About Tragic Tale, Paul Falck wrote: "A very moving and tragic story. I am unsure if the moral of the story is that U.S. healthcare is broken. But rather, [that] LTCi is not just for old people.
As a producer, it is my duty to inform my prospect that LTC is not only for the elderly. In Bill Mantlo's case, it may have made a huge difference in his care and rehabilitation. It certainly would have saved the stress in fighting a healthcare insurer and a system that is not designed or equipped for long-term care.
This is indeed a tragic tale. I hope that it provides some level comfort to Bill, his family and friends that his story may inspire others to take steps in averting this tragedy in their own lives. Thanks you for sharing Bill's story."
About NAIC to Congress: Medicare Cost-Sharing May Result in Higher Costs, Mike Carey said: "'Cost Sharing' is an interesting euphemism for 'A Device So People Don't Seek Care.' The reason people buy Medicare Supplement Plans is primarily to avoid out-of-pocket expenses they cannot afford. If they can afford them, they don't buy supplemental policies. It is rare for someone to buy a plan so they can get health services. I can see the argument as holding some validity the first year of coverage where a person could have put off medical care so they could get it under Medicare.
"It seems obvious to me that this is a vendetta directed at another segment of the insurance industry and at old people in general. You have to wonder, would all this be going on if Medicare Trust Funds had been held and invested in high-grade bonds? It is the theft of those funds and their earnings that should be the focus. After all, the funds are still being hijacked. It is that action that is primarily putting the future of Medicare in jeopardy."
