No, it's not about "courage".. Many More People just like a Different Health Coverage

[frazzled]

27. I don't think you understand Medicare

It has copays and deductibles. As well as premiums.

Medicare Part A (hospitalization) has a deductible of $1,365, and then coinsurance payments thereafter (though not usually for the first 30 days).

For Part B (doctor visits and services) there is a deductible and then a copay of 20% of the Medicare amount charged. There is also a monthly premium of $144.30 (beginning this fall). Plus you will need to buy a prescription plan, with premiums and copays.

We have a private insurance plan through my spouse’s job (teacher in a college). The premium, deducted from his paycheck, is around $400 per month (the same , or less than it would cost us for Medicare Part B plus prescription plan, not to mention supplemental insurance.). Because we chose the an HMO plan, 100% of hospitalization is covered, and flat $40 copay for specialist visits. No deductibles at all.

Some people have good employer insurance, and don’t want to give it up. That needs to be understood. Some people are stuck with crappy insurance and would find a Medicare plan preferable. But don’t generalize, and do get the facts straight.