The Journal. Medicare, Inc. Part 2: Taxpayers Paid for Care Denied by Insurers
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Jun 7, 2025 
Anna Wilde Mathews, a WSJ journalist, dives into the intricate issues plaguing Medicare Advantage, revealing how many seriously ill patients struggle to access vital care. She discusses the shocking financial impact on taxpayers when patients switch to traditional Medicare due to treatment denials. The conversation also touches on ongoing investigations by Congress and the Department of Justice into major insurers like UnitedHealth and Aetna, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to address these concerning practices.
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Agnes Facio's Independence
- Agnes Facio valued her independence even in her late 90s, carefully managing her daily routines.
- She arranged for aids like extra stair rails to maintain safety and mobility in her apartment.
Fall Leads to Surgery and Insurance Hope
- Agnes broke her left femur after a fall and needed surgery with a rod inserted.
- Her daughter Tatiana expected seamless Medicare Advantage coverage for the emergency care.
High Switching Rate Signals Access Issues
- Sicker Medicare Advantage patients are twice as likely to switch to traditional Medicare in their last year of life.
- This suggests barriers to accessing needed, expensive care under Medicare Advantage plans.