Nov 4, 2009 5:51 pm US/Central
Reality Check: Ad Targets Medicare Advantage
(WCCO)
As the health care debate heats up again, it's hard to miss the onslaught of TV ads, pro and con.
That includes an ad produced by the insurance industry aimed at thousands of Minnesota seniors. The ad targets Minnesota seniors who use Medicare Advantage.
The facts are technically true, but they are manipulated in a way that makes the entire commercial deceptive.
"Most people agree that we need to reform health care," the ad says. "But is it right to ask 10 million seniors on Medicare Advantage for more than their fair share?"
That's MISLEADING.
Thirty-two percent of Minnesota seniors use
Medicare Advantage. It allows them to pick private health plans of HMOs that provide Medicare services that usually include
extra benefits and lower co-payments.
That's NOT THE WHOLE STORY.
The privately-run Advantage plans were supposed to be more cost-effective than government-run Medicare. But
private insurers actually charge the government more; 14 percent more per patient than what Medicare typically pays providers.
And that's
raised Medicare premiums for everyone else.
"Congress is proposing over $100 billion in cuts to Medicare Advantage," the ad continues. "The non-partisan Congressional Budget office says many seniors will see cuts in benefits."
Again, technically true, but a DISTORTION.
The health care bill cuts back subsidies to Medicare Advantage over 10 years, making payments the same for
all seniors on Medicare.
The question is: Will private insurance companies cut benefits?
"And Minnesota is hit hard," the ad concludes. "Call your senators. Tell them we need health care reform that protects seniors."
Here's what you NEED TO KNOW.
Private insurers could cut unprofitable Medicare Advantage benefits, like free eye exams. But even if seniors leave the program, they will always get at least the
same number of benefits as everyone else on Medicare.
That's the law.
And that's Reality Check.
To check the resources for this Reality Check, click on the links below.
Medicare Advantage Fact Sheet
Medicare Advantage Plans
The Commonwealth Fund: The Continuing Cost Of Privatization
U.S. GAO: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage not all that advantageous for seniors, government
AHIP on the Attack: 50 Percent of What?
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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