A Chinese Philosopher, Thoughts on the Presidency and a Word on Medicare

Lao Tzu, Fifth century (B.C.) Chinese philosopher, wrote that:

A leader is best

When people barely know that he exists,

Not so good when people obey and acclaim him,

Worst when they despise him.

‘Fail to honor people,

They fail to honor you;’

But a good leader, who talks little,

When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,

They will all say, ‘We did this ourselves.’

  

Presidential Thoughts 

Trump, who will soon be history, was content to listen to the poison dispensed by Stephen Miller ... just as he was captivated by Bannon for a while. I am sure he enjoyed watching the ravings of Rudy, too. It is an indictment of democracy that Trump was ever elected in the first place, but how do we remedy that without damaging the democratic process? That's a question for the next few generations. We had our shot and blew it.

Donald Trump’s presidency was an absurdity which endangered and still endangers democracy in America, in view of the millions who still believe his lies. Advocates of White supremacy are still included among Republican supporters. But is Trump’s defeat at the polls enough? Will Joe Biden’s efforts to be a president of all Americans lead him to try to find a way to compromise with those who support Republican positions, some of which remain extremist?  I suspect that he will find it difficult, if not impossible, to do business with them.  It takes two to tango!

Democratic Activists

  The next four years will be a time for activism, and the only   activism I see is in the left wing of the Democratic Party   whose ideas must be made more palatable to more         Americans, despite charges of ‘socialism.’  Many of them  didn't think Social Security or Medicare would be good for   them at first, but no one dare take these benefits away from   them now, even the extreme right.

 

Be Careful with Your Medicare

Your TV blasts the news that Medicare Open Enrollment (no health questions) lasts until December 7.  Be careful in responding to these advertisements.  Open Enrollment only permits you to change Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs or PPOs) if you already have one or want to drop out of Medicare Parts A and B and enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.  Currently, 58% of Medicare participants still are in traditional Medicare Parts A and B, so this is fertile ground for those selling Medicare Advantage Plans (and earning a commission) which is what these advertisements are all about.  The “up to $144 monthly” they claim you’ll get paid applies only to those switching to a Medicare Advantage Plan from Parts A and B.  That is the maximum amount presently deducted from Social Security for those who now have Medicare Part B.  Once you drop it, that deduction will cease. Be careful.

The low cost, or absence of cost, of many Medicare Advantage Plans is made possible because they receive a per capita lump sum from the government to pay for the coverages that they provide. This amount is made available because the government no longer has to pay for Medicare Part A which must be dropped when one chooses a Medicare Advantage plan. (Medicare payroll taxes gave the government this money to start with.)  Also freed up is the amount the government pays for Part B coverage, over and above what the Medicare recipient has deducted from their Social Security, which may prove insufficient to cover claims.   Generally speaking, that's how Medicare Advantage plans are paid for.

If you change your mind about having enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can “disenroll” and go back to traditional Medicare’s Parts A and B during  a special Open Enrollment period (Jan. 1 to Feb. 14) set up for this purpose.  Because Medicare Parts A and B have gaps in coverage (typically the 80% limit on Part B claims), many purchase a Medicare Supplement policy (Medigap) to fill these gaps.  One should be aware that the companies issuing such Medigap policies are not obligated to issue you a policy under these circumstances and can ask health questions, or turn you down, depending on how long you have had the Medicare Advantage plan from which you are considering disenrolling.  It's not the same as applying for a Medigap policy at the same time one initially goes onto traditional Medicare.    Be careful.

Phone Numbers to Write Down

The Washington D.C. phone numbers

 of Florida's Senators are:

Senator Marco Rubio -  202 224 3041

Senator Rick Scott - 202 224 5274

(See their websites for their local numbers in Florida.)

 JL