A crisis for 77,000 NH seniors: Medicare Advantage
As a physician for over 40 years, I am profoundly alarmed that private insurance companies are suddenly dropping more than 77,000 New Hampshire seniors from their Medicare Advantage plans because they are no longer “profitable enough.” This withdrawal by major carriers like Anthem, Martin’s Point and Aetna leaves tens of thousands of our most vulnerable citizens scrambling. Seniors in rural counties are facing the worst of this instability, with limited or even non-existent insurance options.
This crisis exposes a fundamental flaw: the danger of relying on corporate profit margins for essential senior healthcare. It’s crucial to remember that Original Medicare — the federal government’s plan — dropped zero people. Yet, the policy map for the Trump administration, known as Project 2025, proposes making these unstable Advantage plans the default enrollment option for all seniors. This is a policy trajectory that undermines senior health insurance and financial stability.
The fight over the future of Medicare and Social Security is quickly becoming a real-life George Bailey vs. Mr. Potter scenario. It is time to wake up and vote for people who will maintain and strengthen vital social and health programs. If the present New Hampshire and Washington D.C. legislators and administrators have their way, we’ll all be heading to the poor house when we’re sick and the oligarchs and private equity companies will vacuum up our meager leftover assets.