ObamaCare - Page 2

Madness. Healthcare benefits for the family have increased anywhere from 14%-17% per annum every for the last 8 years I've kept track. At the same, medicare is being scammed to an alarming degree costing tax payers millions. What is really sobering, is the thought of how many remain ill or die because they are in need of "orphan drugs". Sadly, there is no quick fix. It would seem that in large part, we have experienced this vicious cycle as a result of income inequality. Even the middle and upper middle classes are squeezed by the rising costs, with perhaps only the top 1% able to completely absorb the inlfation without much of an issue. Obamacare isn't the answer, but neither is ignoring the trend and "allowing consumerism to regulate the healthcare industry"; that's how we got where we are. Greed. I think it goes one of two ways. Either we begin to practice temperance, restraint, and moderation, or we'll realize the end of free market.

Mindhunt,
How does Obamacare solve any of these problems?

I agree that healthcare is a basic need, and you are right, Mindhunt, that it's terrible to have a sick child and not know how you'll meet the costs of his/her illness.  But I don't think this law is the answer -- it's a gerrymandered composite of provisions advanced by monied interests seeking to benefit from yet another government program. Obamacare will hit hard for those I love . . . my active, healthy husband, who is over 75, was recently informed by his providers, and doctors we know, that no one in our area will get radiation treatments for cancer, no matter how good the prognosis.  They will get end of life counseling. And we would not be able to pay for radiation, if we need it, on our own (which I would not have a problem with), as doctors don't render non approved services for Medicare patients, for fear of audit complications.  Yet my husband is forced to take an Alzheimer's test every year -- part of his Obamacare "Wellness Exam"  . . a man who walks 4 miles and does 50 pushups a day, is teaching himself to play the classical guitar, and regularly beats the computer at chess.  I also have a family member recently diagnosed with ALS -- who will be dependent on medical devices from now on (manufacturer's taxes will be passed on, thanks to the new law), will face a 61% plus increase in (private) insurance premiums, and will lose 2.5% of the deduction for medical expenses.  This person will be asking NOTHING from our government, but will face an increased burden while coping with one of the most expensive diseases.  Military retirees in this area are experiencing cuts, as well. This law was passed in secret and in haste and will, I fear, in the long run hamper the search to find solutions to the problems we face.  

My husband and I have a Medicare Advantage plan. We have never been told - no radiation- or been tested for alzhemiers.

Obamacare reduces payments to radiation oncologists and facilties (in order to provide more funds for preventative services) by about 15% so their bottom line will be effected. THAT's why there may be no radiation treatments available in certain areas of the country. It's about money, not  the patient.

These problems are largely impacting only patients over 75 at present.  The testing for Alzheimers kicks in at age 75. And, yes, payments to radiation oncologists were reduced, and that is the reason that treatments are being denied here.  It might not be a problem in more populated areas.  In the less populous states, Medicare was already reimbursing at so low a rate that the additional cut was a fatal blow.  Women with curable breast cancers are not getting treatment here if they are over 75. I certainly would not mind paying for radiation if my husband needs it (he is over 75, I am not) or if I ever need it and am denied.  But they current system prevents that.  I do think that onesensible reform would have been to allow those who can to pay more -- maybe a lot more -- for treatment.  But the accounting drill for providers makes them fearful of audit problems, so they just don't accept private payment.  It's great that preventive services are being increased, but a shame that some who have no other viable options at this stage in the game will not get life extending treatment.  

That is just sad -in some areas, people die because the doctors, hospitals, insurance providers can't make enough money from Medicare and/or because they fear an audit if they accept private payments?  The tail is wagging that dog.

Who requires alzheimer testing after age 75 and why?

I think it's sad that a lot of seniors supported Obama because they didn't want to lose their Medicare benefits.  Now they are, as Republicans predicted, the first ones being hit by cuts. 

And I understand that it is cheaper to prevent disease than treat it.  But to provide across the board preventive services to people who are at no risk whatsoever for the condition has to be a much bigger waste of money.

Radarsmom,  Hypothetically, could you receive radiation at a treatment center in another area such as CTCA for example?  I don't understand how medical care can depend on where one resides.

Carlin,  Would Health Care Accounts have worked better?  The theory there was that if a patient "pays" for his care, he will be more discriminating and that would somewhat control unnecessary expenses.  And then competition would bring down prices.

Mindhunt,  Yes I worked for OCFS (Social Services) for 25 years and have a pretty broad, balanced familiarity with how the system works.  I don't know of many cases where people could not get medical treatment by going to an emergency room.  Not an ideal system, but probably better than what we have to look forward to where our choices are being made for us. 

Well, at least we have a more level playing field where even money can't get you the care you want if you don't meet government eligibility criteria.

HIt by which cuts, Michado? How is Obamacare responsible for the greed that drives doctors' and hospitals' policies?  Do you really think that seniors would be better off today without Obamacare on the horizon?  I assume you are not yet old enough for medicare or a medicare advantage plan so have no actual experience with either?  I have and IMO it's the best thing to hit this country since sliced bread.

Now the insurance companies are dragging out their old friend "fear" to make their clients think that they are going to die sooner than they need to because of Obamacare when it's really all about their bottom line.  These insurance companies provide supplemental insurance and are not the primary providers for those of us eligible for medicare. No wonder the medicare advantage plans are so popular.  The Obama wellness exams do provide evaluation of symptoms that could be be concerns of impending cognitive impairment.  If so then the doctor will suggest a plan to help stave off the disease. These exams are optional and not required by medicare. If the insurance companies are telling their clients that they must have them annually if they want to keep their medicare coverage,they are lying to them. And the insurance companies cannot refuse coverage or increase rates based on that. It's just one more spin of the facts.

Doctors may have to give up some time on the golf course to live in the manner to which they have become accustomed. Welcome to the real world where we all work/worked a minimum of 40 hours per week and still drive Fords and Chevys.

Bottom line - educate yourself about Obamacare, don't cherry pick,  get over the hate of the administration, and learn all you can before drinking the Kool Aid so generously offered to you by your insurance provider.  Above all else, learn about Medicare Advantage plans in your area, one may be right for you.

BTW, Michado, medicare does not pay according to where one lives. they pay the same for every eligible citizen. The problem is that the supplemental providers get to cherry pick how much they will pay and that effects the additional reimbursement that each provider receives for a specific  procedure. A medicare patient in NYC gets the same payment for radiation oncology as does the patent living in Hooterville, WV. My medicare advantage plan works the same way - my supplement for any given procedure is exactly the same as anyone one else's regardless of where I live as long as I use an approved provider from a very, very long list of providers. I honestly don't know why anyone eligible for medicare doesn't consider an advantage plan. The supplemental providers, doctors, and hospitals are the problem and we the citizens are their scapegoats; that won't last forever and they damned well know it.