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2016

That was then. Now that Trump is president-elect, enter Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, who has long proposed privatizing Medicare, and now has not only Republican majorities in the Senate and House but a Republican president to presumably sign legislation passed by his party.

Paul Ryan wants to Trump Medicare as we know it

November 19, 2016 – Back in May 2015, Donald Trump promised, "I'm not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid." That was then. Now that Trump is president-elect,… Read more

For the thousands of Americans who turn 65 each day, Medicare coverage is – in most cases – a long-awaited and welcomed healthcare safety net. But recently, an increasing number of beneficiaries have been raising an outcry about Medicare coverage they received – but never asked for.

Avoiding ‘seamless conversion’ to a Medicare plan

October 26, 2016 – For the thousands of Americans who turn 65 each day, Medicare coverage is – in most cases – a long-awaited and welcomed healthcare… Read more

Well, I can tell you, this Health Wonk Review really is unbelievable … a luxurious collection of health blogging from some terrific contributors. (And I’ll say this: They love me.)

Health Wonk Review for July 21, 2016

July 21, 2016 – I can tell you, this Health Wonk Review really is unbelievable … a luxurious collection of health blogging from some terrific… Read more

To make sense of the dizzying array of Medicare plan choices, millions rely on SHIP, a federal program that provides free, unbiased insurance counseling and information about Medicare coverage. That program is now in jeopardy of being dismantled.

End of SHIP would leave beneficiaries lost at sea

July 11, 2016 – To make sense of the dizzying array of Medicare plan choices, millions rely on SHIP, a federal program that provides free, unbiased… Read more

MedPAC recently told Congress that Part D could work better for some consumers – and the panel has recommended big changes. Some of those impacted – poorer and very ill Medicare members – could benefit tremendously from changes that limit or altogether eliminate out-of-pocket costs in certain circumstances.

Proposed changes to Part D are long overdue

July 8, 2016 – MedPAC recently told Congress that Part D could work better for some consumers – and the panel has recommended big changes. Some of those… Read more

Martin O'Malley has an idea that saves American businesses and households billions, improves health, and doesn't cost taxpayers a dime – and despite our current hyper-partisan politics, it actually could stand a chance of passing.

O’Malley is out; his Medicare plan shouldn’t be

May 26, 2016 – Martin O'Malley has an idea that saves American businesses and households billions, improves health, and doesn't cost taxpayers a dime –… Read more

it seemed pretty obvious that almost without exception, our Health Wonk Review contributors this week were seeing dollar signs and thus, my theme.

Health Wonk Review for February 11, 2016

February 11, 2016 – But it seemed pretty obvious that most of our Health Wonk Review contributors this week were seeing dollar signs and thus, my… Read more