WASHINGTON — OK, the shutdown is over. But no one should be fooled into thinking that this settles the big questions facing the country. Even if (a big “if”) the immigration laws are overhauled and the nearly 700,000 “Dreamers” stay in the United States, at least three large issues remain that neither party has yet […]
Medicare
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Get a real cost of living increase
Correct me if I am wrong. Did we or did we not contribute and support Medicare/Medicaid with direct support through weekly paychecks while we were working? Considering the yearly increased costs of these programs, what dictates that the increases need to come from those receiving the benefits? It just seems totally insane to give retirees […]
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Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
CMMC penalized for infections, patient safety
LEWISTON — For the second consecutive year, Medicare will penalize Central Maine Medical Center for its high rates of infection and patient injuries. The news comes just weeks after CMMC’s accrediting agency said the hospital was not doing enough in its policies and procedures to prevent infections. The agency gave the hospital 30 days to […]
Posted inLetters
Everyone needs health care
In his letter (June 6), Richard Grover asks about the differences between Obamacare (ACA) and Trumpcare (AHCA). According to CNN Money (March 27) “How Obamacare Affects Everyone” — “under Obamacare, senior citizens pay less for Medicare coverage and for their prescription drugs. Many people receive free contraceptives, mammograms, colonoscopies and cholesterol tests. And those with […]
Posted inOp-Eds
There are good reasons for cuts to Medicare
By Charles Lane The Washington Post President Donald Trump’s proposed budget for fiscal 2018 is being condemned, right and left, for the cuts it imposes on various federal programs. Too little attention is being paid to the necessary economizing the Trump budget avoids — specifically, with regard to Medicare. Medicare covers physician services, hospitalization and […]
Posted inLetters
Medicare for all
The House Republicans’ recent passage of a health care bill (“Trumpcare”) without waiting for the Congressional Budget Office to evaluate it was an egregious flaunting of the grave responsibilities Congressmen have to their constituents and to their country. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, was one of them. He should be ashamed. The GOP bill would take $880 […]
Posted inLetters
Insurance Americans deserve
Americans have an unprecedented opportunity to reform health care access and catch up with the rest of the developed world. While both major political parties squabble about whether the Affordable Care Act went too far or not far enough in harassing and soaking consumers, the public can suggest a common-sense, money-saving approach to health insurance […]
Posted inLetters, sj-web
Maintain the safety net
A number of years ago, I was diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy — a disorder that has slowly taken the use of my hands and arms. As my disability worsened, I decided that, at 65 years of age, retirement would be my best option. In doing calculations, my financial survival depended upon the continuation of […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Fraud watch: Beware bogus 'Medicare' calls
As Congress and the new Trump administration talk about repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), fraudsters are taking advantage of the confusion. The AARP Fraud Watch Network reports that fraudsters are posing as insurance company representatives, or someone from Medicare or another federal agency, calling consumers asking for personal information, sometimes money. “What […]
Posted inConnections, sj-web
SeniorsPlus to offer Medicare basics class in Bethel
BETHEL — SeniorsPlus will offer “Medicare Basics” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, Bethel Adult Education at Telstar High School, 284 Walkers Mill Road, For those who are approaching Medicare eligibility, the class will explain timelines and deadlines to apply, including for those who are still working and not yet eligible for social […]