Profit is NOT an ugly word! That's why private businesses exist ..to make a profit! To say a business can exist without making a profit may be true in the short run, but only an idiot would be in business to break even. It is not difficult to separate, on this forum, folks who HAVE owned and operated a business from those who have not. They are the ones who write utter nonsense when it comes to writing about profit and loss.

I HAVE owned and operated two profitable businesses. So don't tell me, Don, that a business can be successful (a profit oriented one) without making a profit.

And those who believe that a private business can compete with the federal government, well, you are clearly nuts!

And Carol, yes, I participate in a government operated Medicare Advantage program. It is not something GIVEN to me, I earned it. I payed into Social Security all of my working life just like everyone else who participates in the same program. Yesterday I received a letter from my insurance provider informing me that according to their records I qualify for "extra" help to pay for my prescription drugs. I wrote them a letter today informing them that with my social security income and income from investments, I require no "extra" help. If, Carol C., you had received the same letter, would you have done the same?

DouogR