Liberal Forum

Buffalo » 12 Dec 2024, 6:38 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 6:38 am

So, you think a 50% subsidy of taxpayer money to fund research and development that big pharmas then profit $BILLIONS from is appropriate?

I do not!!!

So if I make roughly 16-22% profit from my widget business, you consider that "excessive"?? ESPECIALLY when I put over 1/2 of that back into developing newer and better widgets??

 

*Beekeeper » 12 Dec 2024, 6:42 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 6:42 am

So if I make roughly 16-22% profit from my widget business, you consider that "excessive"?? ESPECIALLY when I put over 1/2 of that back into developing newer and better widgets??

I do if the taxpayers funded half the development costs!!!  And then spend $MILLIONS Lobbying politicians to keep your widget prices high!!!

He who pays the piper, calls the tune.What's the connection between sky high drug prices and the millions that Big Pharma spends on lobbying to protect its profits? How much do pharmaceutical CEOs make? How much is spent on blocking reforms that would make drugs and healthcare affordable to millions of Americans? Where do the political donations go? Follow the money with this relationship map.
 
 

Buffalo » 12 Dec 2024, 6:46 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 6:46 am

I do if the taxpayers funded half the development costs!!!

He who pays the piper, calls the tune.What's the connection between sky high drug prices and the millions that Big Pharma spends on lobbying to protect its profits? How much do pharmaceutical CEOs make? How much is spent on blocking reforms that would make drugs and healthcare affordable to millions of Americans? Where do the political donations go? Follow the money with this relationship map.

You should have read the DISCLAIMER before you post some **** as "facts".

DISCLAIMER:

ALTHOUGH THE DATA FOUND IN THIS BLOG AND INFOGRAPHIC HAS BEEN PRODUCED AND PROCESSED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE, NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CAN BE MADE REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, LEGALITY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION. THIS DISCLAIMER APPLIES TO ANY USES OF THE INFORMATION WHETHER ISOLATED OR AGGREGATE USES THEREOF.
 

*Beekeeper » 12 Dec 2024, 6:51 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 6:51 am

You should have read the DISCLAIMER before you post some **** as "facts".

DISCLAIMER:

ALTHOUGH THE DATA FOUND IN THIS BLOG AND INFOGRAPHIC HAS BEEN PRODUCED AND PROCESSED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE, NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CAN BE MADE REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, LEGALITY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION. THIS DISCLAIMER APPLIES TO ANY USES OF THE INFORMATION WHETHER ISOLATED OR AGGREGATE USES THEREOF.

Are you implying that big pharma does not spend $ MILLIONS lobbying politicians to keep research money flowing to them and drug prices intentionally high?
YOU are the delusional one!!!
 
 

Buffalo » 12 Dec 2024, 6:58 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 6:58 am

Are you implying that big pharma does not spend $ MILLIONS lobbying politicians to keep research money flowing to them and drug prices intentionally high?
YOU are the delusional one!!!

So does EVERY OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY!!

Hell, you can find BILLIONS MORE going to produce EV's that NO ONE WANTS and billions more going to fund BATTERY MAKERS FOR THOSE EV's that no one wants as well.

 

*Beekeeper » 12 Dec 2024, 7:25 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 7:25 am

So does EVERY OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY!!

Hell, you can find BILLIONS MORE going to produce EV's that NO ONE WANTS and billions more going to fund BATTERY MAKERS FOR THOSE EV's that no one wants as well.

Oh, so you think it is OK just because "EVERY OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY" gets public funding to enhance private profits?  I am not against profits, I am against taxpayer money going to enhance those profits.

Did you ever stop and think that is a huge reason the federal government is BROKE and in debt $36 TRILLION!!! 




 

Buffalo » 12 Dec 2024, 7:36 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 7:36 am

Oh, so you think it is OK just because "EVERY OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRY" gets public funding to enhance private profits?  I am not against profits, I am against taxpayer money going to enhance those profits.

Did you ever stop and think that is a huge reason the federal government is BROKE and in debt $36 TRILLION!!!

I didn't say it was OK, but pointing out your fallacy in thinking that "Big Pharma" is alone in what they do.

*Beekeeper » 12 Dec 2024, 7:39 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 7:39 am

I didn't say it was OK, but pointing out your fallacy in thinking that "Big Pharma" is alone in what they do.

Where did I say big pharma was "alone in what they" **** the taxpayers out of for their stockholders' benefit.
I have already said that medicare advantage scams the taxpayers.
 

Here is a great article about how the government wastes taxpayer money...

https://townhall.com/columnists/johnsto ... g=27793684

Buffalo » 12 Dec 2024, 7:47 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 7:47 am

Where did I say big pharma was "alone in what they" **** the taxpayers out of for their stockholders' benefit.
I have already said that medicare advantage scams the taxpayers.

Well, what you SAID about Medicare Advantage is backed by ZERO anything except YOUR OPINION!!

The REAL scamming is in Traditional Medicare and the SCAM BILLINGS that goes on!! So there's that.

*Beekeeper » 12 Dec 2024, 8:53 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 8:53 am

Well, what you SAID about Medicare Advantage is backed by ZERO anything except YOUR OPINION!!

The REAL scamming is in Traditional Medicare and the SCAM BILLINGS that goes on!! So there's that.

Tell me what part of this is not fact!!!

"Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance policies offered by corporations reimbursed by the federal government. Unlike traditional Medicare, which directly covers medical expenses, Medicare Advantage plans are designed to profit by managing care and costs — often to the detriment of patients.These plans operate under a fixed-rate reimbursement model. The less they spend on your healthcare, the more profit they generate. This business model incentivizes denials, delays, and restrictions, leaving seniors navigating a labyrinth of red tape and out-of-pocket expenses. Unlike traditional Medicare, which pays claims without delay or pre-authorization, Medicare Advantage plans routinely deny care. A federal report highlighted that in 2019, 18% of Medicare Advantage claims were denied despite meeting Medicare’s coverage rules.Patients often face a grueling appeals process or pay for care out-of-pocket, which can be devastating in emergencies. For hospitals and doctors, these delays and denials have forced some to stop accepting Medicare Advantage patients altogether.

• Scripps Health in California recently announced it would no longer serve Medicare Advantage patients, citing $75 million in unpaid bills.
• The Mayo Clinic has also stopped accepting these plans in certain locations, leaving patients with fewer options for quality care.

The Political Influence Behind Medicare AdvantageThe insurance industry spends lavishly to protect its Medicare Advantage profits. In 2023, they poured over $117 million into lobbying Congress. This money ensures that legislative fixes, like banning Medicare Advantage companies from using the word “Medicare” in their branding, stall indefinitely.With such influence, insurance companies continue to exploit seniors while executives rake in astronomical salaries. For instance, the former CEO of UnitedHealth left with over $1 billion in compensation — money largely derived from taxpayer funds.

 Why Traditional Medicare Is Still the Best OptionTraditional Medicare offers unparalleled flexibility and reliability:

1. No Networks: You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
2. No Pre-Authorizations: Care is provided without delays or denials from an insurance middleman.
3. Transparency: Unlike Medicare Advantage, traditional Medicare is a straightforward system with no hidden fees or gimmicks.

When paired with a Medigap policy, traditional Medicare covers most out-of-pocket expenses, providing peace of mind without the risk of unexpected costs.

If you value your health, freedom, and peace of mind, steer clear of Medicare Advantage. It’s time to put the focus back on real Medicare and ensure that America’s seniors receive the care they deserve without corporate interference."

The Medicare Advantage Trap: What They’re Not Telling You About Your Health and Wealth

I have had 6 years of experience with Medicare with absolutely no problems!!!  Medicare advantage is ripping taxpayers off and of course they will deny it and pay politicians $MILLIONS to continue to rip taxpayers off!!!
 

PhiloBeddo » 06 Dec 2024, 11:18 am » wrote: ↑

06 Dec 2024, 11:18 am

Is anybody else sick of this ****?  Between them and My Pillow ads, I want to put a stick in my eye.  Quit calling these people. Maybe they will go away.

It's good for old people to have someone to talk to.
 

As for all of for profit "health insurance"...

"After reading stories from the patients' perspectives, we decided to ask medical professionals to share the times they have witnessed insurance companies fail their patients. One line from the responses we received stood out: "Until insurance companies are not-for-profit private organizations, the bottom line will always trump patient care."

https://www.yahoo.com/news/medical-prof ... 17042.html

"Health insurance" is not the same as health care!!!

Buffalo » 12 Dec 2024, 9:10 am » wrote: ↑

12 Dec 2024, 9:10 am

Tell me what part of this is not fact!!!

"Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance policies offered by corporations reimbursed by the federal government. Unlike traditional Medicare, which directly covers medical expenses, Medicare Advantage plans are designed to profit by managing care and costs — often to the detriment of patients.These plans operate under a fixed-rate reimbursement model. The less they spend on your healthcare, the more profit they generate. This business model incentivizes denials, delays, and restrictions, leaving seniors navigating a labyrinth of red tape and out-of-pocket expenses. Unlike traditional Medicare, which pays claims without delay or pre-authorization, Medicare Advantage plans routinely deny care. A federal report highlighted that in 2019, 18% of Medicare Advantage claims were denied despite meeting Medicare’s coverage rules.Patients often face a grueling appeals process or pay for care out-of-pocket, which can be devastating in emergencies. For hospitals and doctors, these delays and denials have forced some to stop accepting Medicare Advantage patients altogether.

• Scripps Health in California recently announced it would no longer serve Medicare Advantage patients, citing $75 million in unpaid bills.
• The Mayo Clinic has also stopped accepting these plans in certain locations, leaving patients with fewer options for quality care.

The Political Influence Behind Medicare AdvantageThe insurance industry spends lavishly to protect its Medicare Advantage profits. In 2023, they poured over $117 million into lobbying Congress. This money ensures that legislative fixes, like banning Medicare Advantage companies from using the word “Medicare” in their branding, stall indefinitely.With such influence, insurance companies continue to exploit seniors while executives rake in astronomical salaries. For instance, the former CEO of UnitedHealth left with over $1 billion in compensation — money largely derived from taxpayer funds.

The Medicare Advantage Trap: What They’re Not Telling You About Your Health and Wealth

WHO THE **** Is "Southern Ontario Smart News" to be talking about something THEY don't have?? Could it be JEALOSY??

What's wrong with it?? It's **** with a flavoring of a few "facts" to make IDIOTS like you hate something that over half of ALL Medicare recipients are using since it provides FAR BETTER benefits that Traditional Medicare.

If it was as BAD as you say, then Seniors would be in a fury, which you can't find ANY significant numbers to call it "overwhelming" anything. Yeah, there's a few people who don't like it and seem to be the vocal haters, but you DO NOT find any organized groups of people with pitchforks and hot kettles of tar. What you DO find is a silent majority that are MORE than fully satisfied and LOVE the MA plans, costs, and benefits. AND these same people RECOMMEND IT TO OTHERS.

So WHY you hate them is beyond anyone's understanding. If you DON'T WANT ONE, DON'T GET ONE. But you want to DENY CHOICES to people of something that actually WORKS WELL for the majority of Medicare recipients.

The PART you aren't seeming to get is that REGARDLESS of which you have, MEDICARE IS PAYING THE CLAIMS, and the DOLLAR AMOUNTS WOULD BE NEARLY IDENTICAL IF IT WAS ALL TRADITIONAL MEDICARE!!! PERIOD!! You STILL have not explained HOW taxpayers are being "ripped off" if the CLAIMS PAYOUTS ARE THE SAME regardless of the plan?? Do you think that Medicare CLAIMS would be less if EVERYONE had Traditional Medicare?? When that SIMPLY IS NOT THE CASE, ASSHOLE!!