Do We Really Want Government Controlled Health Care?
Linda Yezak made an interesting comment on my February 10 post and mentioned an article she had written called “Ocean Front Property in Arizona.” I checked it out and want to commend it to you. She gives real life examples of what happens when the government tries to practice medicine. As aging Baby Boomers and Gen Sandwichers, we need to wake up and pay attention. Medical care for our parents and ourselves is at risk, and with it, our very lives.For years I’ve worked with women on disability. Their medical care—such as it is--was provided primarily by Medicaid. They often can’t find a physician who will treat them, and when they do, the medical care is much like Linda describes—cost-cutting decisions that result in additional problems. I’ve especially seen issues related to psychotropic drugs being mismanaged. It’s terribly frustrating and dangerous. Why do we think that when the government is the primary care payer for all, quality of care will be any better than it is for the few now? These cost-cutting measures put every one of us at risk. It’s so easy to want a free lunch, but folks, in the end, we’ll regret it.
Labels: government, health care, Medicaid, medical care
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Universal Health Insurance—Do We Really Want It?
Randy Bayne at California Notes asks, “Why can’t we all have health care like Mom’s?” I posted a response that I thought I’d cross post here.Unfortunately, a single payer system isn't all it's cracked up to be. Neither is Medicare, and certainly not MediCal (Medicaid elsewhere). All you need to do is look at the nations that have it--the poor quality, cattle herding care, LONG waits for routine tests and procedures, and the complacence among providers.
When the government got involved in US health care in the '60s, costs skyrocketed and have continued going up, and quality went down. Ask a Medicaid person if they're happy with their care, and see if you would like that level of care.
There are negotiations going on now to limit--again--payments to Medicare providers, which will mean more leaving the system, just as providers no longer care for Medicaid patients.
As much as we wish it weren't true, there really is no free lunch and the free market system still works best--in health care and all else. Your mother is very fortunate to be getting the care she is. I have started attending my mom's medical appointments just so she will get the level of care I would expect for the price she's paying--which isn't cheap.
Labels: Medicaid, Medicare, universal health coverage
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Health Care Costs Expected to Increase
A study conducted by the U.S. Medicare and Medicaid centers suggests that U.S. health care costs may almost double over the next 10 years to $4.1 trillion annually, or 20 cents of every dollar spent, according to a study by federal economists and actuaries.The estimate is based on a 6.9 percent average annual growth rate in health care spending. The study also predicts that increased government involvement will increase costs, and suggests that we aren’t necessarily getting better health care for the increased costs.
And yet, there’s a push for increased government involvement through universal health insurance. Why?
Labels: health care costs, Medicaid, Medicare
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Medicaid Asset Protection
I’ve been very confused about the Medicaid rules. They’ve changed recently, and everyone I talk to seems to be operating under a different set of rules.Rocco Beatrice at Home Related Finance discusses the new rules, including look back waiting periods. It would appear that any loopholes that used to exist don’t anymore. We talked to consultants who want to charge $10,000 or more for the possibility of protecting my mom’s assets and qualifying my step dad for Medicaid. I’m not convinced it’s worthwhile, especially after reading this article.
Labels: aging parents, Medicaid
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Eldercare Resources
US News and World Report offers a series of articles on caring for aging parents. They provide information on switching Medicare Part D plans, Long Term Care Insurance, the possibility of eldercare benefits from employers, and the new Medicaid rules which make it much harder for the elderly to get coverage. Great information, as well as a list of useful resources.MedicareAdvocacy.org provides “Part D by the Numbers,” a useful chart that compares the 2006 and 2007 benefits. It also includes helpful info on getting out of the donut hole. This is helpful. I spent a couple of hours at Mom’s reading the whole Medicare manual and I’ve gotta’ tell you, I’m more confused than ever.
And just a reminder. You have until December 31 to change your Part D Plan—assuming you can find something in your area that will serve your parents better—or you’re locked in for another year. In my parents’ area, there aren’t many options.
Labels: aging parents, eldercare, long term care insurance, Medicaid, Medicare