Relevant and even prescient commentary on news, politics and the economy.

2025 Medicare Advantage Advance Notice: Small Changes, Missed Opportunities

Pretty much a rewrite to provide simpler reading and a better understanding for readers. My rewrite did not make it much shorter. It is taken from a recent 2025 Health Affairs article. The main thrust of this article being commercial Medicare Advantage insurance companies taking advantage of government payments for healthcare to Medicare patients. The […]

Getting the Truth on Medicare Advantage Plans v Traditional Medicare

I think MA growth should be slowed or stopped, at least until we end the extraordinarily high subsidies for MA plans, which are unfair to traditional Medicare and burdensome to the public treasury and many beneficiaries. Many beneficiaries can get better care for themselves and greater choice through traditional Medicare,

‘Hell No’: Trump Allies’ Plan to Privatize Medicare Draws Alarm and Outrage

It never ends as commercial interests keep trying to horn in on healthcare for the old geezers like myself. Except, it is not person related healthcare. It is related to the size of your wallet. More on Medicare Advantage by Jake Johnson at Common Dreams. ~~~~~~~~ A right-wing coalition’s proposal to make Medicare Advantage the […]

Medicare for All or Medicare for Wall Street Profits?

Ran across two articles on conservatives, a presidential candidate, and the US Gov. pushing people towards Medicare Advantage plans. I thought I could combine both articles on one post using snippets of information from each. It was too exhausting to do so. I will keep them separate and write each independent of the other. Since […]

Medicare Advantage Draft Letter making the Rounds in the Senate

Once again, there are efforts being made in the US Senate urging Senators to support Medicare Advantage plans. The facts against Medicare Advantage being beneficial for seniors have been stated over and over again by Kip Sullivan, myself, and others as well. PNHP President has authored a counter letter to the Senate explaining some of […]

Choosing FFS Medicare after Enrolling in Medicare Advantage Plans

After doing some quick scanning of articles on the topic of Medicare Advantage plan disenrollment, I found many leave Medicare Advantage because of complex healthcare conditions. Either a change in health leading to such or an inability to get the care they need. Medicare Advantage plans notoriously deny care as a method to delay care […]

AI Algorithm allegedly leads to Medicare Advantage Denial of Claims

Industry has been talking about AI (Artificial Intelligence) for a while now. And of course, industry has been looking to reduce the amount of labor input with AI. Having used computerized systems such as MRPII, ERP, etc., I have always followed the wisdom of people such as Oliver Wight and George Plossl. The system is […]

Fee For Service Medicare Part D Price Increases

I am late on the draw for this information on Medicare. Been busy with other issues. Had dinner last night at VA’ Bene, a restaurant in Chandler which is not too far from us. An older couple joined us afterwards as we were sipping some Chianti. The heat finally got to this couple and they […]

2022 Overpayment to Medicare Advantage? Somewhere between 22% and 35%

Maybe $88 billion and $140 billion will get your attention? Congress does not blink an eye at this expenditure. Received an email from PNHP’s Kip Sullivan who is knowledgeable on Single Payer and Medicare Advantage healthcare plans. Whenever he writes an article, he sends me an email so Angry Bear can be first in line […]

Medicare Advantage Artificial Intelligence can Limit Care for Patients

At Angry Bear, we have one person and his wife using a KFF Medicare Advantage plan. He reports good to excellent care being the result of the KFF plan. Potentially there still can be cost issue even with KFF plans. This commentary by KFF Health News is about Medicare Advantage plans in general. Read on. […]