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[Music]

[Music] Heat.

Well, well, welcome to Last Week

Well, well, welcome to Last Week Tonight. I'm Dor and thank you so much

Tonight. I'm Dor and thank you so much

Tonight. I'm Dor and thank you so much for joining us. It has been a busy week.

for joining us. It has been a busy week.

for joining us. It has been a busy week. The government shutdown continued. There

The government shutdown continued. There

The government shutdown continued. There was a jewel heist at the Lou and Bravo

was a jewel heist at the Lou and Bravo

was a jewel heist at the Lou and Bravo wet dream George Santos celebrating his

wet dream George Santos celebrating his

wet dream George Santos celebrating his release from prison after Trump commuted

release from prison after Trump commuted

release from prison after Trump commuted his sentence with a 28-second video that

his sentence with a 28-second video that

his sentence with a 28-second video that took some wild turns.

took some wild turns.

took some wild turns. >> Hey everybody, George Santos here. Um,

>> Hey everybody, George Santos here. Um,

>> Hey everybody, George Santos here. Um, I'm just sitting here with some friends

I'm just sitting here with some friends

I'm just sitting here with some friends at a good old American establishment.

at a good old American establishment.

at a good old American establishment. IHOP. Shout out to IHOP

IHOP. Shout out to IHOP

IHOP. Shout out to IHOP coffee and anything is good after

coffee and anything is good after

coffee and anything is good after prison. But anyway, um, uh, Jesus is

prison. But anyway, um, uh, Jesus is

prison. But anyway, um, uh, Jesus is good. God is king. But I do want to say

good. God is king. But I do want to say

good. God is king. But I do want to say this. I heard that Zionists are getting

this. I heard that Zionists are getting

this. I heard that Zionists are getting paid $7,000 for a post. Um, where is my

paid $7,000 for a post. Um, where is my

paid $7,000 for a post. Um, where is my check? I didn't get it.

check? I didn't get it.

check? I didn't get it. >> Excellent. Now, generally, IHOP will

>> Excellent. Now, generally, IHOP will

>> Excellent. Now, generally, IHOP will give you way too loud theater kids,

give you way too loud theater kids,

give you way too loud theater kids, someone screaming about Zionism, and the

someone screaming about Zionism, and the

someone screaming about Zionism, and the words, "Where is my check?" But

words, "Where is my check?" But

words, "Where is my check?" But you so rarely get all three from one

you so rarely get all three from one

you so rarely get all three from one body, though. Maybe don't compliment

body, though. Maybe don't compliment

body, though. Maybe don't compliment their coffee by saying, "Anything's good

their coffee by saying, "Anything's good

their coffee by saying, "Anything's good after prison."

after prison."

after prison." Most brands want a better endorsement

Most brands want a better endorsement

Most brands want a better endorsement than that. It's why Waffle House's

than that. It's why Waffle House's

than that. It's why Waffle House's slogan is good food fast and not legally

slogan is good food fast and not legally

slogan is good food fast and not legally edible.

edible.

edible. Trump commuting Santos's sentence was

Trump commuting Santos's sentence was

Trump commuting Santos's sentence was just one of many bold decisions he's

just one of many bold decisions he's

just one of many bold decisions he's made recently with the most visible

made recently with the most visible

made recently with the most visible being this.

being this.

being this. >> This morning, with these new images

>> This morning, with these new images

>> This morning, with these new images showing demolition work at the White

showing demolition work at the White

showing demolition work at the White House, the Washington Post reports more

House, the Washington Post reports more

House, the Washington Post reports more than just the East Wing facade is being

than just the East Wing facade is being

than just the East Wing facade is being replaced to make way for President

replaced to make way for President

replaced to make way for President Trump's $250 million ballroom. The Post

Trump's $250 million ballroom. The Post

Trump's $250 million ballroom. The Post citing a White House official now says

citing a White House official now says

citing a White House official now says the entirety of the East Wing is being

the entirety of the East Wing is being

the entirety of the East Wing is being rebuilt.

rebuilt.

rebuilt. >> You probably hear the beautiful sound of

>> You probably hear the beautiful sound of

>> You probably hear the beautiful sound of construction to the back. You hear that

construction to the back. You hear that

construction to the back. You hear that sound? Oh, that's music to my ears. I

sound? Oh, that's music to my ears. I

sound? Oh, that's music to my ears. I love that sound.

love that sound.

love that sound. >> Yeah, of course you do. Now, look,

>> Yeah, of course you do. Now, look,

>> Yeah, of course you do. Now, look, obviously those images are distressing,

obviously those images are distressing,

obviously those images are distressing, especially when you know it's all to

especially when you know it's all to

especially when you know it's all to build a giant ballroom in a style best

build a giant ballroom in a style best

build a giant ballroom in a style best described as med spa versail. And yet,

described as med spa versail. And yet,

described as med spa versail. And yet, the demolition of the White House, a

the demolition of the White House, a

the demolition of the White House, a metaphor that, if anything, is too on

metaphor that, if anything, is too on

metaphor that, if anything, is too on the nose, was just the tip of Trump's

the nose, was just the tip of Trump's

the nose, was just the tip of Trump's iceberg. This week,

iceberg. This week,

iceberg. This week, >> President Trump is pushing for a

>> President Trump is pushing for a

>> President Trump is pushing for a personal $230 million payout from the

personal $230 million payout from the

personal $230 million payout from the Justice Department as compensation for

Justice Department as compensation for

Justice Department as compensation for the federal investigations he's faced.

the federal investigations he's faced.

the federal investigations he's faced. That money would ultimately come from

That money would ultimately come from

That money would ultimately come from American taxpayers. The Justice

American taxpayers. The Justice

American taxpayers. The Justice Department officials who would likely

Department officials who would likely

Department officials who would likely sign off on the payment were once

sign off on the payment were once

sign off on the payment were once President Trump's own personal lawyers.

President Trump's own personal lawyers.

President Trump's own personal lawyers. All of it raising new ethics concerns.

All of it raising new ethics concerns.

All of it raising new ethics concerns. One ethics professor telling the New

One ethics professor telling the New

One ethics professor telling the New York Times, "The ethical conflict is

York Times, "The ethical conflict is

York Times, "The ethical conflict is just so basic and fundamental, you don't

just so basic and fundamental, you don't

just so basic and fundamental, you don't need a law professor to explain it."

need a law professor to explain it."

need a law professor to explain it." >> Yeah, you sure don't. And I do love that

>> Yeah, you sure don't. And I do love that

>> Yeah, you sure don't. And I do love that professor giving the times a comment

professor giving the times a comment

professor giving the times a comment amounting to do I think the president

amounting to do I think the president

amounting to do I think the president giving himself a payout is unethical. Uh

giving himself a payout is unethical. Uh

giving himself a payout is unethical. Uh yeah.

yeah.

yeah. Now I should say Trump has said he'd

Now I should say Trump has said he'd

Now I should say Trump has said he'd donate any settlement to in his words

donate any settlement to in his words

donate any settlement to in his words charity or something. But as his former

charity or something. But as his former

charity or something. But as his former White House council told CNN, there is

White House council told CNN, there is

White House council told CNN, there is still a problem there. Well, keep in

still a problem there. Well, keep in

still a problem there. Well, keep in mind he gave a lot of money to um you

mind he gave a lot of money to um you

mind he gave a lot of money to um you know the um or took a lot of money out

know the um or took a lot of money out

know the um or took a lot of money out of the Trump University charity that he

of the Trump University charity that he

of the Trump University charity that he had. And um you know that he's familiar

had. And um you know that he's familiar

had. And um you know that he's familiar with charities and he knows how to loot

with charities and he knows how to loot

with charities and he knows how to loot them.

them.

them. >> Yeah, he does. And I probably shouldn't

>> Yeah, he does. And I probably shouldn't

>> Yeah, he does. And I probably shouldn't have shown you that without warning you

have shown you that without warning you

have shown you that without warning you there was an aggressive mustache headed

there was an aggressive mustache headed

there was an aggressive mustache headed your way because it is hard to focus on

your way because it is hard to focus on

your way because it is hard to focus on the message when that is the medium. He

the message when that is the medium. He

the message when that is the medium. He looks like steampunk Doc Brown. He looks

looks like steampunk Doc Brown. He looks

looks like steampunk Doc Brown. He looks like Santa post divorce but

like Santa post divorce but

like Santa post divorce but pre-allegations.

pre-allegations.

pre-allegations. He looks like someone you find on the

He looks like someone you find on the

He looks like someone you find on the groom side of the aisle at the Monopoly

groom side of the aisle at the Monopoly

groom side of the aisle at the Monopoly man's wedding. And by the way, credit to

man's wedding. And by the way, credit to

man's wedding. And by the way, credit to Erin Bernett for keeping a straight face

Erin Bernett for keeping a straight face

Erin Bernett for keeping a straight face there while interviewing a man who has

there while interviewing a man who has

there while interviewing a man who has styled his facial hair into a

styled his facial hair into a

styled his facial hair into a biologically accurate recreation of the

biologically accurate recreation of the

biologically accurate recreation of the female reproductive system. But

female reproductive system. But

female reproductive system. But incredibly, we're still not done because

incredibly, we're still not done because

incredibly, we're still not done because Trump also posted an AI video of himself

Trump also posted an AI video of himself

Trump also posted an AI video of himself dumping on No Kings protesters,

dumping on No Kings protesters,

dumping on No Kings protesters, abandoned trade negotiations with Canada

abandoned trade negotiations with Canada

abandoned trade negotiations with Canada after seeing a TV ad he didn't like, and

after seeing a TV ad he didn't like, and

after seeing a TV ad he didn't like, and authorized a 20 billion dollar bailout

authorized a 20 billion dollar bailout

authorized a 20 billion dollar bailout to Argentina to ensure their experiment

to Argentina to ensure their experiment

to Argentina to ensure their experiment with libertarianism works out. Perhaps

with libertarianism works out. Perhaps

with libertarianism works out. Perhaps most shockingly of all, there was this

most shockingly of all, there was this

most shockingly of all, there was this >> tonight. This video showing another

>> tonight. This video showing another

>> tonight. This video showing another deadly US military strike against a boat

deadly US military strike against a boat

deadly US military strike against a boat allegedly smuggling drugs to the US.

allegedly smuggling drugs to the US.

allegedly smuggling drugs to the US. Killing two narot terrorists on board,

Killing two narot terrorists on board,

Killing two narot terrorists on board, according to Defense Secretary Pete

according to Defense Secretary Pete

according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegth. This is the eighth strike the

Hegth. This is the eighth strike the

Hegth. This is the eighth strike the Trump administration has announced

Trump administration has announced

Trump administration has announced against alleged drug boats since early

against alleged drug boats since early

against alleged drug boats since early September, killing at least 36 people.

September, killing at least 36 people.

September, killing at least 36 people. >> Yeah, we've actually now killed over 40

>> Yeah, we've actually now killed over 40

>> Yeah, we've actually now killed over 40 so-called narco terrorists, even though

so-called narco terrorists, even though

so-called narco terrorists, even though the administration's not provided public

the administration's not provided public

the administration's not provided public evidence for its claims. But even if

evidence for its claims. But even if

evidence for its claims. But even if they have some, I've watched enough jag

they have some, I've watched enough jag

they have some, I've watched enough jag to know. The typical approach to drug

to know. The typical approach to drug

to know. The typical approach to drug boats is to intercept them and arrest

boats is to intercept them and arrest

boats is to intercept them and arrest the suspects, not murder them with no

the suspects, not murder them with no

the suspects, not murder them with no due process. And all of this is bad

due process. And all of this is bad

due process. And all of this is bad enough before you learn this.

enough before you learn this.

enough before you learn this. >> President Trump tonight suggesting he'll

>> President Trump tonight suggesting he'll

>> President Trump tonight suggesting he'll soon order strikes on cartels smuggling

soon order strikes on cartels smuggling

soon order strikes on cartels smuggling drugs by land, too.

drugs by land, too.

drugs by land, too. >> Something very serious is going to

>> Something very serious is going to

>> Something very serious is going to happen. The equivalent of what's

happen. The equivalent of what's

happen. The equivalent of what's happening by sea. And we're going to

happening by sea. And we're going to

happening by sea. And we're going to Congress just to tell them what we're

Congress just to tell them what we're

Congress just to tell them what we're doing.

doing.

doing. >> Yeah. He apparently plans to launch

>> Yeah. He apparently plans to launch

>> Yeah. He apparently plans to launch strikes on suspected drug traffickers in

strikes on suspected drug traffickers in

strikes on suspected drug traffickers in Venezuela without congressional

Venezuela without congressional

Venezuela without congressional approval, saying, "We're just going to

approval, saying, "We're just going to

approval, saying, "We're just going to kill people. They're going to be like

kill people. They're going to be like

kill people. They're going to be like dead." You know, the kind of chilling

dead." You know, the kind of chilling

dead." You know, the kind of chilling statement you expect to hear from a

statement you expect to hear from a

statement you expect to hear from a serial killer or the mastermind behind

serial killer or the mastermind behind

serial killer or the mastermind behind Panera Bread's Charge Lemonade, but not

Panera Bread's Charge Lemonade, but not

Panera Bread's Charge Lemonade, but not ideally the president of the United

ideally the president of the United

ideally the president of the United States. And look, we're taping this on

States. And look, we're taping this on

States. And look, we're taping this on Saturday. Who knows what's happened in

Saturday. Who knows what's happened in

Saturday. Who knows what's happened in the last 24 hours, but this has already

the last 24 hours, but this has already

the last 24 hours, but this has already been a lot because between tearing down

been a lot because between tearing down

been a lot because between tearing down the White House, trying to use the

the White House, trying to use the

the White House, trying to use the Justice Department to pay himself, and

Justice Department to pay himself, and

Justice Department to pay himself, and proudly sharing AI footage of him

proudly sharing AI footage of him

proudly sharing AI footage of him literally on Americans, the

literally on Americans, the

literally on Americans, the president's now also appointed himself

president's now also appointed himself

president's now also appointed himself judge during executioner of foreign

judge during executioner of foreign

judge during executioner of foreign citizens. And it is infuriating that

citizens. And it is infuriating that

citizens. And it is infuriating that neither Congress nor the courts seem to

neither Congress nor the courts seem to

neither Congress nor the courts seem to be interested in putting a stop to any

be interested in putting a stop to any

be interested in putting a stop to any of this because we are supposed to live

of this because we are supposed to live

of this because we are supposed to live in a country of checks and balances. And

in a country of checks and balances. And

in a country of checks and balances. And if I may quote IHOP's most chaotic news

if I may quote IHOP's most chaotic news

if I may quote IHOP's most chaotic news poster, where is my check? And

poster, where is my check? And

poster, where is my check? And now this.

now this.

now this. >> And now people on TV try to understand

>> And now people on TV try to understand

>> And now people on TV try to understand 67.

67.

67. >> You understand this 67 phenomenon that

>> You understand this 67 phenomenon that

>> You understand this 67 phenomenon that you hear? You get it or don't get it? I

you hear? You get it or don't get it? I

you hear? You get it or don't get it? I don't really get it, but I know it's

don't really get it, but I know it's

don't really get it, but I know it's like a thing. 67.

like a thing. 67.

like a thing. 67. >> No,

>> No,

>> No, >> they love it. I was at Kentucky Kingdom

>> they love it. I was at Kentucky Kingdom

>> they love it. I was at Kentucky Kingdom and kids were screaming it from the

and kids were screaming it from the

and kids were screaming it from the rides. 67.

rides. 67.

rides. 67. >> Why?

>> Why?

>> Why? >> Chances are you've heard this phrase.

>> Chances are you've heard this phrase.

>> Chances are you've heard this phrase. You've Googled this phrase. You've asked

You've Googled this phrase. You've asked

You've Googled this phrase. You've asked Alexa, "What is 67?" We don't know.

Alexa, "What is 67?" We don't know.

Alexa, "What is 67?" We don't know. >> It's annoying.

>> It's annoying.

>> It's annoying. >> It's annoying.

>> It's annoying.

>> It's annoying. >> No one knows what it means anyway. So,

>> No one knows what it means anyway. So,

>> No one knows what it means anyway. So, it's like, why are you doing it? So, you

it's like, why are you doing it? So, you

it's like, why are you doing it? So, you know, whatever.

know, whatever.

know, whatever. >> That's what the cool kids are saying.

>> That's what the cool kids are saying.

>> That's what the cool kids are saying. Have you heard of it?

Have you heard of it?

Have you heard of it? >> I did. And I Googled it cuz I, you know,

>> I did. And I Googled it cuz I, you know,

>> I did. And I Googled it cuz I, you know, I'm means nothing.

I'm means nothing.

I'm means nothing. >> I know your grandkids know anything. I

>> I know your grandkids know anything. I

>> I know your grandkids know anything. I want you to go home today and be like

want you to go home today and be like

want you to go home today and be like >> 67

>> 67

>> 67 67 6

67 6

67 6 Oh, my 12-year-old granddaughter's going

Oh, my 12-year-old granddaughter's going

Oh, my 12-year-old granddaughter's going to be so impressed.

to be so impressed.

to be so impressed. >> You love it, don't you?

>> You love it, don't you?

>> You love it, don't you? >> Say 67

>> Say 67

>> Say 67 >> 67

>> 67

>> 67 >> 67.

>> 67.

>> 67. >> There it is. You sound like just like my

>> There it is. You sound like just like my

>> There it is. You sound like just like my boys. Good job.

boys. Good job.

boys. Good job. >> Moving on. Our main story tonight

>> Moving on. Our main story tonight

>> Moving on. Our main story tonight concerns healthcare. ostensibly the

concerns healthcare. ostensibly the

concerns healthcare. ostensibly the subject matter of the pit which is

subject matter of the pit which is

subject matter of the pit which is slightly about healthcare but much more

slightly about healthcare but much more

slightly about healthcare but much more about the gentle head tilt of Noah Wy on

about the gentle head tilt of Noah Wy on

about the gentle head tilt of Noah Wy on behalf of several members of my staff

behalf of several members of my staff

behalf of several members of my staff engulf me in that hoodie you casual

engulf me in that hoodie you casual

engulf me in that hoodie you casual Friday hero specifically we're going to

Friday hero specifically we're going to

Friday hero specifically we're going to talk about Medicare the federal program

talk about Medicare the federal program

talk about Medicare the federal program for those 65 or older or with qualifying

for those 65 or older or with qualifying

for those 65 or older or with qualifying disabilities now open enrollment for it

disabilities now open enrollment for it

disabilities now open enrollment for it began on October 15th and will run

began on October 15th and will run

began on October 15th and will run through December 7th and it's why this

through December 7th and it's why this

through December 7th and it's why this time of year sees tons of ads like these

time of year sees tons of ads like these

time of year sees tons of ads like these >> hi I'm Joe Nameoth if you're on Medicare

>> hi I'm Joe Nameoth if you're on Medicare

>> hi I'm Joe Nameoth if you're on Medicare This is important information.

This is important information.

This is important information. >> Hi, William Shatner here with a new

>> Hi, William Shatner here with a new

>> Hi, William Shatner here with a new message about Medicare benefits.

message about Medicare benefits.

message about Medicare benefits. >> Hi, I'm Jimmy JJ Walker. If you're on

>> Hi, I'm Jimmy JJ Walker. If you're on

>> Hi, I'm Jimmy JJ Walker. If you're on Medicare, listen to this.

Medicare, listen to this.

Medicare, listen to this. >> I'm Meredith Vieira. What's complicated

>> I'm Meredith Vieira. What's complicated

>> I'm Meredith Vieira. What's complicated and confusing that many people over 65

and confusing that many people over 65

and confusing that many people over 65 deal with each year? Medicare.

deal with each year? Medicare.

deal with each year? Medicare. >> Okay, this isn't the point, but the

>> Okay, this isn't the point, but the

>> Okay, this isn't the point, but the question, what's complicated and

question, what's complicated and

question, what's complicated and confusing that people over 65 deal with

confusing that people over 65 deal with

confusing that people over 65 deal with each year is just too broad given that

each year is just too broad given that

each year is just too broad given that the answer is everything. Everything

the answer is everything. Everything

the answer is everything. Everything confuses them. Have you ever seen a

confuses them. Have you ever seen a

confuses them. Have you ever seen a 70-year-old try to work an Apple TV

70-year-old try to work an Apple TV

70-year-old try to work an Apple TV remote? It's actually the reason Biden

remote? It's actually the reason Biden

remote? It's actually the reason Biden dropped out of the race last year.

dropped out of the race last year.

dropped out of the race last year. Apparently, his team handed him an

Apparently, his team handed him an

Apparently, his team handed him an Amazon Fire Stick right before that

Amazon Fire Stick right before that

Amazon Fire Stick right before that debate. And we all know what happened

debate. And we all know what happened

debate. And we all know what happened next.

next.

next. These ads are ubiquitous. One analysis

These ads are ubiquitous. One analysis

These ads are ubiquitous. One analysis found that in Medicare's open enrollment

found that in Medicare's open enrollment

found that in Medicare's open enrollment period a few years ago, over half a

period a few years ago, over half a

period a few years ago, over half a million ads like those aired on TV.

million ads like those aired on TV.

million ads like those aired on TV. That's over 8,000 a day. Normally for an

That's over 8,000 a day. Normally for an

That's over 8,000 a day. Normally for an ad to be that overplayed, it needs to

ad to be that overplayed, it needs to

ad to be that overplayed, it needs to feature a child's band singing a song

feature a child's band singing a song

feature a child's band singing a song that makes you want to commit mass

that makes you want to commit mass

that makes you want to commit mass murder. But while they're often framed

murder. But while they're often framed

murder. But while they're often framed as being about Medicare, they're

as being about Medicare, they're

as being about Medicare, they're actually promoting something called

actually promoting something called

actually promoting something called Medicare Advantage. And that is

Medicare Advantage. And that is

Medicare Advantage. And that is different because while Medicare

different because while Medicare

different because while Medicare Advantage has the word Medicare in it,

Advantage has the word Medicare in it,

Advantage has the word Medicare in it, it is not what you may think. It's not

it is not what you may think. It's not

it is not what you may think. It's not health insurance provided directly to

health insurance provided directly to

health insurance provided directly to you by the government. Instead, it's a

you by the government. Instead, it's a

you by the government. Instead, it's a different system where the government

different system where the government

different system where the government pays private insurers, typically owned

pays private insurers, typically owned

pays private insurers, typically owned by companies like these, to administer

by companies like these, to administer

by companies like these, to administer your benefits for you. Honestly, it

your benefits for you. Honestly, it

your benefits for you. Honestly, it probably shouldn't have the word

probably shouldn't have the word

probably shouldn't have the word Medicare anywhere near it because it's

Medicare anywhere near it because it's

Medicare anywhere near it because it's misleading. It's kind of like the

misleading. It's kind of like the

misleading. It's kind of like the mountain chicken. Picture what a

mountain chicken. Picture what a

mountain chicken. Picture what a mountain chicken looks like in your head

mountain chicken looks like in your head

mountain chicken looks like in your head right now. Do you have it? You're wrong

right now. Do you have it? You're wrong

right now. Do you have it? You're wrong cuz it's this. It's a frog,

cuz it's this. It's a frog,

cuz it's this. It's a frog, which is just wrong. Mountain chicken

which is just wrong. Mountain chicken

which is just wrong. Mountain chicken sounds like at minimum a chicken that

sounds like at minimum a chicken that

sounds like at minimum a chicken that lives in the mountains or what a

lives in the mountains or what a

lives in the mountains or what a starving stranded hiker would call human

starving stranded hiker would call human

starving stranded hiker would call human flesh. It's just mountain chicken. It's

flesh. It's just mountain chicken. It's

flesh. It's just mountain chicken. It's mountain chicken. It's definitely not

mountain chicken. It's definitely not

mountain chicken. It's definitely not Jeff. What it does not sound like though

Jeff. What it does not sound like though

Jeff. What it does not sound like though is this. That is a misuse of words.

is this. That is a misuse of words.

is this. That is a misuse of words. Anyway, the point is, thanks to blanket

Anyway, the point is, thanks to blanket

Anyway, the point is, thanks to blanket advertising and the fact some employee

advertising and the fact some employee

advertising and the fact some employee retirement packages offer these plans

retirement packages offer these plans

retirement packages offer these plans exclusively, more than half of eligible

exclusively, more than half of eligible

exclusively, more than half of eligible Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled

Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled

Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. and a

in a Medicare Advantage plan. and a

in a Medicare Advantage plan. and a percentage expected to grow to nearly

percentage expected to grow to nearly

percentage expected to grow to nearly 2/3 by 2034, which is concerning because

2/3 by 2034, which is concerning because

2/3 by 2034, which is concerning because these plans can have real issues. One

these plans can have real issues. One

these plans can have real issues. One expert has said the best candidate for

expert has said the best candidate for

expert has said the best candidate for Medicare Advantage is someone who's

Medicare Advantage is someone who's

Medicare Advantage is someone who's healthy. We see trouble when someone

healthy. We see trouble when someone

healthy. We see trouble when someone gets sick. But that is a problem because

gets sick. But that is a problem because

gets sick. But that is a problem because statistically most people will get sick.

statistically most people will get sick.

statistically most people will get sick. It's just a fact of life. Like all

It's just a fact of life. Like all

It's just a fact of life. Like all hamsters die, most cats hate you. And if

hamsters die, most cats hate you. And if

hamsters die, most cats hate you. And if Jeremy Allen White is on screen, he is

Jeremy Allen White is on screen, he is

Jeremy Allen White is on screen, he is sweating.

sweating.

sweating. Acting is sweating. We all know that.

Acting is sweating. We all know that.

Acting is sweating. We all know that. And that's by no means the only flaw

And that's by no means the only flaw

And that's by no means the only flaw here. Because as you will see, while

here. Because as you will see, while

here. Because as you will see, while these plans can be great for companies

these plans can be great for companies

these plans can be great for companies bottom lines, they can be woefully

bottom lines, they can be woefully

bottom lines, they can be woefully insufficient for those who signed up for

insufficient for those who signed up for

insufficient for those who signed up for them and the providers who have to deal

them and the providers who have to deal

them and the providers who have to deal with them. Medicare Advantage basically

with them. Medicare Advantage basically

with them. Medicare Advantage basically has all the problems of private

has all the problems of private

has all the problems of private insurance but applied to a more

insurance but applied to a more

insurance but applied to a more vulnerable population. So given that

vulnerable population. So given that

vulnerable population. So given that tonight, let's talk about Medicare

tonight, let's talk about Medicare

tonight, let's talk about Medicare Advantage, what it is, what the coverage

Advantage, what it is, what the coverage

Advantage, what it is, what the coverage can be like, and whether you or someone

can be like, and whether you or someone

can be like, and whether you or someone you know should sign up. But to

you know should sign up. But to

you know should sign up. But to understand it, you first need to

understand it, you first need to

understand it, you first need to understand how Medicare works, which

understand how Medicare works, which

understand how Medicare works, which already isn't easy because, as you'll

already isn't easy because, as you'll

already isn't easy because, as you'll know if you've ever enrolled in it

know if you've ever enrolled in it

know if you've ever enrolled in it yourself or had to help someone else do

yourself or had to help someone else do

yourself or had to help someone else do it, it is confusing. On a scale

it, it is confusing. On a scale

it, it is confusing. On a scale of one to inception, it is basically a

of one to inception, it is basically a

of one to inception, it is basically a tenant. And I don't say that lightly. To

tenant. And I don't say that lightly. To

tenant. And I don't say that lightly. To put it very simply, Medicare currently

put it very simply, Medicare currently

put it very simply, Medicare currently has four components, part A, B, C, and

has four components, part A, B, C, and

has four components, part A, B, C, and D. Part A covers hospital and other

D. Part A covers hospital and other

D. Part A covers hospital and other inpatient care. That's what you've paid

inpatient care. That's what you've paid

inpatient care. That's what you've paid into your whole life. And for most, you

into your whole life. And for most, you

into your whole life. And for most, you can enroll at 65 with no additional

can enroll at 65 with no additional

can enroll at 65 with no additional premium due. Uh part B covers doctor's

premium due. Uh part B covers doctor's

premium due. Uh part B covers doctor's visits and outpatient services. Now, you

visits and outpatient services. Now, you

visits and outpatient services. Now, you do have to pay a monthly premium for

do have to pay a monthly premium for

do have to pay a monthly premium for that. That's typically taken out of your

that. That's typically taken out of your

that. That's typically taken out of your social security check. And even then, it

social security check. And even then, it

social security check. And even then, it only covers 80% of your cost of the

only covers 80% of your cost of the

only covers 80% of your cost of the remaining 20% you have to pay for out of

remaining 20% you have to pay for out of

remaining 20% you have to pay for out of pocket. But you can buy a separate Medig

pocket. But you can buy a separate Medig

pocket. But you can buy a separate Medig gap plan to cover that, which typically

gap plan to cover that, which typically

gap plan to cover that, which typically costs $200 or more a month. And that gap

costs $200 or more a month. And that gap

costs $200 or more a month. And that gap is something ads pushing Medicare

is something ads pushing Medicare

is something ads pushing Medicare Advantage like to highlight like this

Advantage like to highlight like this

Advantage like to highlight like this one featuring Kelsey Grammar.

one featuring Kelsey Grammar.

one featuring Kelsey Grammar. >> Doesn't look good. He's missing 20%. He

>> Doesn't look good. He's missing 20%. He

>> Doesn't look good. He's missing 20%. He should have got better insurance.

should have got better insurance.

should have got better insurance. Fingers crossed.

Fingers crossed.

Fingers crossed. Are you missing 20%, too? That's what

Are you missing 20%, too? That's what

Are you missing 20%, too? That's what your Medicare insurance might not pay

your Medicare insurance might not pay

your Medicare insurance might not pay for. That 20% is critical to your health

for. That 20% is critical to your health

for. That 20% is critical to your health care and your wallet. See, original

care and your wallet. See, original

care and your wallet. See, original Medicare only covers about 80% of your

Medicare only covers about 80% of your

Medicare only covers about 80% of your Part B medical costs. The rest is up to

Part B medical costs. The rest is up to

Part B medical costs. The rest is up to you. Can be thousands of dollars. Write

you. Can be thousands of dollars. Write

you. Can be thousands of dollars. Write me a least expected. So, let Coverance

me a least expected. So, let Coverance

me a least expected. So, let Coverance help find a Medicare insurance plan that

help find a Medicare insurance plan that

help find a Medicare insurance plan that doesn't leave you so exposed.

doesn't leave you so exposed.

doesn't leave you so exposed. >> Stop it. You stop it right now, Frasier.

>> Stop it. You stop it right now, Frasier.

>> Stop it. You stop it right now, Frasier. Though, to be fair, that is not the

Though, to be fair, that is not the

Though, to be fair, that is not the creepiest thing he's ever said about the

creepiest thing he's ever said about the

creepiest thing he's ever said about the medical profession, given his memoir

medical profession, given his memoir

medical profession, given his memoir features the quote, "Nice girls made me

features the quote, "Nice girls made me

features the quote, "Nice girls made me really nervous, claustrophobic." But

really nervous, claustrophobic." But

really nervous, claustrophobic." But broken women, women in pain, women

broken women, women in pain, women

broken women, women in pain, women looking to be fixed, are for these women

looking to be fixed, are for these women

looking to be fixed, are for these women the doctor was in. That is on the back

the doctor was in. That is on the back

the doctor was in. That is on the back cover. And it is wild to publish a book

cover. And it is wild to publish a book

cover. And it is wild to publish a book where you essentially argue if you

where you essentially argue if you

where you essentially argue if you me, you might need professional help.

me, you might need professional help.

me, you might need professional help. Anyway, that is part B. Now, if you want

Anyway, that is part B. Now, if you want

Anyway, that is part B. Now, if you want prescription drugs, and if you're a

prescription drugs, and if you're a

prescription drugs, and if you're a senior citizen, you definitely do. You

senior citizen, you definitely do. You

senior citizen, you definitely do. You need to pay for a separate part D

need to pay for a separate part D

need to pay for a separate part D premium which helps cover those. And

premium which helps cover those. And

premium which helps cover those. And that leaves us with part C, which is

that leaves us with part C, which is

that leaves us with part C, which is Medicare Advantage. It functions as an

Medicare Advantage. It functions as an

Medicare Advantage. It functions as an alternative to all the other parts in

alternative to all the other parts in

alternative to all the other parts in that it helps cover hospitals, doctor

that it helps cover hospitals, doctor

that it helps cover hospitals, doctor visits, and usually drugs while offering

visits, and usually drugs while offering

visits, and usually drugs while offering uh often extra benefits uh like some

uh often extra benefits uh like some

uh often extra benefits uh like some dental, vision, and hearing coverage or

dental, vision, and hearing coverage or

dental, vision, and hearing coverage or even debit cards to help pay grocery

even debit cards to help pay grocery

even debit cards to help pay grocery bills. And it does all of that for a

bills. And it does all of that for a

bills. And it does all of that for a relatively low upfront cost as other

relatively low upfront cost as other

relatively low upfront cost as other than that standard premium taken out of

than that standard premium taken out of

than that standard premium taken out of your social security check, over 3/4 of

your social security check, over 3/4 of

your social security check, over 3/4 of enrolles pay no additional premium at

enrolles pay no additional premium at

enrolles pay no additional premium at all. So, it is pretty appealing on the

all. So, it is pretty appealing on the

all. So, it is pretty appealing on the surface. And while I don't have to show

surface. And while I don't have to show

surface. And while I don't have to show you one more ad for it, especially as it

you one more ad for it, especially as it

you one more ad for it, especially as it basically recaps everything I just said,

basically recaps everything I just said,

basically recaps everything I just said, I'm going to do it anyway because it is

I'm going to do it anyway because it is

I'm going to do it anyway because it is magnificent.

magnificent.

magnificent. >> Al, did you make that call?

>> Al, did you make that call?

>> Al, did you make that call? >> Honey, we already have Medicare. Why do

>> Honey, we already have Medicare. Why do

>> Honey, we already have Medicare. Why do I need to call?

I need to call?

I need to call? >> Alan, the Feldman said we may be able to

>> Alan, the Feldman said we may be able to

>> Alan, the Feldman said we may be able to get additional benefits with a Medicare

get additional benefits with a Medicare

get additional benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan right here in our zip

Advantage plan right here in our zip

Advantage plan right here in our zip code with 0 monthly premiums.

code with 0 monthly premiums.

code with 0 monthly premiums. >> Honey, what do you mean additional

>> Honey, what do you mean additional

>> Honey, what do you mean additional benefits? We turned 65, we got Medicare.

benefits? We turned 65, we got Medicare.

benefits? We turned 65, we got Medicare. That's all there is to it, right?

That's all there is to it, right?

That's all there is to it, right? >> I'm talking about Medicare Part C,

>> I'm talking about Medicare Part C,

>> I'm talking about Medicare Part C, commonly called Medicare Advantage. We

commonly called Medicare Advantage. We

commonly called Medicare Advantage. We have traditional Medicare, which is only

have traditional Medicare, which is only

have traditional Medicare, which is only Medicare parts A and B, but not part C.

Medicare parts A and B, but not part C.

Medicare parts A and B, but not part C. >> Wait,

>> Wait,

>> Wait, so not everyone on Medicare is a part C

so not everyone on Medicare is a part C

so not everyone on Medicare is a part C plan?

plan?

plan? >> No. That's why we need to call because

>> No. That's why we need to call because

>> No. That's why we need to call because there may be plans available with

there may be plans available with

there may be plans available with additional benefits that aren't covered

additional benefits that aren't covered

additional benefits that aren't covered under Medicare parts A and B. We don't

under Medicare parts A and B. We don't

under Medicare parts A and B. We don't have a Medicare Part C plan, which

have a Medicare Part C plan, which

have a Medicare Part C plan, which covers everything in Part A and Part B,

covers everything in Part A and Part B,

covers everything in Part A and Part B, plus extra benefits in Medicare Part C.

plus extra benefits in Medicare Part C.

plus extra benefits in Medicare Part C. >> What kind of extra benefits?

>> What kind of extra benefits?

>> What kind of extra benefits? >> There are great plans that may be

>> There are great plans that may be

>> There are great plans that may be available with extra benefits like

available with extra benefits like

available with extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.

dental, vision, and hearing.

dental, vision, and hearing. >> Did you say dental?

>> Did you say dental?

>> Did you say dental? >> That is, and this is true, only the

>> That is, and this is true, only the

>> That is, and this is true, only the first half of that commercial. It has it

first half of that commercial. It has it

first half of that commercial. It has it all. amateur porn level acting, wild

all. amateur porn level acting, wild

all. amateur porn level acting, wild physical gestures, the totally

physical gestures, the totally

physical gestures, the totally unnecessary undercurrent of a broken

unnecessary undercurrent of a broken

unnecessary undercurrent of a broken marriage, and the phrase right here in

marriage, and the phrase right here in

marriage, and the phrase right here in our zip code. It is perfect. I also love

our zip code. It is perfect. I also love

our zip code. It is perfect. I also love the disclaimer saying paid actor

the disclaimer saying paid actor

the disclaimer saying paid actor portrayal as if we've been so sucked in

portrayal as if we've been so sucked in

portrayal as if we've been so sucked in by the natural delivery of concussed Rob

by the natural delivery of concussed Rob

by the natural delivery of concussed Rob Reiner and overcaffeinated Amy Sedaris

Reiner and overcaffeinated Amy Sedaris

Reiner and overcaffeinated Amy Sedaris here that we might need to be reminded.

here that we might need to be reminded.

here that we might need to be reminded. But the thing is, there are a lot of

But the thing is, there are a lot of

But the thing is, there are a lot of drawbacks to Medicare Advantage plans.

drawbacks to Medicare Advantage plans.

drawbacks to Medicare Advantage plans. For a start, they come at an inflated

For a start, they come at an inflated

For a start, they come at an inflated cost to taxpayers, which is a bit weird

cost to taxpayers, which is a bit weird

cost to taxpayers, which is a bit weird given that a big part of the argument

given that a big part of the argument

given that a big part of the argument for creating this system over two

for creating this system over two

for creating this system over two decades ago was that bringing in private

decades ago was that bringing in private

decades ago was that bringing in private insurers would help control cost. In

insurers would help control cost. In

insurers would help control cost. In fact, here is Orin Hatch back then, one

fact, here is Orin Hatch back then, one

fact, here is Orin Hatch back then, one of its biggest cheerleaders, making his

of its biggest cheerleaders, making his

of its biggest cheerleaders, making his pitch. Choice, the right to pick the

pitch. Choice, the right to pick the

pitch. Choice, the right to pick the coverage you want.

coverage you want.

coverage you want. That's what Medicare Advantage actually

That's what Medicare Advantage actually

That's what Medicare Advantage actually gives you. Now, there are those who

gives you. Now, there are those who

gives you. Now, there are those who believe that socialism is the answer to

believe that socialism is the answer to

believe that socialism is the answer to everything.

everything.

everything. Let government do it. Government can do

Let government do it. Government can do

Let government do it. Government can do it more efficiently. Well, if you

it more efficiently. Well, if you

it more efficiently. Well, if you believe that, you haven't watched the

believe that, you haven't watched the

believe that, you haven't watched the last 50 years.

last 50 years.

last 50 years. >> Yeah. The whole argument was that it

>> Yeah. The whole argument was that it

>> Yeah. The whole argument was that it would expand choice and companies would

would expand choice and companies would

would expand choice and companies would do a better job at controlling costs

do a better job at controlling costs

do a better job at controlling costs than the government. And look, some

than the government. And look, some

than the government. And look, some things are better when the private

things are better when the private

things are better when the private sectors involved. Take novelty slippers.

sectors involved. Take novelty slippers.

sectors involved. Take novelty slippers. Only through competition in the free

Only through competition in the free

Only through competition in the free market, you get innovations like hairy

market, you get innovations like hairy

market, you get innovations like hairy feet slippers, creepy Marge Simpson

feet slippers, creepy Marge Simpson

feet slippers, creepy Marge Simpson slippers, Sigman Freud slippers, Danny

slippers, Sigman Freud slippers, Danny

slippers, Sigman Freud slippers, Danny DeFito slippers, and Golden Penis

DeFito slippers, and Golden Penis

DeFito slippers, and Golden Penis slippers. And if you're wondering who

slippers. And if you're wondering who

slippers. And if you're wondering who the would buy those, you are

the would buy those, you are

the would buy those, you are looking at him right here. Now, why did

looking at him right here. Now, why did

looking at him right here. Now, why did I buy these? I don't know. Probably

I buy these? I don't know. Probably

I buy these? I don't know. Probably because of something deep rooted in my

because of something deep rooted in my

because of something deep rooted in my psyche stemming from my childhood. At

psyche stemming from my childhood. At

psyche stemming from my childhood. At least according to my Sigman Freud

least according to my Sigman Freud

least according to my Sigman Freud slipper right here. But sadly, sadly,

slipper right here. But sadly, sadly,

slipper right here. But sadly, sadly, the primal sector hasn't done as well

the primal sector hasn't done as well

the primal sector hasn't done as well with Medicare as it has with slippers

with Medicare as it has with slippers

with Medicare as it has with slippers because these plans have never saved the

because these plans have never saved the

because these plans have never saved the government money. In fact, a report last

government money. In fact, a report last

government money. In fact, a report last year estimated Medicare Advantage had

year estimated Medicare Advantage had

year estimated Medicare Advantage had cost the government over the previous 18

cost the government over the previous 18

cost the government over the previous 18 years an extra 591 billion. And this is

years an extra 591 billion. And this is

years an extra 591 billion. And this is partly down to the fact the major

partly down to the fact the major

partly down to the fact the major companies involved need to make profits

companies involved need to make profits

companies involved need to make profits for their investors. And they have found

for their investors. And they have found

for their investors. And they have found ways to do that. One concerns how they

ways to do that. One concerns how they

ways to do that. One concerns how they get paid. Because in traditional

get paid. Because in traditional

get paid. Because in traditional Medicare, a provider treats you and the

Medicare, a provider treats you and the

Medicare, a provider treats you and the government pays a fee for it. But in

government pays a fee for it. But in

government pays a fee for it. But in Medicare Advantage, plans get a fixed

Medicare Advantage, plans get a fixed

Medicare Advantage, plans get a fixed payment from the government for each

payment from the government for each

payment from the government for each member they take on regardless of

member they take on regardless of

member they take on regardless of whether you get treatment or not. And

whether you get treatment or not. And

whether you get treatment or not. And crucially, that payment's based in large

crucially, that payment's based in large

crucially, that payment's based in large part on what illnesses you're listed as

part on what illnesses you're listed as

part on what illnesses you're listed as having because insurers are entitled to

having because insurers are entitled to

having because insurers are entitled to extra money when their patients are

extra money when their patients are

extra money when their patients are diagnosed with conditions that are

diagnosed with conditions that are

diagnosed with conditions that are costly to treat. Here's a report from

costly to treat. Here's a report from

costly to treat. Here's a report from several years ago explaining how it

several years ago explaining how it

several years ago explaining how it basically works.

basically works.

basically works. >> The insurance company uses what are

>> The insurance company uses what are

>> The insurance company uses what are known as diagnosis codes to report that

known as diagnosis codes to report that

known as diagnosis codes to report that person's level of sickness to the

person's level of sickness to the

person's level of sickness to the government.

government.

government. >> Well, they pay one rate for plain old

>> Well, they pay one rate for plain old

>> Well, they pay one rate for plain old diabetes and then they pay another rate

diabetes and then they pay another rate

diabetes and then they pay another rate for diabetes with complications. If you

for diabetes with complications. If you

for diabetes with complications. If you write down in the file that the patient

write down in the file that the patient

write down in the file that the patient has diabetes and has complications with

has diabetes and has complications with

has diabetes and has complications with eyesight or uh or other things, they'll

eyesight or uh or other things, they'll

eyesight or uh or other things, they'll get paid a higher rate,

get paid a higher rate,

get paid a higher rate, >> right? And in theory, that makes sense.

>> right? And in theory, that makes sense.

>> right? And in theory, that makes sense. You want insurers to take care of sicker

You want insurers to take care of sicker

You want insurers to take care of sicker patients. Unfortunately, a lot of things

patients. Unfortunately, a lot of things

patients. Unfortunately, a lot of things that sound good turn out to be terrible

that sound good turn out to be terrible

that sound good turn out to be terrible in practice, like overalls on adults or

in practice, like overalls on adults or

in practice, like overalls on adults or drinking a beer or buying a flight that

drinking a beer or buying a flight that

drinking a beer or buying a flight that leaves at 6:00 a.m. to save money. Oh,

leaves at 6:00 a.m. to save money. Oh,

leaves at 6:00 a.m. to save money. Oh, sure. seems like a good idea until

sure. seems like a good idea until

sure. seems like a good idea until you're at the airport at 4 in the

you're at the airport at 4 in the

you're at the airport at 4 in the morning. But hey, at least you

morning. But hey, at least you

morning. But hey, at least you got to your destination by 10:00 a.m.

got to your destination by 10:00 a.m.

got to your destination by 10:00 a.m. and can't check into your hotel for

and can't check into your hotel for

and can't check into your hotel for another 5 hours. Aren't you glad you

another 5 hours. Aren't you glad you

another 5 hours. Aren't you glad you saved $35 on that ticket? Well, the same

saved $35 on that ticket? Well, the same

saved $35 on that ticket? Well, the same is true here because the government

is true here because the government

is true here because the government paying more for sicker patients has

paying more for sicker patients has

paying more for sicker patients has given insurers an incentive to identify

given insurers an incentive to identify

given insurers an incentive to identify as many health conditions as possible

as many health conditions as possible

as many health conditions as possible for each enrolle and potentially to then

for each enrolle and potentially to then

for each enrolle and potentially to then gain the system. They can find lots of

gain the system. They can find lots of

gain the system. They can find lots of ways to add big money diagnoses to

ways to add big money diagnoses to

ways to add big money diagnoses to patients charts through a practice known

patients charts through a practice known

patients charts through a practice known as upcoding. This happens a lot. One

as upcoding. This happens a lot. One

as upcoding. This happens a lot. One investigation found that Medicare paid

investigation found that Medicare paid

investigation found that Medicare paid insurers about 50 billion over three

insurers about 50 billion over three

insurers about 50 billion over three years for diagnoses added just by

years for diagnoses added just by

years for diagnoses added just by insurers. Not only that, many diagnoses

insurers. Not only that, many diagnoses

insurers. Not only that, many diagnoses were added for which patients then

were added for which patients then

were added for which patients then received no treatment. And often neither

received no treatment. And often neither

received no treatment. And often neither the patients nor their doctors had any

the patients nor their doctors had any

the patients nor their doctors had any idea, which isn't great, is it? The

idea, which isn't great, is it? The

idea, which isn't great, is it? The whole point of a doctor is for them to

whole point of a doctor is for them to

whole point of a doctor is for them to diagnose you. Or in my case, for them to

diagnose you. Or in my case, for them to

diagnose you. Or in my case, for them to look at me down at the chart, look at me

look at me down at the chart, look at me

look at me down at the chart, look at me again, back at the chart, and then say

again, back at the chart, and then say

again, back at the chart, and then say 48 years old.

48 years old.

48 years old. Are we sure about that? And while

Are we sure about that? And while

Are we sure about that? And while insurers will claim they're just being

insurers will claim they're just being

insurers will claim they're just being thorough, they've been repeatedly

thorough, they've been repeatedly

thorough, they've been repeatedly accused of essentially pulling a

accused of essentially pulling a

accused of essentially pulling a munchousen by paperwork. In 2022, the

munchousen by paperwork. In 2022, the

munchousen by paperwork. In 2022, the Times found eight of the 10 biggest

Times found eight of the 10 biggest

Times found eight of the 10 biggest Medicare Advantage insurers had

Medicare Advantage insurers had

Medicare Advantage insurers had submitted inflated bills according to

submitted inflated bills according to

submitted inflated bills according to federal audits and that four of the five

federal audits and that four of the five

federal audits and that four of the five largest players had faced federal

largest players had faced federal

largest players had faced federal lawsuits alleging that efforts to

lawsuits alleging that efforts to

lawsuits alleging that efforts to overdiagnose their customers had crossed

overdiagnose their customers had crossed

overdiagnose their customers had crossed the line into fraud. And some have been

the line into fraud. And some have been

the line into fraud. And some have been accused of getting very sneaky to add

accused of getting very sneaky to add

accused of getting very sneaky to add patient codes. For instance, many tout

patient codes. For instance, many tout

patient codes. For instance, many tout home visits with ads featuring happy

home visits with ads featuring happy

home visits with ads featuring happy seniors excitedly greeting healthare

seniors excitedly greeting healthare

seniors excitedly greeting healthare workers at their door. Here is how

workers at their door. Here is how

workers at their door. Here is how United Healthcare advertises theirs.

United Healthcare advertises theirs.

United Healthcare advertises theirs. Remember the good old days when doctors

Remember the good old days when doctors

Remember the good old days when doctors made house calls? United Healthcare

made house calls? United Healthcare

made house calls? United Healthcare offers their Medicare Advantage members

offers their Medicare Advantage members

offers their Medicare Advantage members an annual visit from a licensed

an annual visit from a licensed

an annual visit from a licensed clinician in their own home at no extra

clinician in their own home at no extra

clinician in their own home at no extra cost. Home visits may include a review

cost. Home visits may include a review

cost. Home visits may include a review of your medical history, a check of your

of your medical history, a check of your

of your medical history, a check of your vital signs, and a chance to talk about

vital signs, and a chance to talk about

vital signs, and a chance to talk about your health concerns. With house calls,

your health concerns. With house calls,

your health concerns. With house calls, being healthy starts at home.

being healthy starts at home.

being healthy starts at home. >> Yeah. And you can see how attractive

>> Yeah. And you can see how attractive

>> Yeah. And you can see how attractive that is. Not least because the senior

that is. Not least because the senior

that is. Not least because the senior gets a visitor. And you know how happy

gets a visitor. And you know how happy

gets a visitor. And you know how happy that makes them. The elderly love

that makes them. The elderly love

that makes them. The elderly love exactly three things. having guests,

exactly three things. having guests,

exactly three things. having guests, talking to guests, and then freaking out

talking to guests, and then freaking out

talking to guests, and then freaking out when that guest sits in their

when that guest sits in their

when that guest sits in their chair.

chair.

chair. But an investigation found that in

But an investigation found that in

But an investigation found that in programs like that one, companies push

programs like that one, companies push

programs like that one, companies push nurses to run screening tests and add

nurses to run screening tests and add

nurses to run screening tests and add unusual diagnosis, turning the roughly

unusual diagnosis, turning the roughly

unusual diagnosis, turning the roughly hourlong stops in patients homes into an

hourlong stops in patients homes into an

hourlong stops in patients homes into an extra $1,800 per visit on average. And

extra $1,800 per visit on average. And

extra $1,800 per visit on average. And while United will insist most of the

while United will insist most of the

while United will insist most of the conditions it's coded for in its house

conditions it's coded for in its house

conditions it's coded for in its house calls program haven't raised payment,

calls program haven't raised payment,

calls program haven't raised payment, some very much have. For instance,

some very much have. For instance,

some very much have. For instance, documents show it software would suggest

documents show it software would suggest

documents show it software would suggest the diagnosis of secondary

the diagnosis of secondary

the diagnosis of secondary hyperalddoststeroneism, a condition in

hyperalddoststeroneism, a condition in

hyperalddoststeroneism, a condition in which levels of the hormone

which levels of the hormone

which levels of the hormone aldoststerone rise without requiring it

aldoststerone rise without requiring it

aldoststerone rise without requiring it be confirmed by a lab test. United

be confirmed by a lab test. United

be confirmed by a lab test. United Healthcare apparently diagnosed that

Healthcare apparently diagnosed that

Healthcare apparently diagnosed that nearly a quarter million times after

nearly a quarter million times after

nearly a quarter million times after home visits, leading to $450 million in

home visits, leading to $450 million in

home visits, leading to $450 million in government payments over just 3 years.

government payments over just 3 years.

government payments over just 3 years. Even though a former house calls nurse

Even though a former house calls nurse

Even though a former house calls nurse said, "In a million years, I wouldn't

said, "In a million years, I wouldn't

said, "In a million years, I wouldn't have come up with a diagnosis of

have come up with a diagnosis of

have come up with a diagnosis of secondary hyperaldostism. But of course

secondary hyperaldostism. But of course

secondary hyperaldostism. But of course not. I didn't even know what

not. I didn't even know what

not. I didn't even know what hyperaldostism was before working on

hyperaldostism was before working on

hyperaldostism was before working on this piece. And to be honest, I still

this piece. And to be honest, I still

this piece. And to be honest, I still don't really know much about it, aside

don't really know much about it, aside

don't really know much about it, aside from the fact that you can rearrange the

from the fact that you can rearrange the

from the fact that you can rearrange the letters to spell modernist horseplay,

letters to spell modernist horseplay,

letters to spell modernist horseplay, which isn't nothing, but it does feel

which isn't nothing, but it does feel

which isn't nothing, but it does feel close to it. Now, I have to tell you,

close to it. Now, I have to tell you,

close to it. Now, I have to tell you, United Healthcare claims that report

United Healthcare claims that report

United Healthcare claims that report misrepresents House Calls, which is just

misrepresents House Calls, which is just

misrepresents House Calls, which is just about supplementing doctor's visits and

about supplementing doctor's visits and

about supplementing doctor's visits and identifying gaps in patient care. I

identifying gaps in patient care. I

identifying gaps in patient care. I presume that they're currently making

presume that they're currently making

presume that they're currently making that same argument to the DOJ's criminal

that same argument to the DOJ's criminal

that same argument to the DOJ's criminal healthcare fraud unit which is

healthcare fraud unit which is

healthcare fraud unit which is investigating his Medicare billing

investigating his Medicare billing

investigating his Medicare billing practices. And I wish them the very best

practices. And I wish them the very best

practices. And I wish them the very best of luck with that. But but they are not

of luck with that. But but they are not

of luck with that. But but they are not the only company who faced these sorts

the only company who faced these sorts

the only company who faced these sorts of accusations. An insurer called

of accusations. An insurer called

of accusations. An insurer called Independent Health faced similar claims,

Independent Health faced similar claims,

Independent Health faced similar claims, including that a woman in one of their

including that a woman in one of their

including that a woman in one of their Advantage plans was apparently coded for

Advantage plans was apparently coded for

Advantage plans was apparently coded for prostate cancer because according to an

prostate cancer because according to an

prostate cancer because according to an internal email, when a married couple

internal email, when a married couple

internal email, when a married couple has any disease, both were assigned to

has any disease, both were assigned to

has any disease, both were assigned to that disease, which is both ridiculous

that disease, which is both ridiculous

that disease, which is both ridiculous and also kind of romantic.

and also kind of romantic.

and also kind of romantic. Do you, Tracy, promise to take Doug's

Do you, Tracy, promise to take Doug's

Do you, Tracy, promise to take Doug's diseases from tip to taint as long as

diseases from tip to taint as long as

diseases from tip to taint as long as you both tell Liv? I do. I really do.

you both tell Liv? I do. I really do.

you both tell Liv? I do. I really do. Now again, I have to tell you,

Now again, I have to tell you,

Now again, I have to tell you, Independent Health did not admit

Independent Health did not admit

Independent Health did not admit liability, but they did pay $98 million

liability, but they did pay $98 million

liability, but they did pay $98 million to settle that lawsuit. You know, the

to settle that lawsuit. You know, the

to settle that lawsuit. You know, the exact kind of thing you do when you're

exact kind of thing you do when you're

exact kind of thing you do when you're not liable for something. So, at this

not liable for something. So, at this

not liable for something. So, at this point, I think it's pretty clear these

point, I think it's pretty clear these

point, I think it's pretty clear these plans aren't a particularly good use of

plans aren't a particularly good use of

plans aren't a particularly good use of taxpayer money. But are they good for

taxpayer money. But are they good for

taxpayer money. But are they good for patients? Well, on the surface, cheaper

patients? Well, on the surface, cheaper

patients? Well, on the surface, cheaper premiums sounds appealing. And if you're

premiums sounds appealing. And if you're

premiums sounds appealing. And if you're relatively healthy, these plans can seem

relatively healthy, these plans can seem

relatively healthy, these plans can seem like the more attractive option. Just

like the more attractive option. Just

like the more attractive option. Just listen to this woman explaining why she

listen to this woman explaining why she

listen to this woman explaining why she and her husband picked one.

and her husband picked one.

and her husband picked one. >> We are very active. I play pickle ball

>> We are very active. I play pickle ball

>> We are very active. I play pickle ball twice a week. Um we have a big garden.

twice a week. Um we have a big garden.

twice a week. Um we have a big garden. We have animals that we take care of and

We have animals that we take care of and

We have animals that we take care of and so we're always doing something. And we

so we're always doing something. And we

so we're always doing something. And we wanted to retire while we were still

wanted to retire while we were still

wanted to retire while we were still able to do things together. Um and that

able to do things together. Um and that

able to do things together. Um and that we like the advantage plan because it

we like the advantage plan because it

we like the advantage plan because it seemed to fit our needs for that.

seemed to fit our needs for that.

seemed to fit our needs for that. >> Right. And I get that that makes sense

>> Right. And I get that that makes sense

>> Right. And I get that that makes sense for her right now because from the

for her right now because from the

for her right now because from the minute I saw that woman, I knew she

minute I saw that woman, I knew she

minute I saw that woman, I knew she played pickle ball. She she didn't need

played pickle ball. She she didn't need

played pickle ball. She she didn't need to tell me that. Everything about her

to tell me that. Everything about her

to tell me that. Everything about her screams, "I'll dink your kitchen then

screams, "I'll dink your kitchen then

screams, "I'll dink your kitchen then crosscourt lob until we bagel because

crosscourt lob until we bagel because

crosscourt lob until we bagel because just we la the pickle bitch." And

just we la the pickle bitch." And

just we la the pickle bitch." And Medicare Advantage plans go out of their

Medicare Advantage plans go out of their

Medicare Advantage plans go out of their way to recruit people like her. Many

way to recruit people like her. Many

way to recruit people like her. Many even offer perks like gym memberships

even offer perks like gym memberships

even offer perks like gym memberships which can be disproportionately

which can be disproportionately

which can be disproportionately attractive to relatively healthy

attractive to relatively healthy

attractive to relatively healthy beneficiaries. But once you get sick,

beneficiaries. But once you get sick,

beneficiaries. But once you get sick, you can find out your plan has a lot of

you can find out your plan has a lot of

you can find out your plan has a lot of limitations. For example, under regular

limitations. For example, under regular

limitations. For example, under regular Medicare, you can go to any doctor or

Medicare, you can go to any doctor or

Medicare, you can go to any doctor or hospital that takes it, which is most of

hospital that takes it, which is most of

hospital that takes it, which is most of them. But with Medicare Advantage, as

them. But with Medicare Advantage, as

them. But with Medicare Advantage, as with most private insurance, you can

with most private insurance, you can

with most private insurance, you can typically only use doctors in the plan's

typically only use doctors in the plan's

typically only use doctors in the plan's network and service area. And as those

network and service area. And as those

network and service area. And as those can change at any time, a doctor who is

can change at any time, a doctor who is

can change at any time, a doctor who is in network when you sign up can quickly

in network when you sign up can quickly

in network when you sign up can quickly fall out of it, and that can be a big

fall out of it, and that can be a big

fall out of it, and that can be a big problem. Consider this woman who had

problem. Consider this woman who had

problem. Consider this woman who had cancer who qualified for Medicare due to

cancer who qualified for Medicare due to

cancer who qualified for Medicare due to disability, but signed up for a Medicare

disability, but signed up for a Medicare

disability, but signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan thinking that it would

Advantage plan thinking that it would

Advantage plan thinking that it would save her money. I went for my routine

save her money. I went for my routine

save her money. I went for my routine checkup. I'd been a Dana Farber patient

checkup. I'd been a Dana Farber patient

checkup. I'd been a Dana Farber patient since 2013 and I got a bill. They're

since 2013 and I got a bill. They're

since 2013 and I got a bill. They're saying the provider's in network in the

saying the provider's in network in the

saying the provider's in network in the building, but the building of Dana Faba

building, but the building of Dana Faba

building, but the building of Dana Faba is out of network and I'm not allowed to

is out of network and I'm not allowed to

is out of network and I'm not allowed to go there anymore even though I'd been

go there anymore even though I'd been

go there anymore even though I'd been going there and have the same insurance.

going there and have the same insurance.

going there and have the same insurance. So after all of these years, I have now

So after all of these years, I have now

So after all of these years, I have now moved my care to a different hospital

moved my care to a different hospital

moved my care to a different hospital because I can't go there anymore.

because I can't go there anymore.

because I can't go there anymore. >> That is absurd. her doctor was in

>> That is absurd. her doctor was in

>> That is absurd. her doctor was in network, but the building wasn't. It's

network, but the building wasn't. It's

network, but the building wasn't. It's one of those things that makes your

one of those things that makes your

one of those things that makes your brain hurt if you think about it for too

brain hurt if you think about it for too

brain hurt if you think about it for too long, like how gravity works, or why

long, like how gravity works, or why

long, like how gravity works, or why some people's bodies when they're

some people's bodies when they're

some people's bodies when they're scared, or how Bill Bellich's daughter

scared, or how Bill Bellich's daughter

scared, or how Bill Bellich's daughter was 17 years old the year his girlfriend

was 17 years old the year his girlfriend

was 17 years old the year his girlfriend was born. Some things are just too

was born. Some things are just too

was born. Some things are just too difficult for you to comprehend. But it

difficult for you to comprehend. But it

difficult for you to comprehend. But it can be genuinely hard to find someone in

can be genuinely hard to find someone in

can be genuinely hard to find someone in network on an advantage plan. And even

network on an advantage plan. And even

network on an advantage plan. And even if its list of providers looks good on

if its list of providers looks good on

if its list of providers looks good on paper, it can quickly collapse under the

paper, it can quickly collapse under the

paper, it can quickly collapse under the slightest inspection. As this man

slightest inspection. As this man

slightest inspection. As this man discovered,

discovered,

discovered, >> I'm diabetic, so I looked under

>> I'm diabetic, so I looked under

>> I'm diabetic, so I looked under endocrinology. There were four listed

endocrinology. There were four listed

endocrinology. There were four listed and the first two were at Shnook's

and the first two were at Shnook's

and the first two were at Shnook's grocery stores, and they weren't

grocery stores, and they weren't

grocery stores, and they weren't endocrinologists.

endocrinologists.

endocrinologists. They were just pharmacies. So apparently

They were just pharmacies. So apparently

They were just pharmacies. So apparently that means that they offered two

that means that they offered two

that means that they offered two endocrinologists

endocrinologists

endocrinologists in this 25 mile radius. And that has me

in this 25 mile radius. And that has me

in this 25 mile radius. And that has me hugely concerned.

hugely concerned.

hugely concerned. >> Is that enough for the senior population

>> Is that enough for the senior population

>> Is that enough for the senior population here?

here?

here? >> No.

>> No.

>> No. >> Yeah, of course it isn't. And finding

>> Yeah, of course it isn't. And finding

>> Yeah, of course it isn't. And finding out half your list is just grocery

out half your list is just grocery

out half your list is just grocery storearmacies would be frustrating

storearmacies would be frustrating

storearmacies would be frustrating because everybody knows you don't go

because everybody knows you don't go

because everybody knows you don't go there for an endocrinology appointment.

there for an endocrinology appointment.

there for an endocrinology appointment. You go there to check your blood

You go there to check your blood

You go there to check your blood pressure in the machine that makes your

pressure in the machine that makes your

pressure in the machine that makes your arm feel like it's being squeezed by

arm feel like it's being squeezed by

arm feel like it's being squeezed by Paul Mezcal's thighs. That is a thing

Paul Mezcal's thighs. That is a thing

Paul Mezcal's thighs. That is a thing that we all do. And that is not a

that we all do. And that is not a

that we all do. And that is not a one-off either. One review found the

one-off either. One review found the

one-off either. One review found the majority of Medicare Advantage

majority of Medicare Advantage

majority of Medicare Advantage organizations had between 30 to 60%

organizations had between 30 to 60%

organizations had between 30 to 60% inaccurate locations in their

inaccurate locations in their

inaccurate locations in their directories. But even if you can find a

directories. But even if you can find a

directories. But even if you can find a provider, you may then have to deal with

provider, you may then have to deal with

provider, you may then have to deal with something called prior authorizations.

something called prior authorizations.

something called prior authorizations. Now, you're probably familiar with them

Now, you're probably familiar with them

Now, you're probably familiar with them from employer sponsored plans. While

from employer sponsored plans. While

from employer sponsored plans. While traditional Medicare almost always pays

traditional Medicare almost always pays

traditional Medicare almost always pays for the care your doctor says you

for the care your doctor says you

for the care your doctor says you qualify for, virtually all enrolles in

qualify for, virtually all enrolles in

qualify for, virtually all enrolles in Medicare Advantage are required to

Medicare Advantage are required to

Medicare Advantage are required to obtain prior authorization for some

obtain prior authorization for some

obtain prior authorization for some services. While these plans are supposed

services. While these plans are supposed

services. While these plans are supposed to cover all medically necessary

to cover all medically necessary

to cover all medically necessary services that original Medicare does,

services that original Medicare does,

services that original Medicare does, actually getting approval can be a

actually getting approval can be a

actually getting approval can be a grueling process. As this doctor

grueling process. As this doctor

grueling process. As this doctor explains, we have to call for a prior

explains, we have to call for a prior

explains, we have to call for a prior authorization. And we can't do it

authorization. And we can't do it

authorization. And we can't do it electronically. We actually have to call

electronically. We actually have to call

electronically. We actually have to call on the phone, the oldfashioned

on the phone, the oldfashioned

on the phone, the oldfashioned telephone. We have to call an 800 number

telephone. We have to call an 800 number

telephone. We have to call an 800 number or some number. And then we have to give

or some number. And then we have to give

or some number. And then we have to give them all the data. We have to give them

them all the data. We have to give them

them all the data. We have to give them the insurance information. We have to

the insurance information. We have to

the insurance information. We have to give them the patient's date of birth,

give them the patient's date of birth,

give them the patient's date of birth, things like that. And then what they do

things like that. And then what they do

things like that. And then what they do is they give us then an authorization to

is they give us then an authorization to

is they give us then an authorization to fax them the information. So I've called

fax them the information. So I've called

fax them the information. So I've called them to get permission to fax them a

them to get permission to fax them a

them to get permission to fax them a request and then once they've got it,

request and then once they've got it,

request and then once they've got it, I've got to call them while they discuss

I've got to call them while they discuss

I've got to call them while they discuss the facts. That's another barrier and

the facts. That's another barrier and

the facts. That's another barrier and obstacle to care that's incredibly

obstacle to care that's incredibly

obstacle to care that's incredibly timeconuming. Has no value added and it

timeconuming. Has no value added and it

timeconuming. Has no value added and it seems uh anothetical to trying to get

seems uh anothetical to trying to get

seems uh anothetical to trying to get prior authorization. What I really am

prior authorization. What I really am

prior authorization. What I really am getting is a prior authorization to get

getting is a prior authorization to get

getting is a prior authorization to get a prior authorization.

a prior authorization.

a prior authorization. >> Yeah. And everything about that sounds

>> Yeah. And everything about that sounds

>> Yeah. And everything about that sounds like a nightmare, including the presence

like a nightmare, including the presence

like a nightmare, including the presence of the words fax machine. I thought we'd

of the words fax machine. I thought we'd

of the words fax machine. I thought we'd stopped making them around the same time

stopped making them around the same time

stopped making them around the same time that we stopped making good romantic

that we stopped making good romantic

that we stopped making good romantic comedies. In fact, I think the last time

comedies. In fact, I think the last time

comedies. In fact, I think the last time I saw a fax machine, a frazzled Michelle

I saw a fax machine, a frazzled Michelle

I saw a fax machine, a frazzled Michelle Feifer was getting horned up for George

Feifer was getting horned up for George

Feifer was getting horned up for George Clooney. Remember that? Remember good

Clooney. Remember that? Remember good

Clooney. Remember that? Remember good romantic comedies? The kind of films

romantic comedies? The kind of films

romantic comedies? The kind of films that feel like a blanket, make you leak

that feel like a blanket, make you leak

that feel like a blanket, make you leak from all your holes. What happened to

from all your holes. What happened to

from all your holes. What happened to this country? Anyway, as you might

this country? Anyway, as you might

this country? Anyway, as you might guess, Medicare Advantage providers

guess, Medicare Advantage providers

guess, Medicare Advantage providers partly or fully deny millions of prior

partly or fully deny millions of prior

partly or fully deny millions of prior authorizations each year, and that can

authorizations each year, and that can

authorizations each year, and that can be maddening for those who need care.

be maddening for those who need care.

be maddening for those who need care. Take what happened to Gary Bent. He had

Take what happened to Gary Bent. He had

Take what happened to Gary Bent. He had significant complications from brain

significant complications from brain

significant complications from brain surgery, including being unable to stand

surgery, including being unable to stand

surgery, including being unable to stand or walk on his own. His doctors said he

or walk on his own. His doctors said he

or walk on his own. His doctors said he needed a lengthy stay at a highly

needed a lengthy stay at a highly

needed a lengthy stay at a highly skilled rehab center. Now, under

skilled rehab center. Now, under

skilled rehab center. Now, under traditional Medicare, that would have

traditional Medicare, that would have

traditional Medicare, that would have been covered. But he had a Medicare

been covered. But he had a Medicare

been covered. But he had a Medicare Advantage plan from United Healthcare,

Advantage plan from United Healthcare,

Advantage plan from United Healthcare, which only approved him for a few weeks

which only approved him for a few weeks

which only approved him for a few weeks at a short-term rehab facility. And

at a short-term rehab facility. And

at a short-term rehab facility. And Gary's wife and daughter remember the

Gary's wife and daughter remember the

Gary's wife and daughter remember the advice they got from his care team about

advice they got from his care team about

advice they got from his care team about trying to appeal United's decisions.

trying to appeal United's decisions.

trying to appeal United's decisions. >> They told me I would probably win one or

>> They told me I would probably win one or

>> They told me I would probably win one or two, maybe even three. But then the

two, maybe even three. But then the

two, maybe even three. But then the speed with which these denials came

speed with which these denials came

speed with which these denials came would increase. they would be fewer and

would increase. they would be fewer and

would increase. they would be fewer and fewer days apart and eventually I was

fewer days apart and eventually I was

fewer days apart and eventually I was going to lose.

going to lose.

going to lose. >> We felt like this process was designed

>> We felt like this process was designed

>> We felt like this process was designed to wear us out and I would say it did

to wear us out and I would say it did

to wear us out and I would say it did wear us out.

wear us out.

wear us out. >> Yeah. And that's exactly what happened.

>> Yeah. And that's exactly what happened.

>> Yeah. And that's exactly what happened. They won two appeals, then lost a third

They won two appeals, then lost a third

They won two appeals, then lost a third after an external reviewer sided with

after an external reviewer sided with

after an external reviewer sided with the company. While United Healthcare

the company. While United Healthcare

the company. While United Healthcare insists it was just following Medicare

insists it was just following Medicare

insists it was just following Medicare guidelines. Gary was sent home before

guidelines. Gary was sent home before

guidelines. Gary was sent home before his family felt he was ready with, by

his family felt he was ready with, by

his family felt he was ready with, by the way, a fever and neck pain. And

the way, a fever and neck pain. And

the way, a fever and neck pain. And within 11 hours of being discharged, he

within 11 hours of being discharged, he

within 11 hours of being discharged, he was rushed to the ER where he was

was rushed to the ER where he was

was rushed to the ER where he was diagnosed with menitis. And that was

diagnosed with menitis. And that was

diagnosed with menitis. And that was just one step in a quick decline towards

just one step in a quick decline towards

just one step in a quick decline towards him dying the following winter. A

him dying the following winter. A

him dying the following winter. A decline that his wife says was made

decline that his wife says was made

decline that his wife says was made worse by the added trauma of having to

worse by the added trauma of having to

worse by the added trauma of having to fight for the care he needed and was

fight for the care he needed and was

fight for the care he needed and was entitled to. And there are some things

entitled to. And there are some things

entitled to. And there are some things so awful it's almost impressive to be

so awful it's almost impressive to be

so awful it's almost impressive to be able to make them worse. It's like

able to make them worse. It's like

able to make them worse. It's like seeing a cyber truck with Diddy's face

seeing a cyber truck with Diddy's face

seeing a cyber truck with Diddy's face painted on it. I don't know how you

painted on it. I don't know how you

painted on it. I don't know how you manage to do it. But I like this even

manage to do it. But I like this even

manage to do it. But I like this even less.

less.

less. And the thing is delaying underpaying or

And the thing is delaying underpaying or

And the thing is delaying underpaying or denying care doesn't just hurt patients,

denying care doesn't just hurt patients,

denying care doesn't just hurt patients, it hurts hospitals too, particularly

it hurts hospitals too, particularly

it hurts hospitals too, particularly those in rural areas because they don't

those in rural areas because they don't

those in rural areas because they don't have the time or resources to sink into

have the time or resources to sink into

have the time or resources to sink into constantly appealing decisions which has

constantly appealing decisions which has

constantly appealing decisions which has had real consequences. This was once the

had real consequences. This was once the

had real consequences. This was once the geriatric psychiatry unit at Alliance

geriatric psychiatry unit at Alliance

geriatric psychiatry unit at Alliance Healthcare in Holly Springs,

Healthcare in Holly Springs,

Healthcare in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Now the hallways hollow and

Mississippi. Now the hallways hollow and

Mississippi. Now the hallways hollow and beds sitting empty.

beds sitting empty.

beds sitting empty. >> This operating room only a few years ago

>> This operating room only a few years ago

>> This operating room only a few years ago was doing five or six procedures a day.

was doing five or six procedures a day.

was doing five or six procedures a day. Now zero.

Now zero.

Now zero. >> Dr. Kenneth Williams is the CEO. He says

>> Dr. Kenneth Williams is the CEO. He says

>> Dr. Kenneth Williams is the CEO. He says the hospital can no longer afford the

the hospital can no longer afford the

the hospital can no longer afford the unit or any inpatient care for that

unit or any inpatient care for that

unit or any inpatient care for that matter.

matter.

matter. >> All of this used to service people that

>> All of this used to service people that

>> All of this used to service people that really needed help and now it's just

really needed help and now it's just

really needed help and now it's just totally empty.

totally empty.

totally empty. >> It's empty. is gone and it was it it

>> It's empty. is gone and it was it it

>> It's empty. is gone and it was it it died the last few years with Medicare

died the last few years with Medicare

died the last few years with Medicare Advantage.

Advantage.

Advantage. >> That is terrible. Thanks to Medicare

>> That is terrible. Thanks to Medicare

>> That is terrible. Thanks to Medicare Advantage, that whole wing is now

Advantage, that whole wing is now

Advantage, that whole wing is now abandoned and by the looks of it already

abandoned and by the looks of it already

abandoned and by the looks of it already haunted because at any moment it feels

haunted because at any moment it feels

haunted because at any moment it feels like Jigsaw is about to pop out with a

like Jigsaw is about to pop out with a

like Jigsaw is about to pop out with a realtor to just check out the space. And

realtor to just check out the space. And

realtor to just check out the space. And even hospitals which haven't had to

even hospitals which haven't had to

even hospitals which haven't had to close wings have stopped taking these

close wings have stopped taking these

close wings have stopped taking these plans with a 2023 survey finding nearly

plans with a 2023 survey finding nearly

plans with a 2023 survey finding nearly 20% of health systems had stopped

20% of health systems had stopped

20% of health systems had stopped accepting at least one Medicare

accepting at least one Medicare

accepting at least one Medicare Advantage plan that year alone. And if

Advantage plan that year alone. And if

Advantage plan that year alone. And if you're thinking, well, you know what,

you're thinking, well, you know what,

you're thinking, well, you know what, that's okay. If I get sick and I need a

that's okay. If I get sick and I need a

that's okay. If I get sick and I need a specialist, I'll just switch back to

specialist, I'll just switch back to

specialist, I'll just switch back to regular Medicare. You may not be able to

regular Medicare. You may not be able to

regular Medicare. You may not be able to because remember, it has that 20% gap

because remember, it has that 20% gap

because remember, it has that 20% gap that you need to cover. Now, when you

that you need to cover. Now, when you

that you need to cover. Now, when you first enroll, it's easy to buy a metag

first enroll, it's easy to buy a metag

first enroll, it's easy to buy a metag gap plan to do that because they can't

gap plan to do that because they can't

gap plan to do that because they can't hold pre-existing conditions against

hold pre-existing conditions against

hold pre-existing conditions against you. But in most states, once you've

you. But in most states, once you've

you. But in most states, once you've enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan,

enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan,

enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap insurers are allowed to reject

Medigap insurers are allowed to reject

Medigap insurers are allowed to reject you based on them. So, as a practical

you based on them. So, as a practical

you based on them. So, as a practical matter, once a patient enters the

matter, once a patient enters the

matter, once a patient enters the Medicare Advantage system, they

Medicare Advantage system, they

Medicare Advantage system, they typically can't afford to leave. Think

typically can't afford to leave. Think

typically can't afford to leave. Think of it like Scientology or a bean bag

of it like Scientology or a bean bag

of it like Scientology or a bean bag chair. Easy to get in, very difficult to

chair. Easy to get in, very difficult to

chair. Easy to get in, very difficult to get out. And when you take all this

get out. And when you take all this

get out. And when you take all this together, you get a system where the

together, you get a system where the

together, you get a system where the incentives are clearly set up for

incentives are clearly set up for

incentives are clearly set up for insurance companies to make you look as

insurance companies to make you look as

insurance companies to make you look as sick as possible on paper while doing as

sick as possible on paper while doing as

sick as possible on paper while doing as little as possible to help you when you

little as possible to help you when you

little as possible to help you when you actually need it. Now, the industry is

actually need it. Now, the industry is

actually need it. Now, the industry is going to dispute that. They they've even

going to dispute that. They they've even

going to dispute that. They they've even funded their own study suggesting their

funded their own study suggesting their

funded their own study suggesting their plans actually save the government money

plans actually save the government money

plans actually save the government money and deliver consistently better health

and deliver consistently better health

and deliver consistently better health outcomes than traditional Medicare.

outcomes than traditional Medicare.

outcomes than traditional Medicare. Though when Stat News asked more than a

Though when Stat News asked more than a

Though when Stat News asked more than a dozen leading health policy experts to

dozen leading health policy experts to

dozen leading health policy experts to review a bunch of those studies, they

review a bunch of those studies, they

review a bunch of those studies, they found they had fundamental flaws and

found they had fundamental flaws and

found they had fundamental flaws and obvious biases and on the whole were so

obvious biases and on the whole were so

obvious biases and on the whole were so skewed they basically constituted an

skewed they basically constituted an

skewed they basically constituted an alternate reality. And look, if these

alternate reality. And look, if these

alternate reality. And look, if these companies are living in such a dangerous

companies are living in such a dangerous

companies are living in such a dangerous fantasy world, they clearly need

fantasy world, they clearly need

fantasy world, they clearly need professional help. Luckily, I happen to

professional help. Luckily, I happen to

professional help. Luckily, I happen to know a board certified therapist who can

know a board certified therapist who can

know a board certified therapist who can see them, but bad luck. He's out of

see them, but bad luck. He's out of

see them, but bad luck. He's out of network, so you. So, so what can we

network, so you. So, so what can we

network, so you. So, so what can we do here? Well, as I've said before, so

do here? Well, as I've said before, so

do here? Well, as I've said before, so many of these problems would go away if

many of these problems would go away if

many of these problems would go away if we had singlepayer healthcare. And we

we had singlepayer healthcare. And we

we had singlepayer healthcare. And we could get closer to that by making

could get closer to that by making

could get closer to that by making regular Medicare more expansive and

regular Medicare more expansive and

regular Medicare more expansive and easier to navigate and getting rid of

easier to navigate and getting rid of

easier to navigate and getting rid of that 20% gap in coverage. But until

that 20% gap in coverage. But until

that 20% gap in coverage. But until then, we should at the very least be

then, we should at the very least be

then, we should at the very least be calling Medicare Advantage by a

calling Medicare Advantage by a

calling Medicare Advantage by a different name and ideally one without

different name and ideally one without

different name and ideally one without the term Medicare anywhere near it.

the term Medicare anywhere near it.

the term Medicare anywhere near it. Because as you've seen, they're just not

Because as you've seen, they're just not

Because as you've seen, they're just not the same. It's like the difference

the same. It's like the difference

the same. It's like the difference between a flashlight and a flashlight.

between a flashlight and a flashlight.

between a flashlight and a flashlight. Sure, they might sound similar, but they

Sure, they might sound similar, but they

Sure, they might sound similar, but they do drastically different things.

do drastically different things.

do drastically different things. Unfortunately though, it is tough to

Unfortunately though, it is tough to

Unfortunately though, it is tough to talk about potential reforms right now

talk about potential reforms right now

talk about potential reforms right now given who is in charge of Medicare

given who is in charge of Medicare

given who is in charge of Medicare currently because in case you've

currently because in case you've

currently because in case you've forgotten, it is this guy.

forgotten, it is this guy.

forgotten, it is this guy. >> 22 across eight letters starts with M. A

>> 22 across eight letters starts with M. A

>> 22 across eight letters starts with M. A government entity dedicated to the

government entity dedicated to the

government entity dedicated to the health of seniors.

health of seniors.

health of seniors. >> Meas.

>> Meas.

>> Meas. >> It's Medicare.

>> It's Medicare.

>> It's Medicare. measits.

measits.

measits. >> It's Medicare.

>> It's Medicare.

>> It's Medicare. >> Well, guess what? I work for you now.

>> Well, guess what? I work for you now.

>> Well, guess what? I work for you now. Yep. They put me in charge of Medicare.

Yep. They put me in charge of Medicare.

Yep. They put me in charge of Medicare. Now, how cool is that?

Now, how cool is that?

Now, how cool is that? >> Not cool.

>> Not cool.

>> Not cool. Not cool at all. And it is just wild to

Not cool at all. And it is just wild to

Not cool at all. And it is just wild to see someone who's been on TV for two

see someone who's been on TV for two

see someone who's been on TV for two decades give the single worst line

decades give the single worst line

decades give the single worst line reading I have ever seen. And remember,

reading I have ever seen. And remember,

reading I have ever seen. And remember, we just watched these two go to town.

we just watched these two go to town.

we just watched these two go to town. One of the many reasons it's not cool is

One of the many reasons it's not cool is

One of the many reasons it's not cool is that Dr. has not only promoted Medicare

that Dr. has not only promoted Medicare

that Dr. has not only promoted Medicare Advantage in sponsor segments on his TV

Advantage in sponsor segments on his TV

Advantage in sponsor segments on his TV show, he once co-wrote an op-ed titled

show, he once co-wrote an op-ed titled

show, he once co-wrote an op-ed titled Medicare Advantage for all can save our

Medicare Advantage for all can save our

Medicare Advantage for all can save our healthcare system. Basically suggesting

healthcare system. Basically suggesting

healthcare system. Basically suggesting that we roll it out for everyone. And

that we roll it out for everyone. And

that we roll it out for everyone. And and while he's recently acknowledged

and while he's recently acknowledged

and while he's recently acknowledged some of the problems that I've

some of the problems that I've

some of the problems that I've mentioned, he's also said the

mentioned, he's also said the

mentioned, he's also said the administration wants to give insurers an

administration wants to give insurers an

administration wants to give insurers an opportunity to voluntarily fix them,

opportunity to voluntarily fix them,

opportunity to voluntarily fix them, which I would say is the most ridiculous

which I would say is the most ridiculous

which I would say is the most ridiculous thing that he has ever said, except he

thing that he has ever said, except he

thing that he has ever said, except he did once do this.

did once do this.

did once do this. >> So that's what you call a camel toe.

>> So that's what you call a camel toe.

>> So that's what you call a camel toe. >> Yeah. Can I actually show you what camel

>> Yeah. Can I actually show you what camel

>> Yeah. Can I actually show you what camel toes look like?

toes look like?

toes look like? >> Of course.

>> Of course.

>> Of course. >> Here's a picture of what a real camel

>> Here's a picture of what a real camel

>> Here's a picture of what a real camel toe looks like.

toe looks like.

toe looks like. >> Television was a bad idea. So, look at

>> Television was a bad idea. So, look at

>> Television was a bad idea. So, look at the policy level. For now, we are kind

the policy level. For now, we are kind

the policy level. For now, we are kind of But in the meantime, if you

of But in the meantime, if you

of But in the meantime, if you or someone you know is considering one

or someone you know is considering one

or someone you know is considering one of these plans first, if you can afford

of these plans first, if you can afford

of these plans first, if you can afford to buy a Medigap plan and enroll in

to buy a Medigap plan and enroll in

to buy a Medigap plan and enroll in traditional Medicare, you should do

traditional Medicare, you should do

traditional Medicare, you should do that. But if you can't, you should at

that. But if you can't, you should at

that. But if you can't, you should at least understand the potential drawbacks

least understand the potential drawbacks

least understand the potential drawbacks of Medicare Advantage. Whatever you do,

of Medicare Advantage. Whatever you do,

of Medicare Advantage. Whatever you do, do not call those broker numbers on TV

do not call those broker numbers on TV

do not call those broker numbers on TV because they won't give you unbiased

because they won't give you unbiased

because they won't give you unbiased advice. They get much higher commissions

advice. They get much higher commissions

advice. They get much higher commissions if they funnel you to advantage plans.

if they funnel you to advantage plans.

if they funnel you to advantage plans. So, if you want independent advice, you

So, if you want independent advice, you

So, if you want independent advice, you can call your state health insurance

can call your state health insurance

can call your state health insurance assistance programs. You can find your

assistance programs. You can find your

assistance programs. You can find your state's number at this website. And

state's number at this website. And

state's number at this website. And while I know it is basically impossible

while I know it is basically impossible

while I know it is basically impossible to escape these ads right now, we

to escape these ads right now, we

to escape these ads right now, we thought the least we could do is provide

thought the least we could do is provide

thought the least we could do is provide one for you that is technically

one for you that is technically

one for you that is technically accurate.

Al, did you make the call?

Al, did you make the call? >> What call?

>> What call?

>> What call? >> The Feldman said we may be able to get

>> The Feldman said we may be able to get

>> The Feldman said we may be able to get additional benefits with Medicare

additional benefits with Medicare

additional benefits with Medicare Advantage right here in our own zip

Advantage right here in our own zip

Advantage right here in our own zip code.

code.

code. >> Our zip code?

>> Our zip code?

>> Our zip code? >> Yeah, the zip code we live in. It covers

>> Yeah, the zip code we live in. It covers

>> Yeah, the zip code we live in. It covers the 8.6 square miles of our

the 8.6 square miles of our

the 8.6 square miles of our neighborhood.

neighborhood.

neighborhood. >> Yeah, I know what a zip code is. But

>> Yeah, I know what a zip code is. But

>> Yeah, I know what a zip code is. But honey, we already have Medicare, so we

honey, we already have Medicare, so we

honey, we already have Medicare, so we don't need to call anyone.

don't need to call anyone.

don't need to call anyone. >> Al, do you listen? I said Medicare

>> Al, do you listen? I said Medicare

>> Al, do you listen? I said Medicare Advantage. It has all the letters of the

Advantage. It has all the letters of the

Advantage. It has all the letters of the word Medicare, but none of the actual

word Medicare, but none of the actual

word Medicare, but none of the actual Medicare.

Medicare.

Medicare. >> Wait a minute. It's not regular

>> Wait a minute. It's not regular

>> Wait a minute. It's not regular Medicare.

Medicare.

Medicare. >> No, that's why we need to call. The

>> No, that's why we need to call. The

>> No, that's why we need to call. The Feldman said their Medicare Advantage

Feldman said their Medicare Advantage

Feldman said their Medicare Advantage plan has dirt cheap premiums.

plan has dirt cheap premiums.

plan has dirt cheap premiums. >> Did you say dirt cheap?

>> Did you say dirt cheap?

>> Did you say dirt cheap? >> Yes, L. Of course I did. What is wrong

>> Yes, L. Of course I did. What is wrong

>> Yes, L. Of course I did. What is wrong with you today? With Medicare Advantage,

with you today? With Medicare Advantage,

with you today? With Medicare Advantage, you'll get free gym memberships, a

you'll get free gym memberships, a

you'll get free gym memberships, a grocery allowance, and a nurse will come

grocery allowance, and a nurse will come

grocery allowance, and a nurse will come to our house.

to our house.

to our house. >> For a threesome?

>> For a threesome?

>> For a threesome? >> Oh, you'd love that, wouldn't you, Al?

>> Oh, you'd love that, wouldn't you, Al?

>> Oh, you'd love that, wouldn't you, Al? No, not for a threesome. The nurse will

No, not for a threesome. The nurse will

No, not for a threesome. The nurse will come to our house so that she or he can

come to our house so that she or he can

come to our house so that she or he can diagnose us with a bunch of diseases

diagnose us with a bunch of diseases

diagnose us with a bunch of diseases that we don't have and our doctors don't

that we don't have and our doctors don't

that we don't have and our doctors don't even know anything about.

even know anything about.

even know anything about. >> But what about conditions I actually

>> But what about conditions I actually

>> But what about conditions I actually have, like my diabetes? Not only will

have, like my diabetes? Not only will

have, like my diabetes? Not only will they cover it, but I will suddenly have

they cover it, but I will suddenly have

they cover it, but I will suddenly have diabetes, too.

diabetes, too.

diabetes, too. >> Why?

>> Why?

>> Why? >> Because it's romantic. Al, kiss me.

>> Hold on.

>> Hold on. >> What?

>> What?

>> What? >> Do we at least get to keep our doctors?

>> Do we at least get to keep our doctors?

>> Do we at least get to keep our doctors? >> Well, we get to choose from a list of

>> Well, we get to choose from a list of

>> Well, we get to choose from a list of doctors, but they're mostly just grocery

doctors, but they're mostly just grocery

doctors, but they're mostly just grocery stores, local middle schools, a J C

stores, local middle schools, a J C

stores, local middle schools, a J C Penney, and an abandoned Chuck E.

Penney, and an abandoned Chuck E.

Penney, and an abandoned Chuck E. Cheese.

Cheese.

Cheese. >> Did you say Chuck E Cheese? And if you

>> Did you say Chuck E Cheese? And if you

>> Did you say Chuck E Cheese? And if you find a doctor that's covered, well,

find a doctor that's covered, well,

find a doctor that's covered, well, you'd better hope that the building that

you'd better hope that the building that

you'd better hope that the building that he or she works in is too. Otherwise,

he or she works in is too. Otherwise,

he or she works in is too. Otherwise, you might be getting your prostate

you might be getting your prostate

you might be getting your prostate checked out in the parking lot and not

checked out in the parking lot and not

checked out in the parking lot and not in the fun way.

in the fun way.

in the fun way. >> This is starting to sound like a bad

>> This is starting to sound like a bad

>> This is starting to sound like a bad idea.

idea.

idea. >> No, no, it isn't. I want a Medicare

>> No, no, it isn't. I want a Medicare

>> No, no, it isn't. I want a Medicare Advantage plan L. Plus, the premiums are

Advantage plan L. Plus, the premiums are

Advantage plan L. Plus, the premiums are so low. Just think of all the money we

so low. Just think of all the money we

so low. Just think of all the money we could save. Sure, the care might be

could save. Sure, the care might be

could save. Sure, the care might be worse, but that's okay because we're not

worse, but that's okay because we're not

worse, but that's okay because we're not sick right now in this very moment.

sick right now in this very moment.

sick right now in this very moment. >> But what if we get sick later?

>> But what if we get sick later?

>> But what if we get sick later? >> Well, then we're Al. But that's

>> Well, then we're Al. But that's

>> Well, then we're Al. But that's a later problem. Right now, we're

a later problem. Right now, we're

a later problem. Right now, we're active. You golf and I play pickle ball

active. You golf and I play pickle ball

active. You golf and I play pickle ball with Paul Feldman twice a week.

with Paul Feldman twice a week.

with Paul Feldman twice a week. >> I didn't know you played pickle ball

>> I didn't know you played pickle ball

>> I didn't know you played pickle ball with Paul Feldman.

with Paul Feldman.

with Paul Feldman. >> Oh, yeah. I've been playing with Paul

>> Oh, yeah. I've been playing with Paul

>> Oh, yeah. I've been playing with Paul for years. He is great. In fact, I think

for years. He is great. In fact, I think

for years. He is great. In fact, I think I'm in love with him.

I'm in love with him.

I'm in love with him. >> Wait, did you did you say you're in love

>> Wait, did you did you say you're in love

>> Wait, did you did you say you're in love with him?

with him?

with him? >> Yes, Al. He like a Toyota and

>> Yes, Al. He like a Toyota and

>> Yes, Al. He like a Toyota and loves like a Subaru.

loves like a Subaru.

loves like a Subaru. No, please call the number and get us a

No, please call the number and get us a

No, please call the number and get us a doctor so that he can treat our herpes.

doctor so that he can treat our herpes.

doctor so that he can treat our herpes. >> Herpes?

>> Herpes?

>> Herpes? Is Is that one of these fake diagnosis?

Is Is that one of these fake diagnosis?

Is Is that one of these fake diagnosis? >> No, Al, we both have herpes. Now,

>> No, Al, we both have herpes. Now,

>> No, Al, we both have herpes. Now, >> don't call this or any other number on

>> don't call this or any other number on

>> don't call this or any other number on your screen. Medicare Advantage is not

your screen. Medicare Advantage is not

your screen. Medicare Advantage is not traditional Medicare. It's administered

traditional Medicare. It's administered

traditional Medicare. It's administered by private insurance. Your doctor may or

by private insurance. Your doctor may or

by private insurance. Your doctor may or may not be covered. And if you or your

may not be covered. And if you or your

may not be covered. And if you or your wife is playing pickle ball with Paul

wife is playing pickle ball with Paul

wife is playing pickle ball with Paul Feldman, seek medical attention

Feldman, seek medical attention

Feldman, seek medical attention immediately because you have herpes now.

immediately because you have herpes now.

immediately because you have herpes now. Paul Feldman gave you bold herpes.

Paul Feldman gave you bold herpes.

Paul Feldman gave you bold herpes. >> That's our show. Thanks so much for

>> That's our show. Thanks so much for

>> That's our show. Thanks so much for watching. We'll see you next week. Good

watching. We'll see you next week. Good

watching. We'll see you next week. Good night.

night.

night. >> Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt cheap

>> Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt cheap

>> Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt

premiums. Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt

premiums. Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt cheap premiums. Dirt cheap premiums.

cheap premiums. Dirt cheap premiums.

cheap premiums. Dirt cheap premiums. [Music]

[Music]

[Music] No.