I am confused why a government run program is able to be sold. Please explain like I am 5 how selling medicare is a thing. Why would a government run program need to be sold? Thanks
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Government Medicare itself only covers certain things. If you ever see commercials for “Plan C” or D or whatever, it’s because the government only offers what’s called “Plan A” and “Plan B” coverage. Plan A = hospitalizations, skilled nursing, hospice, home health, preventative care. Plan B = certain medicines, ambulance services, medical equipment, “preventative services”, and mental health inpatient and outpatient care.
If you want dental care, cosmetic surgery, routine physicals, vision, medicine not covered by part B, other care not provided by plan A or B, etc. you’ll need to buy supplementary insurance. You have to have Medicare to qualify for these supplementary Part C or D plans. What you hear on TV are adds for people on Medicare who want additional coverage beyond Part A and B.
The reason for this setup is because QUALITY healthcare is NOT cheap and the government cannot realistically pay for every medical service ever for every aged and disabled person in America. Especially now more than ever, America’s Boomers are all aging at the same time, and as their children also age, it’s expected by 2060 25% of the population will be 65+. Bear in mind Medicare is also for people with disabilities, which according to CDC is (up to) 27% of the population… So the private market and government have to work together on creative, AFFORDABLE solutions for insurance. For people out of the loop , it can look very sloppy and disjointed but this the reason.
This site might be helpful for more of a breakdown: [https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/whats-not-covered-by-part-a-part-b](https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/whats-not-covered-by-part-a-part-b)
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