sites in addition to offering phone number contacts for potential customers who prefer to do business over the phone.
Membership Required
Although you do not have to be an AARP member in order to obtain health insurance coverage through United Health Care, the specific programs designed for AARP members are only available to members. United Health Care existing customers cannot expect to receive comparable discounts without first joining AARP. Membership into AARP is relatively inexpensive and includes the many discounts available to members. Discounted health care insurance is merely one of the many discounted products and services available to members of AARP. The combination of AARP and United Health Care equals a superior health insurance product at a discounted price.
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
We thought that AARP’s position on universal health care was peculiar, so we began to look into what others voices were saying. Here is a very interesting sample, compiled by UP board member Trude Diamond.
Section Title: VOICES YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD ON MEDICARE
JOHN HESS, HEALTH WRITER [Note from Trude: A NYT reporter who died in 2005 -- no mention of what exactly his "once again" refers to, obviously not HB 676] – “Once again, the AARP has stabbed America’s elderly in the back. For more than 30 years now, it’s been held up as a scarecrow – a monster representing 35 million greedy geezers. . . Briefly, the AARP is not a league of the elderly, but a marketing agency with a shady past. It peddles insurance, travel, advertising, and anything else it can get its hands on. It has a mailing list – not a membership – of 35 million customers. If you turn 50, they’ll try to get your name on it. It calls itself an ‘association’ and goes through the motions in an effort to dodge taxes and commercial mailing rates, and it’s been in constant trouble with the IRS and the Postal Service.”
2. AARP to Reap Huge Profits from Flawed Medicare Drug Bill
Senior’s Group Makes $163 Million Annually on Insurance Sales
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) derives significant income from the sale of health and life insurance policies, and stands to make hundreds of millions more under the Medicare Prescription Drug bill now being debated before Congress. Yet the AARP’s financial interests in the bill have received scant attention.
The AARP’s current insurance-related revenues come in several streams.
1- They receive royalties from “AARP” insurance policies marketed to their members by United Healthcare, MetLife and others. Last year these royalties amounted to $123.283 million.
2- They receive list access fees from insurance firms that market to their membership. In 2002, such fees totaled $10.794 million.
3- AARP receives “Quality Control fees” from insurers that amounted to $893,000 last year.
4- AARP also earns investment income on the premiums received from members until such premiums are forwarded to United Healthcare and MetLife. In 2002, AARP earned $26.708 million in such investment income.
2007 AARP Statements and External Comments
Trude’s preview: AARP’s forward-thinking opening volley in Jan 2007 was soon followed by business as usual statements and actions.
If you are pressed for time, skip right to Item #8 at the end. If you want to more fully understand the context with a bit of history, read all the items.
AARP has partnered with for-profit insurers (United Health and Aetna), while stating AARP would use its bargaining power to get the best benefits package for the lowest prices for its members. (1) What if you’re too young to join AARP but still uninsured? (2) As an AARP member, I priced its offering for me when I got fired in June, and found that its health insurance through United Health-the same company I’m already insured by through my former employer-had higher deductibles and higher premiums than continuing my employer’s coverage at full cost to myself through COBRA. Pathetic!
The public has no idea what is coming down the pike.....hospitalists will 'service' us like dogs at the vet....nursing homes will become the beds that hospitals used to have.....but there will be no medical durable equipement there and your choice to go to the hospital for treatment will cause you to lose your bed....however,,,,,united healthcare/AARP will pay to keep your bed after they decide to keep you at the nursing home almost until you are dead before sending you to the hospital(that's Atlas Shrugged for ya)......
BTW a 55 year old friend of mine had an MI a couple months ago, was put on coumadin(blood thinner) as per usual treatment. He went golfing 3 weeks ago, hit his head on the top of the golf cart getting out and complained of a head ache for 1 week. His wife finally convinced him to go to the hospital. They told him it was stress and to go home. He then returned via his wife's insistance (she's a nurse). She demanded a CT of his head. They told her to stop wasting medical resources. She stood her ground. He had the CT and BINGO! a big fat bleed that had to be evacuated. It has also been growing an infection. This was at Ellis Hospital.
CAN I GET A RAH! RAH! FOR THE BERGER COMMISION AND NATIONAL HEALTHCARE......equalization DOES NOT equal quality......
so keep chanting how it's someone else's responsibility to manage your healthcare.......go ahead....maybe by then it will be legal for the docs to hand you a pistol too
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Business First , Business First Date: Monday, December 5, 2005, 8:23am EST - Last Modified: Monday, December 5, 2005, 8:23am EST..
Related: Health Care. . . . . .
Related News •2-1/2 minutes with Ronald Papa •Most business groups leery of the ‘millionaire surtax’ •UB med grad addresses primary care at P2 event •TLC Health adding Hanover office •Health insurers fight for rate hike "trade secrets" . A coalition promoting e-technology in the region's health care industry is applying for state funding that could speed an electronic health record for Western New York.
The Health Care Information Coordinating Council is among the bidders for a piece of the $54 million pot made available by Albany for the development of electronic health records, or other projects that will help providers share clinical data in cyberspace.
Replacing all those paper medical files on the shelves of doctors' offices and in hospital storage rooms with a computer-based system that can communicate between providers would make health care more safe and efficient, supporters say.
The money is part of the state Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law, known as HEAL NY, which is infusing $1 billion in capital grants in New York's health care industry. Phase I of the program is addressing development of electronic health records, or other clinical data-sharing projects.
Deadline for applications was Nov. 30 for grants to be given in January. Awards could be given to more than one applicant in a region and will be based on population served. Successful applicants must match the award amount.
The program has potential to deliver significant dollars to back up the work of the coalition, a group of six organizations representing the hospital systems, health insurers, physicians and others that came together earlier this year.
Each member organization had been pursuing separate electronic initiatives, overlapping or paralleling the others' projects and competing for scarce funding in the process.
The groups decided that coordinating their work would be a more efficient way of moving toward a "shared vision and broad plan" for an electronic health record in the region, said Kenneth Rogers, a consultant hired to work with the council. As a unified group, the members are identifying common areas of interest, but haven't relinquished their own projects and initiatives in the process, Rogers added.
The members consider the council as the hub organization for any e-health initiative in the region. Since coming together, the council received a $270,000 federal grant for planning and development of an electronic record linking providers, Rogers said.
The state grant is being pursued by Western New York HealtheNet, a council member that has established an electronic system allowing doctors offices to communicate with health insurers regarding claims and eligibility. HealtheNet is supported by each of the major health insurers and hospital systems serving the Buffalo region.
The other council members are: the Western New York Public Health Alliance Inc., composed of public health officers from each of the western counties; the University at Buffalo; the Buffalo Academy of Medicine; Upstate New York Professional Healthcare Information and Education Demonstration, or UNYPHIED; and the Lake Plains Community Care Network.
"The ultimate goal is an electronic health record across Western New York. Getting the major players together is a big first step," said Tak Nobumoto, vice president of UNYPHIED.
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Health care workers in upstate New York plan to roll out an electronic prescribing initiative and electronic credentialing system for physicians, Business First of Buffalo reports. The Upstate New York Professional Healthcare Information and Education Demonstration, or UNYPHIED, hopes to get financial support from the private sector for the initiative because a request for electronic medical records was eliminated in last year's federal budget request.
"Even without funding, we can't lose the impetus," said Gina Fedele, UNYPHIED's co-chair. "We have to more forward. We have to call upon payers and big businesses, who really pay for health care."
UNYPHIED also is considering an electronic credentialing system that would enable physicians to file one form to be included on an HMO's provider panel, to provide applications for hospital privileges and to be included in a local database for regional emergencies, Business First of Buffalo reports. The group in March plans to propose a pharmaceutical prescription system for the area's physicians (Franczyk, Business First of Buffalo, 1/17).
The Appeals Court for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a lower court ruling that had found it constitutional to require Americans to buy healthcare insurance coverage by early 2014 or face a penalty and had dismissed a lawsuit challenging it.
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. John Kenneth Galbraith
"Arguing with liberals is like playing chess with a pigeon; no matter how good I am at chess, the pigeon is just going to knock out the pieces, crap on the board, and strut around like it is victorious." - Author Unknown
I find it hard to believe that the government can use the interstate commerce clause to force you to buy health insurance when that clause was originally passed to regulate goods shipped between states.
I see it from the inside....and there is NO equalization.....just tearing down....won't Dennis Hopper and his friends be disa-F'EN-pointed.......schmucks....better make a nest egg with Kim Kardashian you idiot...oh wait...you're F'EN wrinkly and old....like the rest of us......IDIOT!!!!!
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
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