Can you folks explain why the cuts in Medicare?

[SeeHopeWin]

I am a Medicare provider...We get 80% of our income from Medicare patients...I laways understood that Dems. would in fact raise reimbursement rates...etc. We suffered multiple cuts in pay under the asshole Bush, I worked so hard to get Obama elected BECAUSE his policies would be good to providers like us. I know Obama dislikes the HMO/Advantage plans, we do too!!! But why cut straight Medicare rates? I am confused?

[tosh]

1. I'll probably be corrected on this but....

it's my understanding that the cuts will be in reimbursements to INS cos re: Part D.

Edited to add: Hopefully PBM's as well.

[cap]

2. also... the government subsidy to Medicare "Advantage" program

which didn't provide anything to the elderly any how.

[FlaGranny]

4. It sure DOES provide

benefits to the elderly. I have one of those programs. Checkups, medications cost me NOTHING. I see a specialist for $15.00. Everything else is much, much cheaper than straight Medicare. If I lose the Medicare Advantage, I will have to go on straight Medicare because I can't afford a supplemental. After that, I would probably not be able to see the doctor until I was really sick because of the up front deductibles and copays that Medicare requires. Why do you say that the Advantage program doesn't provide anything to the elderly?

[Demeter]

3. Furthermore, Obama Cancelled the 21% Cut to Providers

Which the GOP Congress was always passing and then rebating, like it was their gift to hospitals and doctors....

[Hieronymus]

5. Part D is a damn joke.