When will the health care changes occur? Why have we ceased hearing about everyone having access to the same health plan as the President and Congress as promised during their campaigns?
My insurance premium has risen over $100 per year in the past 5 years and is now almost $900 per month! I have COBRA. The President says those with COBRA will get lower premiums. Will this be retroactive as well?
Should I consider dropping my insurance vs. seeking a new insurance? Unavoidable pre-existing conditions pose a problem no matter what. The President says this will cease.
By the time a health care bill is approved, I fear my insurance premium will have skyrocketed beyond my ability to pay. Mind you this does not include any other medical costs like prescriptions, treatments prescribed by my doctor that the insurance company does not cover, co payments, over the counter medication/ supplies, etc.
P.S. As a doctor, please let me dispel the myth that we (and nurses) are "paid too much". Today doctors finishing medical school entering residency are in debt at least $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Residency training barely pays enough to cover monthly living expenses.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, the book that helps you take care of your most important asset - YOU!
www.mypatienthandbook.com
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta National Health Insurance Exchange. national health plan. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando entradas con la etiqueta National Health Insurance Exchange. national health plan. Mostrar todas las entradas
viernes, 14 de agosto de 2009
domingo, 12 de julio de 2009
You Are A Preferred Patient If You Are....?
There is little room for "theirs" and "ours" medicine, and there is very little of it. The myth that doctors, nurses, and health care workers get better or preferential treatment is absolutely preposterous. It' s more like rich patient, poor patient and healthy patient, sick patient. There is more health discrimination than ever amongst people based on sex, money, ethnic, and religious background. This is what we should be concerned about and be doing more to prevent any type of discrimination!
Think as you like; however, many documented experiences of health disparity occur amongst health care professionals by their own health care providers. How pathetic is that? If you are female, you will be more likely to get some "attempted" lack of health care by a doctor who may feel as every woman's symptom is "in her mind", and if you're over 65 the feeling is "who cares". Disabled patients especially those with communication challenges like hearing impairment, are underserved too often. If you are too sick, or they don't know what to do for you, you will be kicked to the curb. Oh, yes! When that happens, you must continue to seek and find the best for you and those you advocate.
Before your health care provider's options "run out", you better run...to you! It is in your best interest to know what illnesses affect you, and to know all about them. With the credible information on the Internet, from books, media, and from real people, you are able to know as much or more than your doctor about what ails you and what works best. The health care providers are there to coach, but it is your game.
Many patients come to me with more information than I already knew on conditions they have. It is good to see they want me to know and learn, too. In return, I read and research what they bring, and talk about what matters to them, what is best for them It would be really nice if more of my personal doctors did that. Doctors that failed to do so have been replaced (or should I say "kicked to the curb") with those that do best by me as a patient. There are good doctors, and there are bad doctors for everyone. It's your choice to take it...or leave it and move on. Someone will give you non discriminatory, preferential treatment as a patient, not by what you do or by by some other limiting parameter like age, sex, etc.
For many doctors I see as a patient, or advocate for someone else, there is no talk of Dr. Richardson. This actually can make it harder for me and them to get the best, most timely, and most cost effective health care. I am J. Richardson Patient. If I have to become Dr. Richardson, my appointment is not made sooner, my co payments remain the same, my health insurance premium goes up, and on and on. My peers, other health workers, and patients have similar stories.
Patients of this great nation, you must see that American health care doesn't care! There are no special favors like great care, and low cost unless you are "proven" 100% healthy, and/ or wealthy, i.e you have no pre-existing condition. Is a national health plan the only way we may see equal care for all? Maybe if we had health coverage like our President and lawmakers, things would be better, and would be in existence by now. After all we were promised that by them while they were campaigning for our trust and official appointment. Instead we are fed almost daily press conferences on healthcare for all repeating the same things in a different way on a different day.
It's your game - coach it, referee it, and play it so that you are the winner, my patients. You are a preferred patient if you are...getting good medical care.
Think as you like; however, many documented experiences of health disparity occur amongst health care professionals by their own health care providers. How pathetic is that? If you are female, you will be more likely to get some "attempted" lack of health care by a doctor who may feel as every woman's symptom is "in her mind", and if you're over 65 the feeling is "who cares". Disabled patients especially those with communication challenges like hearing impairment, are underserved too often. If you are too sick, or they don't know what to do for you, you will be kicked to the curb. Oh, yes! When that happens, you must continue to seek and find the best for you and those you advocate.
Before your health care provider's options "run out", you better run...to you! It is in your best interest to know what illnesses affect you, and to know all about them. With the credible information on the Internet, from books, media, and from real people, you are able to know as much or more than your doctor about what ails you and what works best. The health care providers are there to coach, but it is your game.
Many patients come to me with more information than I already knew on conditions they have. It is good to see they want me to know and learn, too. In return, I read and research what they bring, and talk about what matters to them, what is best for them It would be really nice if more of my personal doctors did that. Doctors that failed to do so have been replaced (or should I say "kicked to the curb") with those that do best by me as a patient. There are good doctors, and there are bad doctors for everyone. It's your choice to take it...or leave it and move on. Someone will give you non discriminatory, preferential treatment as a patient, not by what you do or by by some other limiting parameter like age, sex, etc.
For many doctors I see as a patient, or advocate for someone else, there is no talk of Dr. Richardson. This actually can make it harder for me and them to get the best, most timely, and most cost effective health care. I am J. Richardson Patient. If I have to become Dr. Richardson, my appointment is not made sooner, my co payments remain the same, my health insurance premium goes up, and on and on. My peers, other health workers, and patients have similar stories.
Patients of this great nation, you must see that American health care doesn't care! There are no special favors like great care, and low cost unless you are "proven" 100% healthy, and/ or wealthy, i.e you have no pre-existing condition. Is a national health plan the only way we may see equal care for all? Maybe if we had health coverage like our President and lawmakers, things would be better, and would be in existence by now. After all we were promised that by them while they were campaigning for our trust and official appointment. Instead we are fed almost daily press conferences on healthcare for all repeating the same things in a different way on a different day.
It's your game - coach it, referee it, and play it so that you are the winner, my patients. You are a preferred patient if you are...getting good medical care.
jueves, 11 de junio de 2009
President Obama's Health Care Reform Plan
Did the President sell us a health care overhaul today? Or is it more of the same talk phrased differently in a town hall setting set before the media? SSDD - same stuff, different day.
He discussed the National Health Insurance Exchange that helped fuel his campaign. It is nice to hear a promise that if you like your doctor and health care plan, you will be able to keep them. What other choice do you have with pre-existing conditions? A promise for lower cost would be nice, especially since "health insurance premiums have grown three times faster than wages". Actually, it is more like five times.
This "patchwork system" needs tweaking. Big time. The public option gives people a choice especially if they don't have health insurance. Does it really?
"Every plan should have incentives for preventive care." Incentives are attractive, but is it enough? Do incentives work? What types of incentives are you talking about? Will everybody have access to them, or just those with employer-based health insurance?
It will take "a couple of years" to get it all done. That will be a true miracle from the holy waters of Lourdes. Oh, then the President changes that...it may take four or five years or so. Or longer.
"The more tests I perform the more I get paid" is the "business mentality" of physicians. The more tests doctors perform, the better chance you will get an accurate, timely diagnosis. Those tests that aren't done, are a primary reason for malpractice. Doctors sure could use help with malpractice insurance, especially if medical testing is limited by big business "gatekeepers".
Prevention and wellness is key. The example of obesity and weight loss is a good one, but how realistic is this for the low income 70 year old morbidly obese hypertensive diabetic who is in a wheelchair?
The last question on wellness and prevention covered an incentive example. If you stop smoking, you will see your premium drop. Does this apply to the uninsured? Will you get health insurance if you practice wellness and prevention?
Finally, trillions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid is still not enough. If "we can bend the cost curve down....we're going to be okay". Let's hope so.
Please, "steal my ideas", Mr. President.
See the previous blogs here for a real plan. It is time to act. It is time to stop talking.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
He discussed the National Health Insurance Exchange that helped fuel his campaign. It is nice to hear a promise that if you like your doctor and health care plan, you will be able to keep them. What other choice do you have with pre-existing conditions? A promise for lower cost would be nice, especially since "health insurance premiums have grown three times faster than wages". Actually, it is more like five times.
This "patchwork system" needs tweaking. Big time. The public option gives people a choice especially if they don't have health insurance. Does it really?
"Every plan should have incentives for preventive care." Incentives are attractive, but is it enough? Do incentives work? What types of incentives are you talking about? Will everybody have access to them, or just those with employer-based health insurance?
It will take "a couple of years" to get it all done. That will be a true miracle from the holy waters of Lourdes. Oh, then the President changes that...it may take four or five years or so. Or longer.
"The more tests I perform the more I get paid" is the "business mentality" of physicians. The more tests doctors perform, the better chance you will get an accurate, timely diagnosis. Those tests that aren't done, are a primary reason for malpractice. Doctors sure could use help with malpractice insurance, especially if medical testing is limited by big business "gatekeepers".
Prevention and wellness is key. The example of obesity and weight loss is a good one, but how realistic is this for the low income 70 year old morbidly obese hypertensive diabetic who is in a wheelchair?
The last question on wellness and prevention covered an incentive example. If you stop smoking, you will see your premium drop. Does this apply to the uninsured? Will you get health insurance if you practice wellness and prevention?
Finally, trillions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid is still not enough. If "we can bend the cost curve down....we're going to be okay". Let's hope so.
Please, "steal my ideas", Mr. President.
See the previous blogs here for a real plan. It is time to act. It is time to stop talking.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
miércoles, 10 de junio de 2009
ABC's of Healthcare Reform
The link below on the ABC's of healthcare reform is from my friend, Kathleen O'Connor. Her organization, CodeBlueNow! (http://www.codebluenow.org/ ), is dedicated to health care reform. Her effort is one of the best around. Ms. O'Connor started this after challenging the American public in a contest to write about their thoughts on how America's health care system could be fixed. Out of the 2003 entrants CodeBlueNow! was born.
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for the opportunity to submit my action plan, Building An American Health System. I was one of the ten finalists.
As we look forward to the President's national health care plan being passed soon, let us all speak up for the best health care we deserve. It is time for successful CPR.
http://www.codebluenow.org/ABCs%20of%20Reform--The%20Alphabet%20of%20Health%20Care.final.4-27.1doc.pdf
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family physician, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
Thank you Ms. O'Connor for the opportunity to submit my action plan, Building An American Health System. I was one of the ten finalists.
As we look forward to the President's national health care plan being passed soon, let us all speak up for the best health care we deserve. It is time for successful CPR.
http://www.codebluenow.org/ABCs%20of%20Reform--The%20Alphabet%20of%20Health%20Care.final.4-27.1doc.pdf
by J.L. Richardson, MD, family physician, patient advocate, and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
jueves, 28 de mayo de 2009
Medical Specialists & Economic Stimulus
From the email bag for today's healthy belly laugh:
Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the new
economic stimulus package....
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not
to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the
Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said,
'Oh, Grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the
Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists
thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said,
"This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were
pissed off at the whole idea.
The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the
Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to
the assholes in Washington.
Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the new
economic stimulus package....
The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not
to make any rash moves.
The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the
Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.
The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception.
Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.
Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said,
'Oh, Grow up!'
The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the
Radiologists could see right through it.
Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists
thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said,
"This puts a whole new face on the matter."
The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were
pissed off at the whole idea.
The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the
Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.
In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to
the assholes in Washington.
lunes, 23 de marzo de 2009
Cap Insurance Premiums, Mr. President
Dear President Obama,
As part of your spending cuts, put a scalpel to insurance premiums. Cut and cap. It is preposterous to think that someone on a limited income (like seniors, retirees, disabled folks), or those whose salaries have flat lined can continue to afford increases of 25% or more per year. With the average annual cost of living increase of 3 to 5% it is simply unaffordable. For many this can be as much as 10%or more of their income.
For the past three years many insurance premiums have risen as much as total of 25% or more per year for the past few years! Meanwhile insurance rates in Congress were recently reported as an 8% increase last year to 12% this year. Give us the same. After all, Congress works for us. Everybody keeps saying we should have the same health insurance opportunities as Congress. Act on it and stop the private insurance sector from hemorrhaging us to code blue.
Start by putting a cap on insurance premiums. Make this retroactive for the unfair cost increases over the past five years. Let the insurance companies apply this instead of a tax credit to our insurance. It is time that patients instead of shareholders and company executives reap the benefits of decent health care. Shift the focus on preventive care to preserve your health and save your life as opposed to waiting until you get sick and die.
Do the right thing and the best thing for your country. Keep insurance premiums affordable. Keep your country's health from failing. Invest in prevention, health maintenance, wellness, and health preservation. Make the insurance companies accountable for this, too. Disease management is good, but if it is prevented or detected early it's even better.
Information technology such as electronic medical records are great, too. Be realistic. We are behind here and trying to catch up. Take care of patients first and do this as you go. Most doctors' office are still trying to figure out how they are going to afford it.
Consolidate some of the government health agencies that overlap. As I waded through the Health and Human Services department, I drowned in an alphabet soup of agencies that do similar things. It looks like a lot of money being spent for those most in need; however, the disparities in health care continue in despair.
Keep our country's vital signs stable. Resuscitate. Perform CPR STAT. Open the airway, breathe in fresh air, and circulate the proper health care to all Americans. It is our birth right. It is our privilege. Make it our asset.
Best regards,
Dr. Richardson
P.S. On a personal note - my insurance company increased my premium another 25% this year from $700 to $882. Pre-existing conditions have prevented me from getting affordable continuous coverage elsewhere, or from getting into less expensive plans in the company.
J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
As part of your spending cuts, put a scalpel to insurance premiums. Cut and cap. It is preposterous to think that someone on a limited income (like seniors, retirees, disabled folks), or those whose salaries have flat lined can continue to afford increases of 25% or more per year. With the average annual cost of living increase of 3 to 5% it is simply unaffordable. For many this can be as much as 10%or more of their income.
For the past three years many insurance premiums have risen as much as total of 25% or more per year for the past few years! Meanwhile insurance rates in Congress were recently reported as an 8% increase last year to 12% this year. Give us the same. After all, Congress works for us. Everybody keeps saying we should have the same health insurance opportunities as Congress. Act on it and stop the private insurance sector from hemorrhaging us to code blue.
Start by putting a cap on insurance premiums. Make this retroactive for the unfair cost increases over the past five years. Let the insurance companies apply this instead of a tax credit to our insurance. It is time that patients instead of shareholders and company executives reap the benefits of decent health care. Shift the focus on preventive care to preserve your health and save your life as opposed to waiting until you get sick and die.
Do the right thing and the best thing for your country. Keep insurance premiums affordable. Keep your country's health from failing. Invest in prevention, health maintenance, wellness, and health preservation. Make the insurance companies accountable for this, too. Disease management is good, but if it is prevented or detected early it's even better.
Information technology such as electronic medical records are great, too. Be realistic. We are behind here and trying to catch up. Take care of patients first and do this as you go. Most doctors' office are still trying to figure out how they are going to afford it.
Consolidate some of the government health agencies that overlap. As I waded through the Health and Human Services department, I drowned in an alphabet soup of agencies that do similar things. It looks like a lot of money being spent for those most in need; however, the disparities in health care continue in despair.
Keep our country's vital signs stable. Resuscitate. Perform CPR STAT. Open the airway, breathe in fresh air, and circulate the proper health care to all Americans. It is our birth right. It is our privilege. Make it our asset.
Best regards,
Dr. Richardson
P.S. On a personal note - my insurance company increased my premium another 25% this year from $700 to $882. Pre-existing conditions have prevented me from getting affordable continuous coverage elsewhere, or from getting into less expensive plans in the company.
J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
lunes, 9 de marzo de 2009
Ideal Health System
This is the summary from Building An American Health System, a 2003 award-winning proposal by J.L. Richardson, M.D. Now in 2009 few things have changed.
For the ideal American health system, the goal must be provision of health care to everyone. This is a national priority. This system must be uniform and easily accessible for everyone. National (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) and international (e.g. Britain's National Health Service) government programs in combination with the commercial sector of health service leaders are appropriate models. Using the systems and components that are successful in these entities will be the foundation.
The system will be managed through the government and insurance companies. The government seems most experienced and prepared for the task as an infrastructure already exists through the Social Security Administration and other government agencies. In addition, the information technology infrastructure is already in place. This provides the most extensive database of the nation's health care recipients that would be accessible to physicians and hospitals. This should ensure that all have access to the best comprehensive quality health care.
In order to attain the above, the employer-based model would be phased out. Purchasing health insurance from the government will subsequently be available to everyone. Each person will pay directly for services at prices comparable to Medicare and Medicaid fees. Through the Public Health Service all preventive screening will be done without charge. This will lead to a healthier people and a health system that takes care of everyone.
Prevention and intervention in a timely manner to all must be the ultimate goal in rebuilding the American health system as "...one nation under God...".
Great health is true wealth!
Thanks to Kathleen O'Connor, founder and CEO of Code Blue Now, the American public was invited to share their ideas on building a decent health care system in America by sponsoring a contest in 2003. Out of this health care reform effort, Code Blue Now was born. For details, visit http://codebluenow.org.
For the ideal American health system, the goal must be provision of health care to everyone. This is a national priority. This system must be uniform and easily accessible for everyone. National (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) and international (e.g. Britain's National Health Service) government programs in combination with the commercial sector of health service leaders are appropriate models. Using the systems and components that are successful in these entities will be the foundation.
The system will be managed through the government and insurance companies. The government seems most experienced and prepared for the task as an infrastructure already exists through the Social Security Administration and other government agencies. In addition, the information technology infrastructure is already in place. This provides the most extensive database of the nation's health care recipients that would be accessible to physicians and hospitals. This should ensure that all have access to the best comprehensive quality health care.
In order to attain the above, the employer-based model would be phased out. Purchasing health insurance from the government will subsequently be available to everyone. Each person will pay directly for services at prices comparable to Medicare and Medicaid fees. Through the Public Health Service all preventive screening will be done without charge. This will lead to a healthier people and a health system that takes care of everyone.
Prevention and intervention in a timely manner to all must be the ultimate goal in rebuilding the American health system as "...one nation under God...".
Great health is true wealth!
Thanks to Kathleen O'Connor, founder and CEO of Code Blue Now, the American public was invited to share their ideas on building a decent health care system in America by sponsoring a contest in 2003. Out of this health care reform effort, Code Blue Now was born. For details, visit http://codebluenow.org.
martes, 3 de marzo de 2009
Health Care Recovery
This week President Obama will have a health summit to address our nation's health care recovery. Finally, health care reform is getting the attention it deserves even if it seems to overshadow the economic free fall. I fail to understand why money continues to be given to these losing companies that repeatedly spend it without accountability, and the put their hand out for more...and get it.
I want to see more handouts to the people. Today' Citibank announced an unemployment assistance program to help those without jobs get mortgage assistance to stay in their homes. More efforts like this are needed across the board. Many poor and middle class will benefit from these type programs.
It was great to hear that about $155 billion of Recovery Act funds will go to community health centers. This will provide health care for almost 1 million, and jobs for another 5,000. Funding for each state has already been calculated. At www.hhs.gov/recovery all efforts for health care are made transparent.
I want to see more handouts to the people. Today' Citibank announced an unemployment assistance program to help those without jobs get mortgage assistance to stay in their homes. More efforts like this are needed across the board. Many poor and middle class will benefit from these type programs.
It was great to hear that about $155 billion of Recovery Act funds will go to community health centers. This will provide health care for almost 1 million, and jobs for another 5,000. Funding for each state has already been calculated. At www.hhs.gov/recovery all efforts for health care are made transparent.
miércoles, 4 de febrero de 2009
Chidren's Healthcare Bill Passed
As soon as the previous post was published there was breaking news on health care!
President Obama spoke live about the new bill he signed for children's health care today!
He talked about rebuilding the nation's health care system and reaffirmed his stand to provide health care for all!
Pen to paper - it's official!
President Obama spoke live about the new bill he signed for children's health care today!
He talked about rebuilding the nation's health care system and reaffirmed his stand to provide health care for all!
Pen to paper - it's official!
Healthcare Swirl
"Health IT". This has been the dominant theme in health care. This is all that I heard in the glimpses of all the president's interviews yesterday with the major news media stars. This was in the midst of answers to other questions not pertaining to health.
If there was a direct question about health, I surely missed it. Too many other issues were much more important. These were issues we have heard the answers to day after day so much so that these were answers to most of the similar questions asked by different reporters. Health care has been lost in the swirl.
In the midst of overt concern about bipartisanship, economic irresponsibility (taxes, junkets, etc.), war issues, middle class (what about the poor?), and more pork, the health issue has been given a low rung on the ladder. There is much more than "health IT" (information technology), and electronic records in the health care mix.
When will we hear more about health coverage per se? When will we hear more about the pre-presidential national health plan with care for all? As we wait for an HHS director in this swirling storm of economic downturn with job losses (and loss of health insurance) reported daily, I guess it will be business as usual for now.
If there was a direct question about health, I surely missed it. Too many other issues were much more important. These were issues we have heard the answers to day after day so much so that these were answers to most of the similar questions asked by different reporters. Health care has been lost in the swirl.
In the midst of overt concern about bipartisanship, economic irresponsibility (taxes, junkets, etc.), war issues, middle class (what about the poor?), and more pork, the health issue has been given a low rung on the ladder. There is much more than "health IT" (information technology), and electronic records in the health care mix.
When will we hear more about health coverage per se? When will we hear more about the pre-presidential national health plan with care for all? As we wait for an HHS director in this swirling storm of economic downturn with job losses (and loss of health insurance) reported daily, I guess it will be business as usual for now.
miércoles, 28 de enero de 2009
Health Insurance Costs
Health care costs are up at least 5% from last year. Health insurance is up from 6% to 40% or more! This means that health insurance company profits are up. Check the earnings. Their profit is up even with decreased net income and higher medical costs. Almost 100 million people are paying off medical debt while insurers rake in piles of profit.
Hopefully President Obama will allow exemptions from medical debt, and allow capped prices on insurance premiums without regard to pre-existing conditions. Health insurance companies should discontinue lifetime limits on health coverage. At an $100,000 lifetime coverage limit, one or two major surgeries or a chronic disease with complications your coverage could evaporate in a year or two or less.
More consumer protection is needed. Protection with lifelong health membership would be optimal. The national health plan, National Health Insurance Exchange, will likely make this a reality giving all the privilege of being insured as securely as our President and Congress.
With a premium of $1000 month, your payment for one year is $12,000. This should be enough to guarantee lifetime coverage.
After all, your insurance premiums are giving insurance companies lifetime profits.
Hopefully President Obama will allow exemptions from medical debt, and allow capped prices on insurance premiums without regard to pre-existing conditions. Health insurance companies should discontinue lifetime limits on health coverage. At an $100,000 lifetime coverage limit, one or two major surgeries or a chronic disease with complications your coverage could evaporate in a year or two or less.
More consumer protection is needed. Protection with lifelong health membership would be optimal. The national health plan, National Health Insurance Exchange, will likely make this a reality giving all the privilege of being insured as securely as our President and Congress.
With a premium of $1000 month, your payment for one year is $12,000. This should be enough to guarantee lifetime coverage.
After all, your insurance premiums are giving insurance companies lifetime profits.
jueves, 23 de octubre de 2008
Same Health Plan as Yours, Please: Part 2
Many have been waiting to hear details for a health care plan. It is in writing, but has yet to be discussed openly like during the debates and on the campaign trail. Even the mainstream media has yet to pick it up. Obviously, the economy and presidential candidates’ every appearance are more newsworthy.
The Obama-Biden health plan is “to provide affordable, accessible health care to all”. It is presented in nine pages (includes one and a half pages of references) on their campaign website. The new National Health Insurance Exchange is one of the highlights of the plan. The creation of this entity will help everyone, “Americans and businesses”, obtain private health insurance.
Insurance companies will be required to cover pre-existing conditions at affordable prices through the National Health Insurance Exchange, or through private health plans. The Exchange will provide comprehensive care like the health plan that covers Congress.
The FEHBP, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, is their health plan and that of many federal employees (wonder if that includes the president). Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP (children’s health plan) government funded health plans would continue to exist. In fact, Medicaid and SCHIP will be expanded. All children will be required to have health care coverage.
It is unclear to me (as I pointed out in my previous blog), why the Exchange is necessary if it is to be like the FEHBP. It seems highly logical to expand the FEHBP. Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP are being expanded. Will they be expanded to be as inclusive and comprehensive as the FEHBP? Furthermore, will the disparities implicated by being a Medicaid recipient be dismissed?
It sounds doubtful as mention of private insurance is still part of the plan. It would seem even more logical to make the National Health Insurance Exchange the FEHBP, or vice-versa. Members of Congress have been talking about making the FEHBP, their health plan, the health plan for the American people for many years.
“So close, yet so far away.”
Dr. J.L. Richardson is the author of the research paper, Building an American Health System, and the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
The Obama-Biden health plan is “to provide affordable, accessible health care to all”. It is presented in nine pages (includes one and a half pages of references) on their campaign website. The new National Health Insurance Exchange is one of the highlights of the plan. The creation of this entity will help everyone, “Americans and businesses”, obtain private health insurance.
Insurance companies will be required to cover pre-existing conditions at affordable prices through the National Health Insurance Exchange, or through private health plans. The Exchange will provide comprehensive care like the health plan that covers Congress.
The FEHBP, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, is their health plan and that of many federal employees (wonder if that includes the president). Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP (children’s health plan) government funded health plans would continue to exist. In fact, Medicaid and SCHIP will be expanded. All children will be required to have health care coverage.
It is unclear to me (as I pointed out in my previous blog), why the Exchange is necessary if it is to be like the FEHBP. It seems highly logical to expand the FEHBP. Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP are being expanded. Will they be expanded to be as inclusive and comprehensive as the FEHBP? Furthermore, will the disparities implicated by being a Medicaid recipient be dismissed?
It sounds doubtful as mention of private insurance is still part of the plan. It would seem even more logical to make the National Health Insurance Exchange the FEHBP, or vice-versa. Members of Congress have been talking about making the FEHBP, their health plan, the health plan for the American people for many years.
“So close, yet so far away.”
Dr. J.L. Richardson is the author of the research paper, Building an American Health System, and the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
miércoles, 15 de octubre de 2008
Presidential Health Plans - Same As Yours, Please
Health Care Plan Talk: Show Me the Plan
By J.L. Richardson, M.D.
Why are the candidates continuing to talk about health care plans? They along with their colleagues in Congress have repeatedly proposed the insurance they have is what the American public should have. So why are they failing to move in that direction. Congress has been talking about it for years. Is this another political re-election tactic?
Senator Obama reiterated this in the debate - again. He explained in more detail the cost savings from being in a purchasing pool such as Congress. I applaud his vigor in this matter. I feel like he really wants us to have the best affordable health care like the lawmakers of the land. I want to see a plan, some details. I believe it will work.
He also wants us to be able to keep our same doctors and health plans no matter who we work for if we are working. That was part of HIPPA law passed some years ago. Okay, let's reinforce that. Somehow the pre-existing condition part got overlooked. It would be nice for our insurance companies to do the same. Medicare does. So that must become effective immediately. If not, in spite of the patient privacy part of HIPPA, one may be asked - actually "grilled" - about your current health problems and unhealthy habits by a total stranger over the phone. Ten, more like twenty, years ago you could get insurance without telling your pre-existing health conditions.
Senator McCain wants to tax insurance premiums, and pay that to the insurance companies. Where is one going to get that extra money when their premium has almost doubled over three years and are currently unemployed? Maybe that will be from the tax cut refund check he is promising. He’s looking out for us, too. Even if is to be paid for by the savings from the continuing health disparities - by age, gender, disability, chronic medical diseases, job and so on. Healthy people would be exempt, that is, until they became sick.
Both senators think health care should be run by the government which already funds almost 50% of the American health system. That must be good. Medicare seems to be working. The premiums have been rising. Payments to doctors are less. Private insurers usually charge more, but get paid the Medicare rate. That must count for something. Medicare is the gold standard for health insurance. Coverage is provided for all over 65. If totally disabled beyond employment at poverty level, you might qualify after the rigorous application and approval process.
They saved the best for last. After months of remaining generically redundant on America’s health care, they finally talked in more generic detail about their health care platforms. This was pretty much what they have already said and put on their websites.
I vote for caps on insurance premiums, retroactive to at least five years ago when insurance premiums started going through the roof. This fits better than a tax credit. There are wage caps in effect. This makes good sense. It is time for shareholders and company executives to put patients on the forefront.
I vote for the omission of pre-existing conditions immediately. Prevention, wellness and health maintenance would be a primary focus. Management of pre-existing conditions and chronic disease are prevention in action. Baseline body scans sound like a good idea for looking into your health (pun intended). Early detection may save your life, and some money. The American health system teaches doctors to treat you after you get sick. Which costs more? Which is better for you? Would you like to know what you have and decide how to manage it?
I vote for and agree with the senators on downsizing the US Department of Health and Human Services. There are agencies that appear to overlap. They could be combined with new initials. Talk about alphabet soup. Put ODPHP with NCCDPHP and USPSTF under OIG monitored by AHRQ and CDC. Mmm…mmm…good.
All in all, it appears that the presidential candidates want what they would want for themselves and their families. That remains to be seen instead of heard. After all they have shared their medical history with us through the media – Senator Obama’s one page note from his doctor, and Senator McCain’s thousands of pages in three hours. Senator McCain allowed questions to his doctors for about an hour, while Senator Obama is sticking with his note. Speaking as an expert, both are unacceptable and unrealistic medical record reviews for health assessment. Remember HIPPA.
Actions do speak louder than words. Show me the plan.
Dr. Richardson is author of the award winning reference book, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, and Building an American Health System health care proposal.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
By J.L. Richardson, M.D.
Why are the candidates continuing to talk about health care plans? They along with their colleagues in Congress have repeatedly proposed the insurance they have is what the American public should have. So why are they failing to move in that direction. Congress has been talking about it for years. Is this another political re-election tactic?
Senator Obama reiterated this in the debate - again. He explained in more detail the cost savings from being in a purchasing pool such as Congress. I applaud his vigor in this matter. I feel like he really wants us to have the best affordable health care like the lawmakers of the land. I want to see a plan, some details. I believe it will work.
He also wants us to be able to keep our same doctors and health plans no matter who we work for if we are working. That was part of HIPPA law passed some years ago. Okay, let's reinforce that. Somehow the pre-existing condition part got overlooked. It would be nice for our insurance companies to do the same. Medicare does. So that must become effective immediately. If not, in spite of the patient privacy part of HIPPA, one may be asked - actually "grilled" - about your current health problems and unhealthy habits by a total stranger over the phone. Ten, more like twenty, years ago you could get insurance without telling your pre-existing health conditions.
Senator McCain wants to tax insurance premiums, and pay that to the insurance companies. Where is one going to get that extra money when their premium has almost doubled over three years and are currently unemployed? Maybe that will be from the tax cut refund check he is promising. He’s looking out for us, too. Even if is to be paid for by the savings from the continuing health disparities - by age, gender, disability, chronic medical diseases, job and so on. Healthy people would be exempt, that is, until they became sick.
Both senators think health care should be run by the government which already funds almost 50% of the American health system. That must be good. Medicare seems to be working. The premiums have been rising. Payments to doctors are less. Private insurers usually charge more, but get paid the Medicare rate. That must count for something. Medicare is the gold standard for health insurance. Coverage is provided for all over 65. If totally disabled beyond employment at poverty level, you might qualify after the rigorous application and approval process.
They saved the best for last. After months of remaining generically redundant on America’s health care, they finally talked in more generic detail about their health care platforms. This was pretty much what they have already said and put on their websites.
I vote for caps on insurance premiums, retroactive to at least five years ago when insurance premiums started going through the roof. This fits better than a tax credit. There are wage caps in effect. This makes good sense. It is time for shareholders and company executives to put patients on the forefront.
I vote for the omission of pre-existing conditions immediately. Prevention, wellness and health maintenance would be a primary focus. Management of pre-existing conditions and chronic disease are prevention in action. Baseline body scans sound like a good idea for looking into your health (pun intended). Early detection may save your life, and some money. The American health system teaches doctors to treat you after you get sick. Which costs more? Which is better for you? Would you like to know what you have and decide how to manage it?
I vote for and agree with the senators on downsizing the US Department of Health and Human Services. There are agencies that appear to overlap. They could be combined with new initials. Talk about alphabet soup. Put ODPHP with NCCDPHP and USPSTF under OIG monitored by AHRQ and CDC. Mmm…mmm…good.
All in all, it appears that the presidential candidates want what they would want for themselves and their families. That remains to be seen instead of heard. After all they have shared their medical history with us through the media – Senator Obama’s one page note from his doctor, and Senator McCain’s thousands of pages in three hours. Senator McCain allowed questions to his doctors for about an hour, while Senator Obama is sticking with his note. Speaking as an expert, both are unacceptable and unrealistic medical record reviews for health assessment. Remember HIPPA.
Actions do speak louder than words. Show me the plan.
Dr. Richardson is author of the award winning reference book, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, and Building an American Health System health care proposal.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
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