FAQ
We get a lot of questions about receny health care reform legislation, and there are many diverse views regarding this topic. Our goal is to educate our patients using the realities of the healthcare idustustry, and without political bias while
- So, are the healthcare reform efforts a good thing?
- What if I disagree with the political actions in Washinigton on healthcare reform?
- What is going to happen to you?
- What is going to happen to me?
- What is going to happen to Medicare?
Q: So Are the healthcare reform efforts a good thing?
A: There are many opinions on this issue, and it is a very complex matter that will have its success ultimately judged by history. President Obama has done an excellent job tackling a very difficult issue. Most changes (with a very few exceptions) are very needed, well thought out, and balanced. One of the most difficult challenges facing the healthcare industry in this country is simply running out of money. Changes are just not an option any more. but a requirement. The changes in general are meant to:
-- Require insurance companies cost less to patients and pay for more, or go out of business.
-- Require hospitals cost less and provide better care, or go out of business.
-- Require primary care providers to play a larger role in coordinating care, while reducing costs and improving outcomes.
-- Require specialists to use more discretion in their healthcare delivery, while maintaining quality care.
-- Require health insurance to me made available to everyone.
-- Require those who can pay for healthcare subsidize the cost of those who cannot.
Statistically, those who can't afford healthcare are often those who cost the most to the healthcare world. The problems of smoking, obesity, alcohol, and health neglect that plague the poor of this country should be addressed by the poor as well as the affluent - meaning they should pay for some of their own care as well. The huge problem of illegal aliens receiving free health care is also at a crisis, and it cannot be allowed to continue. Either finding a way for these groups to pay for at least a portion of their care - or having that care denied to them - are the only two feasible solutions.
For an excellent resource on the changes that are coming, the government has set up this site:
A: As stated before, there are many opinions on this subject, and everyone is entitled to their view. Regarding the President, he is the commanding officer of this country and deserves respect on that basis alone. His healthcare reform efforts have been commendable, regardless of any opinions as to whether it will succeed or fail.
A: If a worst case scenario happened and all healthcare were to go to a national payor system, (a polite term for socialized medicine) then many providers would choose to provide care on a cash basis. Every country that has gone to socialized medicine has two tiers of care: cash for when you are sick, and the national health system when you are really sick (surgeries, etc.)
A: Helath care is a primary need of the human race. Nothing will change in the future to alter access to the best healthcare in the world.
A: Although not currently scheduled, the ultimate goal of the national insurance program would be to eliminate both Medicare and Medicaid, as they would be redundant. This would be a very good thing - making the poor and the elderly pay for their healthcare may sound cruel and heartless on the one hand, and socialized on the other. It is neither. It is a reasoned balance between the two.