Part D is an optional insurance program that charges a monthly fee in exchange for prescription drug coverage.

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Still, an average of 20% of all customers buy optional insurance from the rental company every time they drive a rental.

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But they are unlikely to generate enough participation to make optional insurance robust policy alternative to Medicaid, which is how the U.S. pays for nearly half of all paid personal care today.

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All four companies require that cardholders pay for the entire rental with the credit card, be the main driver listed on the rental agreement and decline the optional insurance offered by the rental car company.

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As with auto insurance, most states mandate minimum liability coverage for motorcycles, though theft (comprehensive) insurance is optional.

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The compromise reached Wednesday includes an optional government-run insurance plan that allows hospitals and doctors to negotiate reimbursement rates directly, rather than accept low Medicare rates.

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Among the proposed reforms: slashing the number of banking regulators from five entities to three, giving the Fed expanded powers to deal with market crises, creating a new federal commission to set mortgage-origination standards, and establishing an optional federal charter for insurance firms.

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For example, Adobe Systems Inc. in San Jose posts its employee benefits online, including deductibles for medical and dental insurance, payroll deductions for optional coverage and details about its sabbatical programs, 401(k) plan, profit sharing and employee stock purchase plans.

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If our elected officials truly want to modify a system in a creative way, why not at least allow small pilot projects for purely optional premium support programs for seniors who want to find cheaper insurance more tailored to their own needs?

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