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Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 6:31 pm
by G26ster
rotor wrote: This may work if you are not on Medicare or Medicaid but the doctors, labs and hospitals can not charge you anything but the government mandated price. You can not go outside of the system on these government programs. They can NOT balance bill or give you a discount. They can be fined quite severely if they do.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to see the best possible doctor/hospital. Unfortunately I am on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that forces me to see doctors and hospitals only within my network. I wanted a second opinion from UT Southwestern (which is outside my network), in the event I needed surgery in the future, and offered to pay out of pocket for it, as they have some of the best surgeons in the country for my type of cancer. I was told in no uncertain terms by them, that as I was on Medicare they could NOT accept an out of pocket payment from me for any of their services. It was illegal.

The good news is that I did have the surgery in my network at USMD Cancer Center/Hospital in Arlington, and I have been cancer free for two years. But, I was very surprised and taken aback by UT Southwestern's response.

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 6:56 pm
by rotor
G26ster wrote:
rotor wrote: This may work if you are not on Medicare or Medicaid but the doctors, labs and hospitals can not charge you anything but the government mandated price. You can not go outside of the system on these government programs. They can NOT balance bill or give you a discount. They can be fined quite severely if they do.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I wanted to see the best possible doctor/hospital. Unfortunately I am on a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that forces me to see doctors and hospitals only within my network. I wanted a second opinion from UT Southwestern (which is outside my network), in the event I needed surgery in the future, and offered to pay out of pocket for it, as they have some of the best surgeons in the country for my type of cancer. I was told in no uncertain terms by them, that as I was on Medicare they could NOT accept an out of pocket payment from me for any of their services. I was illegal.

The good news is that I did have the surgery in my network at USMD Cancer Center/Hospital in Arlington, and I have been cancer free for two years. But, I was very surprised and taken aback by UT Southwestern's response.
First, you are Medicare Advantage which limits you even more (and is also the biggest profit sources for the insurance company). I would advise anyone approaching Medicare age to go with regular Medicare, a good supplement and a plan D drug. With that you can see any doctor in the country that takes Medicare at any hospital that takes Medicare ( virtually all) and you have choice although you pay more. With Medicare advantage you get some freebie stuff but MUST go to their list of docs and hospitals and CAN NOT go outside, even if you want to pay for it yourself. The docs and hospitals can not legally see you. The exceptions are for cosmetic stuff not covered by Medicare. So think carefully before you sign onto an advantage plan. Makes Aetna and United Health rich, costs the taxpayer 10% more for your care and limits you drastically. On the other hand I am glad you are doing well.

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:04 pm
by mojo84
Who's your pick for SC justice?

Based on what little I know, I'm ok with either of the supposed frontrunners.

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:32 pm
by Skiprr
mojo84 wrote:Who's your pick for SC justice?

Based on what little I know, I'm ok with either of the supposed frontrunners.
I agree; I'm fine with either Gorsuch or Hardiman. If I had to put a buck on the table, my money would be on Neil Gorsuch as the pick.

Any thoughts about the extent to which the democrats will go to try to block the nominee, no matter who it is? And if the nuclear option is eventually used (your legacy, Harry Reid :smilelol5: )?

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:41 pm
by TreyHouston
FYI 20 min till Trump national address

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:52 pm
by Mxrdad
For the life of me, I do not understand why any American doesn't want to have a good solid vetting process. Why not give him a chance? He just might get a very good system in place that will cut down on the wait time in the future. Wouldn't that be a win-win?
Yes, but in politics it's more important to be right than quick. We've seen a number of reversals and chaos in the first few days that gives the impression things are not being well thought and organzied. Learning by trial and error can have a much further reaching effect in politics.
Dale, have you seen the "Speech" from Chuck not long ago where he says that we (United States) need to be vetting anyone who enters this country and if there is any doubt whatsoever, they need to be thoroughly checked out? And now he is crying fake crocodile tears when it happens? And your right, the last Administration (I prefer not to say his name) was nothing but reversals, down right lies, and deception to the American people. I wasn't around here back then but just curious, did you say the same thing about the Dems? Will you at least admit the last Administration was guilty of this? Can you admit Chuck is guilty of reversing? Can you admit Nancy is guilty of the same thing? Or is it just 1 sided to you?

Regarding the SC appointee, Chuck has said many times they will not approve President Trumps pick, no matter who it is. They don't even know who it is but they will not approve. How can you support this? Actually he said, they would approve them if they saw things the way he does. Not exact words, but that's the gist of it). The Dems are painting themselves in a corner and if they aren't careful, 2018 might prove to be pretty damaging to their party after Mid-Terms are over. If they disagree with President Trumps decisions, don't you think they could go about it in a more respectful manner? I see them imploding and they are just adding fuel to the fire with their child like behavior. I would be willing to bet there are many Dem's that feel this way too.

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:55 pm
by Skiprr
Quick aside: Anyone have any info on Charles Krauthammer's health? He seems to look less well almost every week. Would hate to lose his opinion.

The East Room is full and everyone is seated. Just a few minutes now....

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 7:58 pm
by TexasJohnBoy
Fingers crossed for Gorsuch, and it sounds like that's who it will be. We will know in about 2 minutes...

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:00 pm
by Mxrdad
Skiprr wrote:
mojo84 wrote:Who's your pick for SC justice?

Based on what little I know, I'm ok with either of the supposed frontrunners.
I agree; I'm fine with either Gorsuch or Hardiman. If I had to put a buck on the table, my money would be on Neil Gorsuch as the pick.

Any thoughts about the extent to which the democrats will go to try to block the nominee, no matter who it is? And if the nuclear option is eventually used (your legacy, Harry Reid :smilelol5: )?
Thank you Mr. Reid. Nothing like Karma to bite you in the rear huh? Unfortunately, I firmly believe the Dem's will force President Trump to push the Nuclear button.

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:04 pm
by Skiprr
And...

Neil Gorsuch is the nominee!

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:07 pm
by TexasJohnBoy
So, time to hit the button on the filibuster?

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:07 pm
by mojo84
Skiprr wrote:And...

Neil Gorsuch is the nominee!
:thumbs2:

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:12 pm
by mojo84
This day right here is one of the biggest reasons we couldn't let Hillary win. This is a huge moment for our country,

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:14 pm
by Skiprr
TexasJohnBoy wrote:So, time to hit the button on the filibuster?
I have no doubt that the democrats have already carefully crafted their talking points and opposition stance. They were just waiting to fill in the blanks with the name. Expect to see dem retaliation not tomorrow, but tonight...maybe within 15 minutes. :mad5

Where's the emoji for the Senate nuclear option?

Hm. Maybe....

Image

Re: Today in Trump's new term as President

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 8:16 pm
by Skiprr
And I love that Anton Scalia's wife was in the East Room for this tonight, with appropriate acknowledgement made to Justice Scalia.