Our Healthcare Freedom is Under Attack

As Americans, we pride ourselves on our ability to make our own choices.

As citizens, we are all given certain rights and protections. We live in a country that allows us to speak freely and worship as we choose. Historically, we have a clear right to make decisions regarding our personal health care. 

But over the last few years, we’ve seen some credible threats to our healthcare freedom, the recent years brought many of these threats out into the open. 

For example, federal and state vaccine mandates challenged our right to medical privacy and bodily autonomy. 

And when some doctors questioned the official information being provided by the government, or presented alternative points of view, states like California attempted to place unconstitutional gag orders on them, prohibiting them from providing frank, unbiased information to their patients.

Twitter also issued a permanent suspension of journalist Alex Berenson after he posted that the vaccine didn’t stop infection or transmission.

They also throttled a Tweet from Harvard epidemiologist Martin Kulldorf, for writing, “thinking that everybody needs to be vaccinated is as scientifically flawed as thinking that nobody should. Certain vaccines are important for older high-risk people, and their caretakers. Those with prior natural infection do not need it, nor do children.”

Twitter prevented readers from “liking” or “sharing” his comment, thereby drastically quashing its reach. 

As it turns out, many of the treatments these doctors were advocating for are very helpful! 

The vaccines had serious problems, and we now know that both Berenson and Kulldorf were correct.

But Twitter alone suspended some 11,000 accounts under its misinformation policy. We also now know that attempts to censor dissenting points of view have origins in the White House itself.

Your right to health care freedom, including free access to information, is under the most significant and widespread assault in decades from a combination of government, media, and corporatist interests! 

Current Significant Threats To Healthcare Freedom

You must be vigilant against threats to your healthcare freedom coming from multiple vectors:

Government

• Government healthcare plans may limit your choices of doctors and insurance, and may not cover non-traditional or alternative forms of treatment.
• New laws may not protect your medical privacy, or might make it harder to share your health data.
• Mandates to take specific medical treatments violate your right to bodily autonomy and informed consent – rights that were clearly established during the Nuremberg trials after World War II. 

Censorship and Propaganda

• Unconstitutional censorship efforts may impede your ability to get accurate medical information, or hear opposing views.
• Corporate sponsorship may influence news reporting (pharmaceutical companies spend billions of dollars advertising in the U.S.). the
• Doctors may feel reluctant to offer honest advice if they think it could negatively affect their employment or their medical license.   

Take Action!

At MediGap Advisors, we value your freedom and privacy. 
We  want you to be in charge of your own healthcare decisions. Like, really in charge, and not held captive to or manipulated by unseen government and big business.
We know you want your medical records to be kept secret, and you want to have more provider and treatment choices.
Here are some things you can do to maintain your rights:

1. Utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

• Maximize Usage: If you have money in an HSA, you can withdraw that money tax-free to cover any medical expenses. 

You can even use it to pay Medicare Part B, Part D, and Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance, as well as qualified long term care insurance premiums (though not Medigap premiums, under current law). 

2. Think About Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap

• Learn More: If you don’t like the narrow networks that limit your choices in medical providers, you could consider switching to a Medigap plan. Most don’t have “care networks,” so you can choose any provider that accepts Medicare patients.

3. Consider Medi-Share 65+

• For those who don’t have an immediate need for treatment for pre-existing conditions, and who value the freedom to choose their own doctors, Medi-Share 65+ is a compelling, affordable non-insurance alternative to traditional Medigap plans.  

4. Add Supplemental Coverage

• Critical Illness Insurance: There are many additional costs you may face with a critical illness that may not be covered by Medicare, or under your Medicare supplement policy. A critical illness plan will pay you a lump sum amount which you can use in any way you want.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Should you ever need the help, a long-term care plan can give you more choice in options and locations in assisted living facilities, adult day care, and at-home services.

5. Advocate for Legislative Changes

• Support Laws that Enhance Patient Choice: Engage in advocacy to support laws that reduce government and insurance company interference in healthcare decisions. This includes supporting legislation that protects the rights of patients to access innovative treatments and choose their own healthcare providers.

6. Demand Privacy Protections

• Strengthen HIPAA and Related Laws: Advocate for robust enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other privacy laws that protect personal health information. Support amendments that close gaps in these laws, ensuring that patient data is secure and only shared with consent.

7. Educate the Public and Policymakers

• Raise Awareness: Educate others about the importance of healthcare freedom and privacy. This can involve writing articles, hosting seminars, or engaging in discussions that highlight the benefits of patient-centered care models and the need for strong privacy protections.

8. Support Free Speech

• Protect Freedom of Expression: Advocate for the rights of doctors and medical providers to express ideas and opinions without government interference or censorship. People should be able to hear all perspectives, and consider all the options.

9. Promote Innovative Healthcare Solutions

• Encourage Technological Innovations: Support the development and use of technologies that enhance healthcare delivery while protecting patient privacy. This includes telemedicine, personalized medicine, and blockchain solutions that secure health data.

10. Vote and Encourage Others to Vote

• Engage in Important Politics: Encourage voting for candidates who prioritize healthcare freedom and privacy. Political engagement can significantly influence healthcare policies and the protection of patient rights.

You deserve an American healthcare system that respects patient autonomy, protects privacy, and provides flexible, patient-centered care options. You have the power to make it happen!

Healthcare Freedom for All

The more freedom and flexibility we have in our own healthcare choices, the better.

It’s important to be aware of efforts to take that freedom away from us, and to take steps to maintain as much personal autonomy as possible. 

Medigap, HSAs, Medi-Share 65+, and supplemental insurance plans are a few great options that give you more personal choice and flexibility. And remember to advocate for policies that support the most healthcare freedom!

Contact your Personal Benefits Manager to learn more about the best options currently available.

Take time to appreciate this beautiful country we live in, and all the freedoms we enjoy!

Here’s to your health and wealth,

Wiley P. Long, III
President – MediGap Advisors

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