Dear Politician: Just What Is “Medicare For All”?

By Marc Manor

As we prepare ourselves for the onslaught of political rhetoric associated with the 2020 presidential and Congressional campaigns, we have all heard the term “Medicare for All” as a means to fix our healthcare system.  I must admit, the more I hear the talk about Medicare for All, the more questions I have.  As an insurance agent who works to place Medicare beneficiaries into appropriate coverage, I can tell you that most people I talk to do not really understand our current Medicare system when they become eligible.  Based on much of what I have heard from politicians, it seems to me they also don’t understand Medicare.

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I should disclose, I do have some personal interest in how Medicare for All would come to be.  Obviously, if commercial insurance companies were cut out your proposed system, me and thousands (if not millions) of people would have to find a new livelihood.  Having said that, I would support any functional system of healthcare over what we have now for people not eligible for Medicare.

Why You Can Rest Easy After Being F'd

By Marc Manor

Usually if you find yourself thinking you've been “F'd” it has a negative connotation; however in the Medicare Supplement world, being “F'd” can leaving you with the ultimate feeling of safety and security when it comes to your healthcare. This is because being “F'd” for the purpose of this article, means you have a Medicare Supplement Plan F. Medicare Supplement or “Medigap” Plan F provides comprehensive coverage and provides maximum flexibility when it comes to your use of medical facilities and providers under Medicare.

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Medicare Supplement Insurance is used in conjunction with Original Medicare. This means if you are using Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement, you have access to any provider or facility that accepts Medicare. Original Medicare pays about 80% of most covered services and Medicare Supplements help pay for those costs not covered. Plan F is comprehensive and will fill the many of the gaps where Medicare leaves you with that 20%. This can be a significant benefit, especially with the high cost of healthcare these days. Let's break down the standard benefits of Plan F: