I would just totally drop my part B, since what I pay for it, (part A is free), isn't worth it for 40%.

Geo W Bush wanted to privatize SS years ago but thanks to pushback it didn't happen (and our SS didn't get creamed in the 2008 stock market crash). Ryan's plan to dismantle Medicare is the wrong move, in the opposite direction. We need to speak up and keep this from happening.

From what I read, a more comprehensive, efficient and cheaper option would be Medicare for all. here's more info

http://www.pnhp.org/facts/what-is-single-payer

here's a chart that compares single-payer w/ the ACA

http://www.pnhp.org/sites/default/files/A%20Superi...

This is also more in line with most of the developed countries in the world, who spend less on health care and have better results.

The GOP doesn't have a super majority (60 votes) so the Demos could filibuster. (but will they filibuster everything?) We need to speak up. And yes, some of the GOP is not falling in line. Let's contact them too.

Read this from Talking Points Memo. Then call your elected officials and add your voice to the protests:

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/critical-for-u...

"I would just totally drop my part B, since what I pay for it, (part A is free), isn't worth it for 40%."

I would be cautious in such a circumstance. You might be electing to be uninsured, as (currently) health insurance for those Medicare-eligible is often designed as paying "what Medicare doesn't" (currently, the amount in excess of the 80%). There might not be insurance available for you to buy without Part B in place.

And if you drop Part B, you may not have the ability to get it back.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Have you ever looked at the "network negotiated rate?" Sometimes the insurance companies pay far less than the rack rate, so even if we haven't hit our deductible yet, there can be big savings in that. (i.e. last year I stocked up on compress stockings, sleeves, and gauntlets, a padded night splint for a foot problem). The charge was $500. The insurance paid $200 and the rest was written off. Plus insurance is invaluable for the worst-case scenarios: years where Tx hits 6 figures or more.

Here's the AARP page for taking action. FWIW, in the user comments, somewhere on the AARP site, a lot of people were complaining that AARP wasn't doing enough right now, that they need to get out in front of this issue. So if you are an AARP member (or potential member) another action you can take is to contact AARP and pressure them to work harder on this issue. They are supposed to be advocating on our behalf. They are one of the reasons Social Security did not get privatized. We need them to work to save Medicare.

http://action.aarp.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Ad...

BTW, a user on Talking Points Memo (TPM) had this interesting comment (below) on the language we using. This is huge in politics. The softening language makes the changes seem less damaging. Here are some suggested phrases , if you want inspiration when you contact your elected officials (and others) and fight to keep our Medicare coverage.

"But, dammit, if we and TPM keep calling it Medicare phaseout, or Medicare privatization, or if we call Ryan's plan a replacement, we will become part of the problem. We need to use the language for our advantage.

Ryan is KILLING MEDICARE.

Ryan's is TAKING MEDICARE AWAY FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN PAYING FOR IT FOR DECADES

Ryan's plan is FAKE MEDICARE

Ryan's plan GIVES INSURANCE COMPANIES 20 CENTS OF EVERY MEDICARE DOLLAR TO DO THE JOB MEDICARE HAS BEEN DOING WITH 5 CENTS.

Ryan's plan LETS INSURANCE COMPANY EXECUTIVES EARN BIG BONUSES BY DENYING CARE TO YOU.

Ryan's plan LETS INSURANCE COMPANIES GAMBLE YOUR MEDICARE FUNDS ON WALL STREET.

Ryan's plan LETS INSURANCE COMPANY LAWYERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SENIORS WITH FINE PRINT THEY CAN'T EVEN READ.

You get the idea, but I will repeat it anyway: RYAN IS KILLING MEDICARE.

And I am shouting, because I care."