Are Alternative Medicare Plans Reducing Costs?

Private Medicare Advantage plans will be paid an average 12.4% more per enrollee in 2008 than the same enrollee would have cost in the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program, according to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund. I wanted to post this report to inform the public of the continued debate over the course of Medicare. In any study, one should question the calculations that are used to determine the results. I, personally, like the fact that seniors have a choice in receiving their healthcare insurance. The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 has attempted to bring Medicare into today's behaviors and mindset. As the financial impact is calculated and debated, continue to be aware of these issues. Seniors can have a louder voice when informed about the issues. Take time to educate yourself or risk allowing others to make your decisions for you.

Study of Trends in Health Insurance

A new report from the Employee Benefit Research Institute examines trends in health insurance coverage and the factors that affect coverage, including the strength of the economy. "While the percentage of the non-elderly population with employment-based health benefits was unchanged between 2006 and 2007, and the percentage with public coverage increased, resulting in a decrease in the uninsured, this should not be viewed as an indicator of things to come in 2008," the authors note. "As compared with 2007, unemployment was higher in 2008, meaning fewer individuals will have access to health insurance through a job, and gas and food prices were higher, meaning more individuals will have to choose between health insurance coverage and basic necessities."