Nightmares of American Medical Care

[SeveneightyWhoa]

Nightmares of American Medical Care

August 23 2007
Counterbias.com
by John Chuckman


With the release of Michael Moore‘s new film, Sicko, it seems appropriate to offer a summary view of American healthcare. Many Americans remain unaware of the regime under which they live, until hit by illness or accident. Canadians, debating needed improvements for their system, often argue with little understanding of the bizarre realities of America’s.

As someone who has lived roughly half my life in the United States and half in Canada, and as an economist by profession, I think I can provide a vivid sketch of American healthcare.

There actually is no system.

Continue.. http://counterbias.com/918.html

[napi21]

1. That's a very good analysis of the US HC system.

I can verify the statement of treatment in an ER for a relatively minor problem resulting in a VERY HIGH BILL! I broke my leg last Sept. I went to the ER because it of course was a weekend! End result, my personal portion of the bills was $2,500! And the only reason it was ONLY $2,500 was because there's a max out of pocket limit on my husband's insurance. It was a nightmare! YES, I got a separate bill from EVERYONE!

I don't know HOW we can get the message out to everyone! I admit, before this accident happend, I was one of the idiots who believed my HC was just fine and I didn't quite understand why so many thought there was a problem. There's just no way people realize what that damn 80%/20% means until you face it yourself!

[rumpel]

2. and then there is also this:

Medicaid related in CA

Estate Recovery Unit

The Estate Recovery (ER) Unit recovers Medi-Cal expenditures from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries for services received on or after the individual’s 55th birthday. The States claim is limited to the fair market value of the decedent's assets at the time of death less any encumbrances, or the amount of medical services paid by Medi-Cal, whichever is less. Both state and federal laws require reimbursement of Medi-Cal costs from the estates of deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries, or from anyone receiving assets after the death, unless specific exemptions or other limitations apply. These funds are then recycled back into the program to assist in the care of other medically needy individuals. No repayment is normally due until after the beneficiary’s death.

snip

The Department’s ultimate collection is limited to the value of the decedent’s assets or the amount of Medi-Cal costs paid on behalf of the deceased Medi-Cal beneficiary, whichever is less.

The authority for the Estate Recovery program can be found in Title 42 of the United States Code (USC), Section 1396p; Welfare and Institutions (W&I) Code, Section 14009.5 and in the Probate Code, Sections 215, 9202 and 19202.

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/mcs/psd/TPL/recoverysec.htm#Estate%20Recovery%20Unit

[napi21]

3. I don't understand? I thought to be eligible for medi-cal you had to have assets below a certain

very low value. What don't I know here?

[sarcasmo]

4. The system is to screw the patient out of as much money as possible.

I was the victim of an Armed Robbery at work and twisted and ankle and had a swollen kneed running to save my life. To make a long story short I am on the hook for a $800 bill because I went to the Emergency room. The system is set up to make a hugh profit, nothing more, not to help us, but to rip us off.