How could a universal healthcare debate shift Medicare's structure in the next decade?
Answered by 10 licensed agents
Despite the stories hard in the US, Universal Healthcare has not been an effective solution in any of the countries that use it.
The continuously skyrocketing rise in costs are not stopped by that method. Politicians keep thinking they can mandate a solution that may sound good but is actually impractical.
An example is the Inflation Act & the Infrustructure Act that mandated healthcare changes, as did the Affordable Care Act that solved some problems, but priced to finding to do what was required.
That is why the countries with so-called Universal Healthcare have extreme waiting periods for serious procedures like hip replacement, and heart by-pass operations, etc; causing those that can afford to go to countries like the USA, India, etc; where they can pay to have the procedures done.
In all honesty I have no idea how or what could happen in the next decade. There are changes to the Medicare marketplace every year but I have no idea what could change over the next 10 years
A shift towards universal healthcare could lead to significant changes in Medicare's structure within the next decade, potentially impacting its role, benefits, and funding. If universal healthcare becomes a reality
Unfortunately I don't think universal healthcare in the United States will ever happen United Healthcare is the fourth largest company in the United States. It would be better if we had a Medicare for All and that would include ages 19 through 65 Plus.
No one can know the future so guessing is not going to help. I can say that very recently the Administration increase funding to many Medicare plans. This says a lot about future direction.
I see the universal healthcare debate as a catalyst for positive evolution in Medicare’s structure over the next decade. Proposals like Medicare for All could expand Medicare’s framework, potentially lowering the eligibility age or covering more services like dental and vision, making healthcare more accessible for all. This might streamline costs, reduce private insurance reliance, and enhance benefits for current enrollees, such as lower out-of-pocket caps or broader provider networks. While debates spark concerns about funding or wait times, innovations in care delivery and technology could offset challenges, creating a more inclusive, efficient Medicare system.
The short answer is that it will impact at least three variables; cost, scope of coverage and types of coverage available. Where this actually lands is an open question with no certain answer until it is decided.
A debate that shakes out all the concerns so they may be addressed is a good thing. If Medicare for all happens, it will be a big adjustment to the under 65 crowd. If they change Medicare to something else, it will be very disruptive to the over 65 Medicare beneficiaries. Any change should be done with "test" areas first, like a single county or state, so the bugs can be worked out.
This question is over my head, and it has no bearing on today's volatile over-65 healthcare endured by our citizens.
I regularly see how people waste their hard-earned money by not shopping for their Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans. They sit in regret until the next enrollment period.