As Medicare reimbursement cuts loom, seniors and lawmakers worry

[babylonsister]

As Medicare reimbursement cuts loom, seniors and lawmakers worry
By Les Blumenthal | McClatchy Newspapers



WASHINGTON — At 75 years old, Billie Cox has fallen and broken her ankle, had an elbow replacement and suffers the same aches and pains of many her age.

But Cox, a retired real estate agent who lives in Lacey, has a new medical problem -- her regular doctor says he will no longer see her or other Medicare patients if a 10.6 percent cut in physician reimbursement rates takes affect July 1 as scheduled.

And with less than two weeks to go, it remains uncertain whether Congress will act in time to reverse the rate reduction.

"It would be devastating, especially in a state like ours," said Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash. Medicare reimbursement rates in Washington state for doctors are already among the lowest in the nation, he noted.

The cuts in reimbursement rates could affect not only Washington state's more than 700,000 seniors, but also another 300,000 or so in the military-related TRICARE health care system. TRICARE's reimbursement rates for doctors are tied to Medicare's.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/41753.html

[peacebird]

1. We spend billions on war in Iraq at the expense of America's basic needs like health care &

education....

wonderful. :sarcasm:

[Ilsa]

4. And McSame refuses to acknowledge that this is one big

reason why we can't continue the occupation for even five years, versus 100.

[MH1]

2. Doctors worry too.

Contrary to cultural myth, most doctors are not independently wealthy, and as it is they can't make even a basic living on Medicare patients alone (unless of course they submit fraudulent claims). At least in the case of my brother, they WANT to treat these patients - but they can't afford to, they have to fill enough hours with patients that pay enough to keep the lights on.

It is a hugely sucky situation to be in for the docs, too.

[Ilsa]

3. In many rurals areas, that will force seniors to tell the doctor, "I'll

pay the difference," whether they can afford it or not. Seniors in rural areas are already nervous about losing theor doctors to cities. Many won't have the money to travel to a larger city to see a new doctor.