Don't Believe the Lies. Vote to Support Health Care Reform.

Don't Believe the Lies. Vote to Support Health Care Reform.

"I urge all AFSCME retirees to spread the word that the new health care
law helps seniors, and actually reduces the federal deficit over time"
said AFSCME International Pres. Gerald W. McEntee.
"The people who voted for the new law in Congress, and candidates for
Congress who proudly support it, are the direct descendents of those who
brought us Medicare in the 1960s and have fought to protect it ever
since."

Following are answers to many of the questions seniors have about the
new health care reform law, officially known as the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, and how it helps older Americans. AFSCME urges
you to share this information with your friends and neighbors. An
informed voter is a responsible voter.

Will the new' law reduce seniors' out-of-pocket costs for other
services?

YES. The new law will save money for seniors by eliminating Medicare
co-payments (currently 20 percent) for mammograms, colonoscopies and
other preventive screening services, starting in 2011. The law also
introduces a brand new preventive benefit. For the first time, Medicare
will cover annual checkups with your doctor.

Will Medicare's Part D "Donut Hole" be phased out?

YES. This year, Medicare is providing a $250 rebate for seniors who fall
into the big gap in prescription drug coverage known as the donut hole.
Next year, seniors in the donut hole will start receiving a 50 percent
discount for brand name drugs and the federal government will provide a
small subsidy to help reduce the cost of generic drugs in the donut
hole. Then, in 2013, the government will start subsidizing the purchase
of brand-name drugs for seniors in the donut hole, picking up larger and
larger portions of the cost of both brands and generics each year, until
the coverage gap is finally phased out in 2020.

What will happen to seniors in Medicare Advantage plans?

Private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are paid an average of 14 percent
more than the per-senior cost under regular Medicare. Essentially, these
private insurance plans receive $1,000 in extra federal subsidies for
every senior citizen they cover - an overpayment that has contributed to
record profits for some insurance companies. A portion of these federal
subsidies are paid out of the Part B premiums of all seniors, regardless
of whether they're in MA plans or in regular Medicare. So, as a matter
of fairness to all beneficiaries, the new health care law phases out the
overpayments to MA plans over seven years, restoring a level playing
field with regular Medicare.
The reductions in MA overpayments will help strengthen Medicare because
the money will be re-invested in the program, extending the life of
Medicare's Trust Fund by more than 12 years. And, MA plans will still
qualify for bonuses if they can show they deliver high quality services.
Nevertheless, with lower payments from Medicare, some MA plans may
decide to trim the extra benefits they offer. That will be an individual
insurance company decision. But the law says they cannot reduce any of
the essential benefits guaranteed under Medicare. Also, the new law
prohibits MA plans from charging higher co-pays than regular Medicare's.
In addition, beginning in 2014, at least 85 percent of the premiums
collected by MA, plans must be spent on benefits, than go toward company
profits and administration. These are strong protections for seniors who
participate in MA plans.

Will the law's Medicare savings reduce patient care?

NO. The new health care law produces $500 billion in Medicare savings by
phasing out the overpayments to MA plans and instituting changes to
Medicare to make it more efficient. These changes include incentives for
doctors and hospitals to coordinate a patient's care, demonstration
programs that bundle payments to hospitals and other innovations. The
law also cracks down hard on Medicare fraud.

Will the newly-insured overwhelm the system, making it hard to see a
doctor?

NO. The "exchanges" - the new state-based, subsidized insurance pools
for those who buy their own coverage - will not be up and running until
2014, so we still have a few years to prepare for the influx of new
patients. To help in the transition, the health care law provides funds
to train new primary care doctors.

Will employers still receive a federal subsidy for providing retiree
drug coverage?

YES. Employers who provide paid drug coverage to their retirees will
continue to get the subsidy they've received since 2003 (when AFSCME
made sure it was included in the Part D law). As a result, most
employers will maintain the benefits they currently offer. For private
employers, however, the new law does end the tax deductibility of the
subsidy in 2013.
Public-sector employers aren't affected by the tax change because they
don't pay federal income taxes.

What is an Insurance Exchange?

The new law establishes state-based insurance "exchanges" - marketplaces
where uninsured individuals and small businesses can compare and buy
affordable high-quality insurance plans. A variety of private insurance
options will be offered in each exchange and most participants will
qualify for federal subsidies that will significantly reduce the cost of
premiums. The new health care law requires states to have insurance
exchanges by 2014. Insurance that is sold in the exchanges must meet or
exceed certain benefit standards.

What does the new law do for early retirees?

A reinsurance fund provides $5 billion to help employers pay for the
health benefits of their retirees who are 55 to 64 years of age.
The program will reimburse employers for 80 percent of their retiree
claims in excess of $15,000 and below $90,000. Payments from the
reinsurance program will be used to lower the cost of the plan and may
be used to reduce the enrollees' share of the costs.

When will insurance companies be required to stop denying coverage to
people with pre-existing conditions?

The ban on denying coverage to adults due to a pre-existing goes into
effect in 2014 (children in 2010). There will be a temporary high-risk
insurance pool to help high-risk individuals until the ban takes effect.
In 2014, they will be able to purchase an insurance plan from their
state exchange (with subsidized premiums), with no fear of being denied
coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

Is Congress covered by the new law?
*
YES. Members of Congress and their staff, who are currently covered
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, will be required to
purchase insurance from an exchange. The new rule takes effect in 2014,
the start year for the exchanges.

On Oct 31, 11:34*am, wrote:
Don't Believe the Lies. Vote to Support Health Care Reform.

"I urge all AFSCME retirees to spread the word that the new health care
law helps seniors, and actually reduces the federal deficit over time"
said AFSCME International Pres. Gerald W. McEntee.
*"The people who voted for the new law in Congress, and candidates for
Congress who proudly support it, are the direct descendents of those who
brought us Medicare in the 1960s and have fought to protect it ever
since."

Following are answers to many of the questions seniors have about the
new health care reform law, officially known as the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, and how it helps older Americans. AFSCME urges
you to share this information with your friends and neighbors. An
informed voter is a responsible voter.

Will the new' law reduce seniors' out-of-pocket costs for other
services?

YES. The new law will save money for seniors by eliminating Medicare
co-payments (currently 20 percent) for mammograms, colonoscopies and
other preventive screening services, starting in 2011. The law also
introduces a brand new preventive benefit. For the first time, Medicare
will cover annual checkups with your doctor.

Will Medicare's Part D "Donut Hole" be phased out?

YES. This year, Medicare is providing a $250 rebate for seniors who fall
into the big gap in prescription drug coverage known as the donut hole.
Next year, seniors in the donut hole will start receiving a 50 percent
discount for brand name drugs and the federal government will provide a
small subsidy to help reduce the cost of generic drugs in the donut
hole. Then, in 2013, the government will start subsidizing the purchase
of brand-name drugs for seniors in the donut hole, picking up larger and
larger portions of the cost of both brands and generics each year, until
the coverage gap is finally phased out in 2020.

What will happen to seniors in Medicare Advantage plans?

Private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are paid an average of 14 percent
more than the per-senior cost under regular Medicare. Essentially, these
private insurance plans receive $1,000 in extra federal subsidies for
every senior citizen they cover - an overpayment that has contributed to
record profits for some insurance companies. A portion of these federal
subsidies are paid out of the Part B premiums of all seniors, regardless
of whether they're in MA plans or in regular Medicare. So, as a matter
of fairness to all beneficiaries, the new health care law phases out the
overpayments to MA plans over seven years, restoring a level playing
field with regular Medicare.
The reductions in MA overpayments will help strengthen Medicare because
the money will be re-invested in the program, extending the life of
Medicare's Trust Fund by more than 12 years. And, MA plans will still
qualify for bonuses if they can show they deliver high quality services.
Nevertheless, with lower payments from Medicare, some MA plans may
decide to trim the extra benefits they offer. That will be an individual
insurance company decision. But the law says they cannot reduce any of
the essential benefits guaranteed under Medicare. Also, the new law
prohibits MA plans from charging higher co-pays than regular Medicare's.
In addition, beginning in 2014, at least 85 percent of the premiums
collected by MA, plans must be spent on benefits, than go toward company
profits and administration. These are strong protections for seniors who
participate in MA plans.

Will the law's Medicare savings reduce patient care?

NO. The new health care law produces $500 billion in Medicare savings by
phasing out the overpayments to MA plans and instituting changes to
Medicare to make it more efficient. These changes include incentives for
doctors and hospitals to coordinate a patient's care, demonstration
programs that bundle payments to hospitals and other innovations. The
law also cracks down hard on Medicare fraud.

Will the newly-insured overwhelm the system, making it hard to see a
doctor?

NO. The "exchanges" - the new state-based, subsidized insurance pools
for those who buy their own coverage - will not be up and running until
2014, so we still have a few years to prepare for the influx of new
patients. To help in the transition, the health care law provides funds
to train new primary care doctors.

Will employers still receive a federal subsidy for providing retiree
drug coverage?

YES. Employers who provide paid drug coverage to their retirees will
continue to get the subsidy they've received since 2003 (when AFSCME
made sure it was included in the Part D law). As a result, most
employers will maintain the benefits they currently offer. For private
employers, however, the new law does end the tax deductibility of the
subsidy in 2013.
Public-sector employers aren't affected by the tax change because they
don't pay federal income taxes.

What is an Insurance Exchange?

The new law establishes state-based insurance "exchanges" - marketplaces
where uninsured individuals and small businesses can compare and buy
affordable high-quality insurance plans. A variety of private insurance
options will be offered in each exchange and most participants will
qualify for federal subsidies that will significantly reduce the cost of
premiums. The new health care law requires states to have insurance
exchanges by 2014. Insurance that is sold in the exchanges must meet or
exceed certain benefit standards.

What does the new law do for early retirees?

A reinsurance fund provides $5 billion to help employers pay for the
health benefits of their retirees who are 55 to 64 years of age.
The program will reimburse employers for 80 percent of their retiree
claims in excess of $15,000 and below $90,000. Payments from the
reinsurance program will be used to lower the cost of the plan and may
be used to reduce the enrollees' share of the costs.

When will insurance companies be required to stop denying coverage to
people with pre-existing conditions?

The ban on denying coverage to adults due to a pre-existing goes into
effect in 2014 (children in 2010). There will be a temporary high-risk
insurance pool to help high-risk individuals until the ban takes effect.
In 2014, they will be able to purchase an insurance plan from their
state exchange (with subsidized premiums), with no fear of being denied
coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

Is Congress covered by the new law?
*
YES. Members of Congress and their staff, who are currently covered
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, will be required to
purchase insurance from an exchange. The new rule takes effect in 2014,
the start year for the exchanges.

nightbat

The truth will set you free, there is not enough money
right now to pay for everything, wake up! Of course everyone wants
good health care but the present tax base is in the red. Two war
fronts, Mexicans on the move at the southern border, war on drugs,
disease, provety, economy problems, so many recalls, brown shirt
coffee boys needing expensive brain retraining or implants. Now until
the Profound Earth Science Team Officers who think outside the box
could all these problems be addressed. Look for 12/2012 the end of
Time the beginning of New Time. Captain nightbat the Father of Energy,
Father to all Indian Tribes and people as foretold in legends, the New
Testament, the new science, the White Knight is here.

Now the truth can be told see:
http://channels.isp.netscape.com/wha...=20101030-0600

just a matter of time,
the Captain

On 10/31/2010 12:48 PM, wrote:


The truth will set you free, there is not enough money
right now to pay for everything, wake up! Of course everyone wants
good health care but the present tax base is in the red. Two war
fronts, Mexicans on the move at the southern border, war on drugs,
disease, provety, economy problems, so many recalls, brown shirt
coffee boys needing expensive brain retraining or implants. Now until
the Profound Earth Science Team Officers who think outside the box
could all these problems be addressed. Look for 12/2012 the end of
Time the beginning of New Time. Captain nightbat the Father of Energy,
Father to all Indian Tribes and people as foretold in legends, the New
Testament, the new science, the White Knight is here.


You are SO ****ing gay, you should change your name to "The Fruitbat".



Hahhahahahaahah! I crack myself up!

On Oct 31, 2:34*pm, wrote:
Don't Believe the Lies. Vote to Support Health Care Reform.

"I urge all AFSCME retirees to spread the word that the new health care
law helps seniors, and actually reduces the federal deficit over time"
said AFSCME International Pres. Gerald W. McEntee.
*"The people who voted for the new law in Congress, and candidates for
Congress who proudly support it, are the direct descendents of those who
brought us Medicare in the 1960s and have fought to protect it ever
since."

Following are answers to many of the questions seniors have about the
new health care reform law, officially known as the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, and how it helps older Americans. AFSCME urges
you to share this information with your friends and neighbors. An
informed voter is a responsible voter.

Will the new' law reduce seniors' out-of-pocket costs for other
services?

YES. The new law will save money for seniors by eliminating Medicare
co-payments (currently 20 percent) for mammograms, colonoscopies and
other preventive screening services, starting in 2011. The law also
introduces a brand new preventive benefit. For the first time, Medicare
will cover annual checkups with your doctor.

Will Medicare's Part D "Donut Hole" be phased out?

YES. This year, Medicare is providing a $250 rebate for seniors who fall
into the big gap in prescription drug coverage known as the donut hole.
Next year, seniors in the donut hole will start receiving a 50 percent
discount for brand name drugs and the federal government will provide a
small subsidy to help reduce the cost of generic drugs in the donut
hole. Then, in 2013, the government will start subsidizing the purchase
of brand-name drugs for seniors in the donut hole, picking up larger and
larger portions of the cost of both brands and generics each year, until
the coverage gap is finally phased out in 2020.

What will happen to seniors in Medicare Advantage plans?

Private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are paid an average of 14 percent
more than the per-senior cost under regular Medicare. Essentially, these
private insurance plans receive $1,000 in extra federal subsidies for
every senior citizen they cover - an overpayment that has contributed to
record profits for some insurance companies. A portion of these federal
subsidies are paid out of the Part B premiums of all seniors, regardless
of whether they're in MA plans or in regular Medicare. So, as a matter
of fairness to all beneficiaries, the new health care law phases out the
overpayments to MA plans over seven years, restoring a level playing
field with regular Medicare.
The reductions in MA overpayments will help strengthen Medicare because
the money will be re-invested in the program, extending the life of
Medicare's Trust Fund by more than 12 years. And, MA plans will still
qualify for bonuses if they can show they deliver high quality services.
Nevertheless, with lower payments from Medicare, some MA plans may
decide to trim the extra benefits they offer. That will be an individual
insurance company decision. But the law says they cannot reduce any of
the essential benefits guaranteed under Medicare. Also, the new law
prohibits MA plans from charging higher co-pays than regular Medicare's.
In addition, beginning in 2014, at least 85 percent of the premiums
collected by MA, plans must be spent on benefits, than go toward company
profits and administration. These are strong protections for seniors who
participate in MA plans.

Will the law's Medicare savings reduce patient care?

NO. The new health care law produces $500 billion in Medicare savings by
phasing out the overpayments to MA plans and instituting changes to
Medicare to make it more efficient. These changes include incentives for
doctors and hospitals to coordinate a patient's care, demonstration
programs that bundle payments to hospitals and other innovations. The
law also cracks down hard on Medicare fraud.

Will the newly-insured overwhelm the system, making it hard to see a
doctor?

NO. The "exchanges" - the new state-based, subsidized insurance pools
for those who buy their own coverage - will not be up and running until
2014, so we still have a few years to prepare for the influx of new
patients. To help in the transition, the health care law provides funds
to train new primary care doctors.

Will employers still receive a federal subsidy for providing retiree
drug coverage?

YES. Employers who provide paid drug coverage to their retirees will
continue to get the subsidy they've received since 2003 (when AFSCME
made sure it was included in the Part D law). As a result, most
employers will maintain the benefits they currently offer. For private
employers, however, the new law does end the tax deductibility of the
subsidy in 2013.
Public-sector employers aren't affected by the tax change because they
don't pay federal income taxes.

What is an Insurance Exchange?

The new law establishes state-based insurance "exchanges" - marketplaces
where uninsured individuals and small businesses can compare and buy
affordable high-quality insurance plans. A variety of private insurance
options will be offered in each exchange and most participants will
qualify for federal subsidies that will significantly reduce the cost of
premiums. The new health care law requires states to have insurance
exchanges by 2014. Insurance that is sold in the exchanges must meet or
exceed certain benefit standards.

What does the new law do for early retirees?

A reinsurance fund provides $5 billion to help employers pay for the
health benefits of their retirees who are 55 to 64 years of age.
The program will reimburse employers for 80 percent of their retiree
claims in excess of $15,000 and below $90,000. Payments from the
reinsurance program will be used to lower the cost of the plan and may
be used to reduce the enrollees' share of the costs.

When will insurance companies be required to stop denying coverage to
people with pre-existing conditions?

The ban on denying coverage to adults due to a pre-existing goes into
effect in 2014 (children in 2010). There will be a temporary high-risk
insurance pool to help high-risk individuals until the ban takes effect.
In 2014, they will be able to purchase an insurance plan from their
state exchange (with subsidized premiums), with no fear of being denied
coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

Is Congress covered by the new law?
*
YES. Members of Congress and their staff, who are currently covered
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, will be required to
purchase insurance from an exchange. The new rule takes effect in 2014,
the start year for the exchanges.

Old People are on medicare,and have paid for it. I have Wellcare
insurance added to it so my medication (pills) is also covered. Still
it costs me $13 for each viagra pill,but Pee-Air thinks they are worth
every penny TreBert

On Nov 3, 6:35*am, bert wrote:
On Oct 31, 2:34*pm, wrote:



Don't Believe the Lies. Vote to Support Health Care Reform.

"I urge all AFSCME retirees to spread the word that the new health care
law helps seniors, and actually reduces the federal deficit over time"
said AFSCME International Pres. Gerald W. McEntee.
*"The people who voted for the new law in Congress, and candidates for
Congress who proudly support it, are the direct descendents of those who
brought us Medicare in the 1960s and have fought to protect it ever
since."

Following are answers to many of the questions seniors have about the
new health care reform law, officially known as the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, and how it helps older Americans. AFSCME urges
you to share this information with your friends and neighbors. An
informed voter is a responsible voter.

Will the new' law reduce seniors' out-of-pocket costs for other
services?

YES. The new law will save money for seniors by eliminating Medicare
co-payments (currently 20 percent) for mammograms, colonoscopies and
other preventive screening services, starting in 2011. The law also
introduces a brand new preventive benefit. For the first time, Medicare
will cover annual checkups with your doctor.

Will Medicare's Part D "Donut Hole" be phased out?

YES. This year, Medicare is providing a $250 rebate for seniors who fall
into the big gap in prescription drug coverage known as the donut hole.
Next year, seniors in the donut hole will start receiving a 50 percent
discount for brand name drugs and the federal government will provide a
small subsidy to help reduce the cost of generic drugs in the donut
hole. Then, in 2013, the government will start subsidizing the purchase
of brand-name drugs for seniors in the donut hole, picking up larger and
larger portions of the cost of both brands and generics each year, until
the coverage gap is finally phased out in 2020.

What will happen to seniors in Medicare Advantage plans?

Private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are paid an average of 14 percent
more than the per-senior cost under regular Medicare. Essentially, these
private insurance plans receive $1,000 in extra federal subsidies for
every senior citizen they cover - an overpayment that has contributed to
record profits for some insurance companies. A portion of these federal
subsidies are paid out of the Part B premiums of all seniors, regardless
of whether they're in MA plans or in regular Medicare. So, as a matter
of fairness to all beneficiaries, the new health care law phases out the
overpayments to MA plans over seven years, restoring a level playing
field with regular Medicare.
The reductions in MA overpayments will help strengthen Medicare because
the money will be re-invested in the program, extending the life of
Medicare's Trust Fund by more than 12 years. And, MA plans will still
qualify for bonuses if they can show they deliver high quality services..
Nevertheless, with lower payments from Medicare, some MA plans may
decide to trim the extra benefits they offer. That will be an individual
insurance company decision. But the law says they cannot reduce any of
the essential benefits guaranteed under Medicare. Also, the new law
prohibits MA plans from charging higher co-pays than regular Medicare's..
In addition, beginning in 2014, at least 85 percent of the premiums
collected by MA, plans must be spent on benefits, than go toward company
profits and administration. These are strong protections for seniors who
participate in MA plans.

Will the law's Medicare savings reduce patient care?

NO. The new health care law produces $500 billion in Medicare savings by
phasing out the overpayments to MA plans and instituting changes to
Medicare to make it more efficient. These changes include incentives for
doctors and hospitals to coordinate a patient's care, demonstration
programs that bundle payments to hospitals and other innovations. The
law also cracks down hard on Medicare fraud.

Will the newly-insured overwhelm the system, making it hard to see a
doctor?

NO. The "exchanges" - the new state-based, subsidized insurance pools
for those who buy their own coverage - will not be up and running until
2014, so we still have a few years to prepare for the influx of new
patients. To help in the transition, the health care law provides funds
to train new primary care doctors.

Will employers still receive a federal subsidy for providing retiree
drug coverage?

YES. Employers who provide paid drug coverage to their retirees will
continue to get the subsidy they've received since 2003 (when AFSCME
made sure it was included in the Part D law). As a result, most
employers will maintain the benefits they currently offer. For private
employers, however, the new law does end the tax deductibility of the
subsidy in 2013.
Public-sector employers aren't affected by the tax change because they
don't pay federal income taxes.

What is an Insurance Exchange?

The new law establishes state-based insurance "exchanges" - marketplaces
where uninsured individuals and small businesses can compare and buy
affordable high-quality insurance plans. A variety of private insurance
options will be offered in each exchange and most participants will
qualify for federal subsidies that will significantly reduce the cost of
premiums. The new health care law requires states to have insurance
exchanges by 2014. Insurance that is sold in the exchanges must meet or
exceed certain benefit standards.

What does the new law do for early retirees?

A reinsurance fund provides $5 billion to help employers pay for the
health benefits of their retirees who are 55 to 64 years of age.
The program will reimburse employers for 80 percent of their retiree
claims in excess of $15,000 and below $90,000. Payments from the
reinsurance program will be used to lower the cost of the plan and may
be used to reduce the enrollees' share of the costs.

When will insurance companies be required to stop denying coverage to
people with pre-existing conditions?

The ban on denying coverage to adults due to a pre-existing goes into
effect in 2014 (children in 2010). There will be a temporary high-risk
insurance pool to help high-risk individuals until the ban takes effect..
In 2014, they will be able to purchase an insurance plan from their
state exchange (with subsidized premiums), with no fear of being denied
coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

Is Congress covered by the new law?
*
YES. Members of Congress and their staff, who are currently covered
under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, will be required to
purchase insurance from an exchange. The new rule takes effect in 2014,
the start year for the exchanges.

Old People are on medicare,and have paid for it. I have Wellcare
insurance added to it so my medication (pills) is also covered. Still
it costs me $13 for each viagra pill,but Pee-Air thinks they are worth
every penny * TreBert

It's consumers that get to pay for everything, including your pills
and whatever BP screws up is all paid in full by consumers. Only
those that live off their own land are stuck with excessive property
taxes and utilities that are ten fold as spendy as those need to be,
so they are at least a little better off than most.

~ BG

On 11/3/2010 6:35 AM, bert wrote:


Old People are on medicare,and have paid for it. I have Wellcare
insurance added to it so my medication (pills) is also covered. Still
it costs me $13 for each viagra pill,but Pee-Air thinks they are worth
every penny TreBert


Pierre is your dog...Right?






--
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so" - Mark Twain