Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Paul, you might have mentioned this article is from the New York Post, which tends toward tabloid journalism and fake news. I also googled Betsy McCaughey and there were many unfavorable things said about her. One article called her a "misinformer".

Gerd Eysser

Reading those two articles is something that was easily predicted. Those are some of the reasons I quit AARP. Their support of Obama and Obamacare.  They were more interested in supporting Obama than they were about supporting their members. They knew that Medicare was going to get cut but didn't care. But the average American is so low information, they bought the story told them by Obama and his minions and the media never asked the tough questions at the time.  The voters voted and now they must pay (Ed Koch).  The lack of knowledge of voters these days is astonishing. All for the sake of "making history".   By their own admission, this administration knowingly lied about obamacare to get it passed and even 'bribed' senators with special incentives for their states (Nebraska and Louisiana).  What was the net gain of insured compared to those whose premiums and deductibles went up significantly?  

Jeff Chivers

In answer to Paul's question per his post of the article Obama is Gutting Medicare -

From my industry perspective I have noted the impact the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) has had on Medicare in the form of increasing costs, less access to coverage (a decrease in the numbers of doctors and treatment facilities that accept Medicare), fewer approved treatment options and increased regulations/red tape making it more difficult and costly for care givers to treat Medicare patients. At present, these impacts seem to be more pronounced in other parts of the country where healthcare costs are higher (particularly the northeast & west coast) but we're not immune here in the intermountain area.  

It's pretty much acknowledged as a "given" that Obamacare was instituted as a stepping stone on the road to a "single payer" health care delivery system in this country; where private healthcare and Medicare will eventually be brought together as a government mandated and controlled form of "socialized medicine" as practiced in many other countries. Many in our country believe that would be a good thing, with others not keen at the prospect of the reduction in quality of care, delays in treatment and much higher taxes typically experienced by those in nations with socialized medicine. Needless to say, the outcome of the coming presidential election will greatly impact the future course of healthcare in the U.S.. 

Respecting our need to "deal with things as they are" at present, within the next week or two I'll be posting a few more Medicare enrollment insights, including cost-saving tips in selecting a plan.  

STAY TUNED!!!    

Paul Michelsen

Thank you, Jeff

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Here's some more reading for you:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2016/06/22/what-paul-ryans-latest-health-proposal-would-mean-for-seniors/#2f4ee0f85f39

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Gerd Eysser

Thanks Jeff. Given your good explanation, why would the AARP have supported a plan that increases costs and reduces accessibility. I have my theory but will share those privately.   One of the first questions my wife was asked when she was having her knee scoped, was her age.  She specifically asked if it had to do with Medicare    The lady confessed that it did because the doc is reducing Medicare patients.  So who, in reality, was throwing granny off the cliff?  Seniors are as uninformed as the general population and expected the AARP to do their thinking for them.  smh

Gerd Eysser

Jeff, what is the rationale for people supporting a system that  provides for reduction in quality of care, delays in treatment and much higher taxes?  More smh

Dale Charlie Salazar

I guess I'm just a people person on Obamacare.  17.6 million people are enrolled, 5% of the population.  Mostly these are middle to low income people who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford medical insurance.  I know full well about this as I lost six friends to illness two years ago, all were working people, some retirement age still working but didn't make enough for the copays or supplimental coverage for Medicare.

Some of us had opportunities for coverage that many never had, just like so many other opportunities in America.  Should we just let them die or should we pay a little more in taxes to help save thier lives?  Sort of like the idea is good as long as it doesn't negatively affect me.

Besdies, after they get so sick they can't work anylonger they end up on Medicaid anyway.  A man I know could not afford the Coumadin, he had a stroke and now he lives in a nursing home on our dime as a Medicaid patient.

Jeff Chivers

You're right Chuck about the role of Medicaid in Healtcare.   

The way healthcare is structured at present, Medicaid (state funded programs with added funding by the Federal government)  is the ultimate safety net for those without sufficient income or assets to cover their medical expenses.  Medicare enrollees may also participate in Medicaid - low income individuals who meet certain criteria who are unable to cover the costs of their copays/costs for doctors, hospitals and/or prescription drugs. These Medicare/Medicaid recipients are classified as being "Dual Eligible".  There are also programs outside of Medicaid such as "Extra Help" that assists qualified low income individuals with their prescription drug costs.

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

I shot a few cool videos at the Warriors over the Wasatch Air Show yesterday but I can't figure out how to load a personal video.

Great show! Did anyone else go?

Gary Bell

 And on a lighter note yesterday I just became the grandfather of twin girls,"1" at5lb the other at 5.3 lb!one 19in. and 18in with lots of dark hair.!!  Gary

Linda Larsen (White)

Congratulations Gary, you must be very proud!  How many grandchildren is this for you?  I hope they and mama are doing well.

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Congratulations, Grandpa Gary!

Dale Charlie Salazar

Kudos Bell.  You deserve Granddaughters.

Suzanne Peel (Felt)

Congratulations on twin granddaughters Gary.  What a joy!

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Jan Wilde

The closer I get to my 65th birthday the more nervous I've become about Medicare options. I think I know what I am supposed to be doing but I've heard there are so many "tricks to the trade" that I've begun to wonder. 

I'd read some of the information messages Jeff Chivers had posted on this website, but quite frankly I still had questions that pertained to my particular situation so I decided to give him a call. And I am so glad I did! 

Jeff took the time to personalize and explain the Medicare options specifically applicable to me.  He walked me through when, where and how to sign up.  I know I won't miss any deadlines since he's also set up a time to review and help me complete my Medicare Supplement application when it's actually time to do so.  I now feel secure about the process, and the timeline I need to follow. 

I wrote this message because I can't thank Jeff enough for the assistance he has provided me. There are comparatively few people out there who know the rules and little details about Medicare that will make such a big difference in the way we will live the rest of our lives. 

He knows how to jump through the hoops of Medicare.  He can provide critical information concerning all those confusing coverage options from which we have to choose. Believe me, not one size fits all, and Jeff is well informed and so willing to help anyone in our class and/or their spouse in working through all this "red tape."  He does so without cost and without pressure of any kind. 

My recommendation is that if you are looking for someone with a heck of a lot of knowledge about Medicare and the accompanying coverage options you should give Jeff a call at: 801-712-8448 jfchivers@hotmail.com

Good luck to us all!

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

I'll second that, Jan!

Frank Milner

65, Wow who ever thought it would get here so fast.  Jeff is a great asset for all of us to have access too.

Jeff my date is December 24th.  Yes I was a great Christmas Present 65 years ago.  I will be getting with you in a few months!

Have a happy summer everyone and be safe!  Love you all!

Frank

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Paul Michelsen

Linda Larsen (White)

Very powerful Paul, and timely!  We take a great deal for granted.  Hopefully, we will think often, and give thanks for the extreme sacrifices that have been made in order for us to enjoy the freedoms that are ours.  --Linda

Dale Charlie Salazar

I've been an acitivist most of my life and for many years was angry at the immigrants who stole the land from my Native ancestors and murdered most of them.

At the same time my family has always been there when called.  I'm told we had a great great who fought in the Mexican war, on the US side.  I also had an Uncle in the 8th Cav during WWI in Europe, four Uncles in WW2 with numerous Cousins.  Two Brothere in Korea and three in Vietnam.  All five of us proudly served in the military.

Politics aside there comes a time to stand and fight with Pride and Dignity.

As an aside there was a recent photo from the Salt Lake City Mayor's office about diversity on the team.

 Moana Uluave Hafoka, Nate Salazar, Jacob Fitisemanu Jr., Rita Love, Hildegard Koenig andLouisa Tulimalefo'i Sitala.

I don't think there was ever a time that this many non traditionals worked in the Mayor's office.  I'm honored my son has earned this opportunity.

Charlotte Warr (Andersen)

Cool Video, Paul! Who did the video? Nice drumwork! Is the vantage point Olympus Cove? And did everyone notice that yucky layer of smoke that built up over the valley?