“Senior citizens” like me are bombarded, especially in autumn, with invitations to drop their traditional Medicare and sign up with so-called “Medicare Advantage” plans.

These plans exist to solve a problem. Not your problem — the politicians’ problem!

Medicare is one of the most efficient and beloved health insurance plans there is. But Medicare is run by government employees and contractors — who don’t pay significant “campaign contributions” to politicians. (Corporate campaign contributions are really bribes for special access. Most congress members want more of this money.)

The solution: “Medicare Advantage.” Congress allocates more money per patient for these plans, and pays them on a “risk adjusted” basis. “Risk adjusted” means that when the insurance company convinces the government you’re sicker, they are paid more.

“Medicare Advantage” plans often promise extra services. Sometimes they deliver. Sometimes they don’t.

“Medicare Advantage” plans pick and choose where you can go for your health care. They can refuse to pay for any service they choose. There are rules about this, but remember the plan is big and has more money than you do. You and your doctor are small. You and your doctor have a lot less money than the insurance company.

If a private health insurance company says no to something traditional Medicare would have covered, you or your doctor can appeal. But the company has all the time and money they need to wear you and your doctor out. (On your next medical visit, ask whether your doctor has time to fight all of the insurance companies’ bad decisions.)

Like every salesperson, the representatives of “Medicare Advantage” pretend to be on your side. They’re not. They’re paid to get you to sign away the freedoms of traditional Medicare, in favor of their plan.

How does the messy and often cruel “Medicare Advantage” system solve the politicians’ problem? Big health insurance companies make lots of campaign contributions, to keep their favorable treatment coming.

How does this system solve your problems? It usually doesn’t, especially if you get sick.

When you’re sick, traditional Medicare pays your doctors – period. When you’re sick, “Medicare Advantage” programs pay your doctors if they feel like it. They usually pay less money. They hassle your doctors more.

If you’re tempted by a “Medicare Advantage” sales pitch, please first check the government’s Medicare information sheet at tinyurl.com/Medicare-vs-Advantage. Remember, health insurance is valuable when you’re healthy — but it’s essential when you’re sick.

If you signed up for “Medicare Advantage” and want to drop it, you need to call your plan and also call 1-800-MEDICARE to notify the government. There are only certain times you can get back to traditional Medicare, as outlined in this report from the independent Kaiser Family Foundation: tinyurl.com/Kaiser-Medicare-Advantage.

“Medicare Advantage” isn’t corporations’ only way to get your money, but it’s one of the most dangerous. Be careful!

DAVE CUNDIFF, M.D. MPH

Ilwaco