Question about Medicare

[OwnedByFerrets]

I am probably thinking too simplistically about this issue. I tend to do that on occasion.

Why is our current medicare program NOT discriminatory against those who are not "eligible"? Why is it that ONLY older people are eligible to be covered by this program?
Is it simply because its the way the laws are written? Is there more to it?

I still believe the best answer for the democrats is MEDICARE FOR ALL.

Medicare is like the military in that its a sacred cow. NO ONE dares to speak ill of it. Well, no one with half a brain speaks ill of it. Even repugs would be reticent to poopoo Medicare.

[BonnieJW]

1. I don't understand why we can't BUY into Medicare.

I would gladly pay my current insurance premium to Medicare. It's true insurance - you can't be dropped, there are no pre-existing conditions, everything is covered. Wouldn't it pay for itself if everyone who could pay, paid a fare premium? Young and healthy people would balance out all the chronic and older people.

[pinto]

4. I'd support that. n/t

[alsame]

5. Exactly. It solves the coverage problem and keeps Medicare solvent. nt

[MISSDem]

7. My primary care doctor will take

no new Medicare patients.

[Better BeLIEve Bull]

2. Medicare for All is a great idea

[pinto]

3. It was written into law that way. To cover those over 65 (presumed to be not working / retired) and

the disabled. I'd love to see a gradual expansion of eligibility. A number of ideas have been floated of late. The simplest being reducing age eligibility to 55, then reducing it to 45, etc. etc. over time. The stickler, of course, is cost.

[WePurrsevere]

6. I'm on Medicare due to a disability..

I'd love to see it expanded and have dental and optical added on as well. It's not a perfect program but it's a whole lot better then nothing.

[ChiciB1]

8. I Too Am On Medicare Due To Disability, But For Some Reason...

and I think it's because we're a UNION family, I DO have optical and dental care with mine. I'm having a ptygerium removed from my eye tomorrow and all I have to pay is $88.00! My insurance is 90/10, meaning that I have to pay the 10%. But that's only for optical. Dental is a little different, kind of a 50/50 when it comes to root canals and caps. But general dental is just a co-pay, cleaning is free.

For other medical procedures it's basically my co-pay. $5.00 for Primary Care and $20.00 for Specialists. I we have Health Care Reform, and I think it's sorely needed, I believe I'm one of those who will probably have to pay more than I do now. I can't say for sure, it really depends on what "deal" the Union makes.

I've told my husband that he doesn't have to worry about me divorcing him because I don't want to lose my health care!! It's a joke, but I DO consider myself better off when it comes to our health care. I have to pay the monthly $96.40, which goes up each year... still not a bad deal.

And for all the "hoopla" about getting your doctor of choice, well 2 of mine were part of my choice so I never switched. I also have 118 participating Primary Care doctors in my area to choose from right now!