The debate between Medicare for all is a hot topic in today’s United States. Most people have a very simplistic thought on why it should be around or why it shouldn’t pass through Congress. I will try and break it down from a licensed Medicare supplement insurance agent’s perspective. What this means is that I do this on a day-to-day basis and understand the system more than most “regular” people. I will try and be as unbiased as possible and give you just the facts. Although that is hard to do because we all have our opinions, I will do my best.
I have been a Medicare supplement insurance agent for over 10 years. I have dealt with thousands of people who are going onto Medicare for the first time and some that are already on Medicare and looking for better Medicare supplemental insurance. Let me break down Medicare in a simplistic form. Medicare is for people who are 65 and older and people who have been disabled for 24 months and beyond. There are over 61 million people receiving Medicare benefits in 2021. Between Medicare and Medicaid, the spending in 2021 will be above 1.2 trillion dollars. The largest expense of the federal government surpasses Social security checks and National defense. This is why this is a hot topic. Don’t let all of these numbers sway you in any direction, these are just facts.
Medicare for all Pros
- Everyone is covered by health insurance
- Everyone has the same health insurance
- Sick, elderly, children and all others covered
- Hospitals and doctors don’t have to fight with insurance companies
- Drug prices go down or become free
- Companies don’t have to provide health insurance
- Simple paperwork for healthcare administration
- Promotes entrepreneurship
Medicare for all Cons
- The country loses freedom of choice
- Higher taxes
- Mediocre doctors will arise
- Longer wait times at Hospitals and doctors
- People will be careless about self-care
- A further step towards Communism or Socialism
- Won’t allow private health insurance companies to compete (Capitalism)
- Higher Medicare fraud
- Massive layoffs and less motivated workers
- US debt rises astronomically
As you can see the lists are long on both sides of the fight. My one question is why don’t they come up with a system like a school system? You have public schools and you have private schools. All children are educated but if you want to send your kid to a private school because of certain beliefs or you feel you will get better care you can. The world will never be fair, let’s face it. Those who think that way are dreaming. And in a capitalist society, there has to be some freedom of choice. Without it, we would be shredding our constitution. But, maybe there is a way that both sides win. I’m not sure if that is possible, but it’s worth taking a look at. I have been a small business owner, investor, and entrepreneur for over 10 years. I have paid for my own healthcare for over 15 years and I like to run my own life. I do realize everyone should be able to get healthcare but do we have to take away our freedom of choice to give that to them? I don’t know but with this heated topic, I’m sure someday we will find out.
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