Since this is our last post of the semester, I thought it would be appropriate to make some predictions of what HEALTH CARE in the U.S. might look like 10 years from now (based on current trends of course).
1. Government health care will push private health insurance companies to bankruptcy (they will probably be bailed out though) ha ha.
2. More Americans will have access to health care and will no longer have to choose between food or medicine.
3. Taxes to pay for gov't health care will increase
4. Quality of gov't health care will decline over time (cutbacks) as Washington feels pressure to lower taxes.
5. We will see nightly reports on the news talking about how we can continue to fund gov't led healthcare.
6. Hospitals and health care workers will become frustrated by "big brother" dictating how they give care.
7. Drug companies will be forced to lower the cost of their Rx medications (although, being this is a 500 billion dollar industry, it's hard to see them taking it in the shorts).
8. People will get tired of gov't supervision, and the pendulum will start to swing back the other way.
If I were really taking a Nostradamus approach, I would have had to disguise my predictions in the form of a riddle and or symbol. But, thankfully, today we still have (some) freedom of speech.
I know my predictions sound different from my once optimistic view of gov't led health care. Over the course of the semester and about 75 news articles later, I find myself seeing that any extreme change to health care will have a profound effect. I now believe that balance is the key to most things in social policy. Also, broad, sweeping federal policies don't always work that well for everyone.
Thank you all for your wonderful posts.
Please, feel free to make your own predictions on my blog.
(Someone could still be Edward Cayce or Hal Lindsay).
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
The End is Near
The end of private health insurance that is.
Many critics of the new government led public health insurance plan, believe it is the kiss of death for private health insurance companies.
The Wall Street Journal explains in detail just why this is so.
So, what do you think. Can private insurance companies compete in a "free market" with public (government run) programs?
Many critics of the new government led public health insurance plan, believe it is the kiss of death for private health insurance companies.
The Wall Street Journal explains in detail just why this is so.
So, what do you think. Can private insurance companies compete in a "free market" with public (government run) programs?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
What the?!
There have been some shocking developments out of Iowa.
Don't worry, the cows and corn are fine.
Iowa has approved Gay Marriage.
This is a great article from the AP explaining how it all went down.
That makes 3 states, Mass, Conn, & Iowa. Next, possibly, is Vermont.
Personally, I am surprised to see this happen in Iowa.
Rural Midwest is typically conservative and ultra religious.
Is there a change happening?
Are people becoming more accepting of alternative lifestyles?
I would like to think some good will come of this.
Mike Alvear writes some interesting commentary on the upside of Gay Marriage in this article.
Don't worry, the cows and corn are fine.
Iowa has approved Gay Marriage.
This is a great article from the AP explaining how it all went down.
That makes 3 states, Mass, Conn, & Iowa. Next, possibly, is Vermont.
Personally, I am surprised to see this happen in Iowa.
Rural Midwest is typically conservative and ultra religious.
Is there a change happening?
Are people becoming more accepting of alternative lifestyles?
I would like to think some good will come of this.
Mike Alvear writes some interesting commentary on the upside of Gay Marriage in this article.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Smoking for S-CHIP ?
Marci inspired me to post a funny clip.
So, here is one on how government is paying for S-CHIP (State children's health insurance program) w/ taxes from Cigs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_LutWBunb4
At least some good comes from people smoking.
I mean, not all smokers want to quit, so they might as well help out with children's supplemental health care.
So, here is one on how government is paying for S-CHIP (State children's health insurance program) w/ taxes from Cigs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_LutWBunb4
At least some good comes from people smoking.
I mean, not all smokers want to quit, so they might as well help out with children's supplemental health care.
Monday, March 23, 2009
People are Dying
Of course, the only certainties in life are Death and Taxes.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of these are two things these days.
As I am sure, health insurance issues have touched many of you in some way or another.
Be it from unaffordability, a sick family member or friend, or just the hassle of trying to obtain it, health insurance companies have been a royal pain in the butt.
People in Iowa have "had it" too. This is a great news story.
The news story talks about how health insurance companies need to make themselves more accessible and affordable or just do away with them and turn to a Universal health care system.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of these are two things these days.
As I am sure, health insurance issues have touched many of you in some way or another.
Be it from unaffordability, a sick family member or friend, or just the hassle of trying to obtain it, health insurance companies have been a royal pain in the butt.
People in Iowa have "had it" too. This is a great news story.
The news story talks about how health insurance companies need to make themselves more accessible and affordable or just do away with them and turn to a Universal health care system.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Insurance Company Extreem Makeover???
Insurance companies are not dumb. They haven't survived and thrived this long by accident. Yes, the new Obama regime is planning a major overhaul of the insurance business. Possibly, a health insurance that has much much more government influence.
Therefore, insurance companies are beginning a massive makeover to adapt with the changes.
This is a great story that explains the change.
"If the overhaul that President Barack Obama has promised goes against them, insurers could find themselves trying to compete against a new government-run health plan offering cut-rate premiums to middle-class families".
So, what do you think of the insurance industries' makeover?
Therefore, insurance companies are beginning a massive makeover to adapt with the changes.
This is a great story that explains the change.
"If the overhaul that President Barack Obama has promised goes against them, insurers could find themselves trying to compete against a new government-run health plan offering cut-rate premiums to middle-class families".
So, what do you think of the insurance industries' makeover?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tell Em!
In the past week, there has been a qualitative research theme to most of my classes.
So, this week, I have set up my blog in the spirit of qualitative research.
If you would like to voice your concerns, Tell Em to Good Morning America
Also, feel free to voice your accounts or stories from other whom you have spoken with, on my blog.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking with an undergrad student who said that he & his wife are in college and have no health insurance. They also have a child who is uninsured. He said, "We are just taking our chances right now, ......health insurance is way too expensive".
So, this week, I have set up my blog in the spirit of qualitative research.
If you would like to voice your concerns, Tell Em to Good Morning America
Also, feel free to voice your accounts or stories from other whom you have spoken with, on my blog.
A couple of weeks ago I was talking with an undergrad student who said that he & his wife are in college and have no health insurance. They also have a child who is uninsured. He said, "We are just taking our chances right now, ......health insurance is way too expensive".
Monday, February 23, 2009
Help!!!!!!
Reuters reports that Obama plans to hold a health care summit next week.........and with good reason.
There is a "Perfect Storm" if you will, of problems affecting our health care system.
For instance:
Today's DJIA closed at it's lowest since 1997.
People are seeing their retirement vanish quicker than you can say Jack Robinson.
Health insurance premiums are rising at almost double the rate of inflation (see recent story).
Thousand of people are losing their jobs every day and people lucky enough to have a job are seeing their companies cancel their retirement plans.
I believe we are living in one of the most pivotal times in American History (possibly in all of recorded history).
It seems that we stand on the razors edge, waiting for our fates to be decided by the flick of a pen.
What do we do?
My biased opinion is:
In these and almost all situations, a good proactive approach seems suitable.
Maybe, we all need to focus on our own health.
Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, etc.
Preventative measures could limit our Dr visits, increase our energy/vitality, and make us more productive at work and with our families.
I would be very interested in reading your thoughts as well.
There is a "Perfect Storm" if you will, of problems affecting our health care system.
For instance:
Today's DJIA closed at it's lowest since 1997.
People are seeing their retirement vanish quicker than you can say Jack Robinson.
Health insurance premiums are rising at almost double the rate of inflation (see recent story).
Thousand of people are losing their jobs every day and people lucky enough to have a job are seeing their companies cancel their retirement plans.
I believe we are living in one of the most pivotal times in American History (possibly in all of recorded history).
It seems that we stand on the razors edge, waiting for our fates to be decided by the flick of a pen.
What do we do?
My biased opinion is:
In these and almost all situations, a good proactive approach seems suitable.
Maybe, we all need to focus on our own health.
Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, etc.
Preventative measures could limit our Dr visits, increase our energy/vitality, and make us more productive at work and with our families.
I would be very interested in reading your thoughts as well.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Bailout #1 Goes Mental
For years, mental health advocates have worked diligently to level the insurance payout field. For years, those seeking mental health services have had to pay higher copay's, or have no coverage at all, be denied services, or have their treatment services cut short. However, this will be a thing of the past thanks to Bailout #1 back in October of 2008. This wonderful addendum was attached like a barnacle to the side of the bailout.
I have taken this from a post on the Pituitary Network Association webpage.
The Parity Requirement. The bill amends the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 to require that a group health plan of 50 or more employees (or coverage offered in connection with such a plan)¬that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health or substance use benefits ¬to ensure that financial requirements and treatment limitations applicable to mental health/substance use disorder benefits are no more restrictive than those requirements and limitations placed on medical/surgical benefits.
• Equity coverage will apply to all financial requirements, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses, and to all treatment limitations, including frequency of treatment, number of visits, days of coverage, or other similar limits.
• Mental health and substance use disorder benefits are defined broadly to mean benefits with respect to services for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, as defined under the terms of the plan and in accordance with applicable Federal and State law.
• A plan may not apply separate cost sharing requirements or treatment limitations to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
• If a plan offers two or more benefit packages, the requirements of this Act will be applied separately to each package.
• As under the current Federal parity law, mental health or substance use benefit coverage is not mandated. However, if a plan offers such coverage, it must be provided at parity in accordance with this Act.
Out-Of-Network Benefits. A group health plan (or coverage) that provides out-of-network coverage for medical/surgical benefits must also provide out-of-network coverage, at parity, for mental health/substance use disorder benefits.
Benefits Management and Transparency. As under the 1996 Mental Health Parity Act, a group health plan (or coverage) may manage the benefits under the terms and conditions of the plan. A plan will make mental health/substance use disorder medical necessity criteria available to current or potential participants, beneficiaries or providers upon request. A plan must also make reasons for payment denials available to participants or beneficiaries on request or as otherwise required.
This is wonderful for person's working in the mental health field (as we are not paid enough just like teachers, policeman, etc.). This will also be great for person's seeking mental health services.
Thank you Bailout #1 for recognizing the importance of mentally healthy individuals and families! :)
I have taken this from a post on the Pituitary Network Association webpage.
The Parity Requirement. The bill amends the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 to require that a group health plan of 50 or more employees (or coverage offered in connection with such a plan)¬that provides both medical and surgical benefits and mental health or substance use benefits ¬to ensure that financial requirements and treatment limitations applicable to mental health/substance use disorder benefits are no more restrictive than those requirements and limitations placed on medical/surgical benefits.
• Equity coverage will apply to all financial requirements, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket expenses, and to all treatment limitations, including frequency of treatment, number of visits, days of coverage, or other similar limits.
• Mental health and substance use disorder benefits are defined broadly to mean benefits with respect to services for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, as defined under the terms of the plan and in accordance with applicable Federal and State law.
• A plan may not apply separate cost sharing requirements or treatment limitations to mental health and substance use disorder benefits.
• If a plan offers two or more benefit packages, the requirements of this Act will be applied separately to each package.
• As under the current Federal parity law, mental health or substance use benefit coverage is not mandated. However, if a plan offers such coverage, it must be provided at parity in accordance with this Act.
Out-Of-Network Benefits. A group health plan (or coverage) that provides out-of-network coverage for medical/surgical benefits must also provide out-of-network coverage, at parity, for mental health/substance use disorder benefits.
Benefits Management and Transparency. As under the 1996 Mental Health Parity Act, a group health plan (or coverage) may manage the benefits under the terms and conditions of the plan. A plan will make mental health/substance use disorder medical necessity criteria available to current or potential participants, beneficiaries or providers upon request. A plan must also make reasons for payment denials available to participants or beneficiaries on request or as otherwise required.
This is wonderful for person's working in the mental health field (as we are not paid enough just like teachers, policeman, etc.). This will also be great for person's seeking mental health services.
Thank you Bailout #1 for recognizing the importance of mentally healthy individuals and families! :)
Monday, February 9, 2009
V is for Vendetta
As I read many of your blogs and review my previous blogs, I have come to the conclusion that my Beef is really with the insurance companies, the American Medical Association, privately owned hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and their Greed.
Of course everyone wants to obtain and preserve a comfortable means of living. However, these insurance companies have taking their means to the next level......at our expense.
In looking at our current US economic situation, it seems as if we're spinning closer and closer downward towards what many in the 30's experienced as, "The Great Depression". I understand we have a ways to go before then, but I can't help sound a warning cry.
As I study what happened post-Great Depression, I am seeing some of the same cyclical trends occurring.
1. We have a serious economic down-turn, people lose their jobs and they need health care.
2. The president (at that time Truman) offers a National Healthcare plan.
3. People (with a vested interest mostly) start screaming Communist!
4. The plan is flushed town the toilet.
5. The AMA and Hospitals are able to continue to raise the price of health procedure expenses.
In the 70's national health care is again shot down and quickly in the 80's we see more and more privatization of health insurance coverage. This is good right?
In the 90's we see health care costs rising at double the rate of inflation.
By the end of the decade 16% of Americans are without health insurance.
Has our situation become any better? No, still, over 17% of Americans are uninsured. Of course this has a systemic effect on families that I have talked about before.
So, what if "We the People" got together and told the government we're sick and tired of all this? Can the government, with our input, devise a healthy healthcare plan that is free of obtrusive Greed? I think so. Other models to look at are right to our north (Canada) and our friends in Europe. They do not allow pharmaceutical ads to run on TV. They do not have CEO's of Insurance companies making millions. They have a system that wants its patients (people) to get better (incentives for Dr's with the healthy patients) and it seems to work.
But, everytime National Health Care is brought up, someone yells, "Communist!".
This is an easy way to led the masses.
Instead, we should think critically, and for ourselves, as to what should be done about the healthcare system.
Healthcare Crisis: An excellent view of the progression.
Of course everyone wants to obtain and preserve a comfortable means of living. However, these insurance companies have taking their means to the next level......at our expense.
In looking at our current US economic situation, it seems as if we're spinning closer and closer downward towards what many in the 30's experienced as, "The Great Depression". I understand we have a ways to go before then, but I can't help sound a warning cry.
As I study what happened post-Great Depression, I am seeing some of the same cyclical trends occurring.
1. We have a serious economic down-turn, people lose their jobs and they need health care.
2. The president (at that time Truman) offers a National Healthcare plan.
3. People (with a vested interest mostly) start screaming Communist!
4. The plan is flushed town the toilet.
5. The AMA and Hospitals are able to continue to raise the price of health procedure expenses.
In the 70's national health care is again shot down and quickly in the 80's we see more and more privatization of health insurance coverage. This is good right?
In the 90's we see health care costs rising at double the rate of inflation.
By the end of the decade 16% of Americans are without health insurance.
Has our situation become any better? No, still, over 17% of Americans are uninsured. Of course this has a systemic effect on families that I have talked about before.
So, what if "We the People" got together and told the government we're sick and tired of all this? Can the government, with our input, devise a healthy healthcare plan that is free of obtrusive Greed? I think so. Other models to look at are right to our north (Canada) and our friends in Europe. They do not allow pharmaceutical ads to run on TV. They do not have CEO's of Insurance companies making millions. They have a system that wants its patients (people) to get better (incentives for Dr's with the healthy patients) and it seems to work.
But, everytime National Health Care is brought up, someone yells, "Communist!".
This is an easy way to led the masses.
Instead, we should think critically, and for ourselves, as to what should be done about the healthcare system.
Healthcare Crisis: An excellent view of the progression.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Government funded Health Care?
At the turn of the year an estimated 11.1 million people in the US are unemployed (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). That's more than the combined population of LA, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia!
With unemployment comes a loss of health care as well.
So, the US gov't comes to the rescue (supposedly) with their "Stimulus Plan".
The DesMoines Register does a good job in explaining how the gov't will help people who have lost their job obtain health care.
If we like it or not, it looks like the gov't (tax payers) is/are going to be flipping the bill for many families' health care coverage. Doesn't this smell like Universal health care already? It will be interesting to watch the progression of gov't funded health care as our unemployment rate continues to skyrocket.
With unemployment comes a loss of health care as well.
So, the US gov't comes to the rescue (supposedly) with their "Stimulus Plan".
The DesMoines Register does a good job in explaining how the gov't will help people who have lost their job obtain health care.
If we like it or not, it looks like the gov't (tax payers) is/are going to be flipping the bill for many families' health care coverage. Doesn't this smell like Universal health care already? It will be interesting to watch the progression of gov't funded health care as our unemployment rate continues to skyrocket.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Health Care, the Economy, and our Families
Check out this great article from the Philadelphia Inquirer
It's scary to think that 4 million more families will face loss of jobs and their health care coverage this year (2009). The ripple effect will place more families in stressful situations, causing more substance abuse, more marital discord, and an increasing burden on our social services.
Imagine if you were to lose your job and health care coverage for you and your family tomorrow....... or next week. Imagine the sleepless nights and the challenge of keeping it all together. It's an arduous task to maintain healthy marriages and families, but with the added stress of no money or health care, I think most of us would buckle under the pressure (myself included).
It's scary to think that 4 million more families will face loss of jobs and their health care coverage this year (2009). The ripple effect will place more families in stressful situations, causing more substance abuse, more marital discord, and an increasing burden on our social services.
Imagine if you were to lose your job and health care coverage for you and your family tomorrow....... or next week. Imagine the sleepless nights and the challenge of keeping it all together. It's an arduous task to maintain healthy marriages and families, but with the added stress of no money or health care, I think most of us would buckle under the pressure (myself included).
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Universal Health Care in the US......?
Could Universal Health Care be the answer to all our problems?
And, what are the problems with our current health care system?
Issues with our current health care system (Conn. Col. for Univ. Health Care)
# Fact One: The United States ranks 23rd in infant mortality, down from 12th in 1960 and 21st in 1990
# Fact Two: The United States ranks 20th in life expectancy for women down from 1st in 1945 and 13th in 1960
# Fact Three: The United States ranks 21st in life expectancy for men down from 1st in 1945 and 17th in 1960.
# Fact Four: The United States ranks between 50th and 100th in immunizations depending on the immunization. Overall US is 67th, right behind Botswana
# Fact Five: Outcome studies on a variety of diseases, such as coronary artery disease, and renal failure show the United States to rank below Canada and a wide variety of industrialized nations.
# Conclusion: The United States ranks poorly relative to other industrialized nations in health care despite having the best trained health care providers and the best medical infrastructure of any industrialized nation
What is Universal Health Care?
"More Americans are favoring a tax-payer funded government administered health care delivery system to replace the privately owned and administered system we now use. Universal health care is a form of health coverage which is provided by a government so that all of its citizens have access to health services. Canada, Western Europe, parts of South America, and Russia have programs described as universal health care." (http://www.insurancespecialists.com/industry-articles/universal-health-care/)
Pros and Cons of Universal Health Care
Here's a good news story to digest on the pros & Cons of Universal Health care from News Channel 8
And, what are the problems with our current health care system?
Issues with our current health care system (Conn. Col. for Univ. Health Care)
# Fact One: The United States ranks 23rd in infant mortality, down from 12th in 1960 and 21st in 1990
# Fact Two: The United States ranks 20th in life expectancy for women down from 1st in 1945 and 13th in 1960
# Fact Three: The United States ranks 21st in life expectancy for men down from 1st in 1945 and 17th in 1960.
# Fact Four: The United States ranks between 50th and 100th in immunizations depending on the immunization. Overall US is 67th, right behind Botswana
# Fact Five: Outcome studies on a variety of diseases, such as coronary artery disease, and renal failure show the United States to rank below Canada and a wide variety of industrialized nations.
# Conclusion: The United States ranks poorly relative to other industrialized nations in health care despite having the best trained health care providers and the best medical infrastructure of any industrialized nation
What is Universal Health Care?
"More Americans are favoring a tax-payer funded government administered health care delivery system to replace the privately owned and administered system we now use. Universal health care is a form of health coverage which is provided by a government so that all of its citizens have access to health services. Canada, Western Europe, parts of South America, and Russia have programs described as universal health care." (http://www.insurancespecialists.com/industry-articles/universal-health-care/)
Pros and Cons of Universal Health Care
Here's a good news story to digest on the pros & Cons of Universal Health care from News Channel 8
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Pay Now or Pay Later: Families and the State of Health Care in the US
The US Health Care system is in need of a major overhaul. According to the National Coalition on Health Care, "Experts agree that our health care system is riddled with inefficiencies, excessive administrative expenses, inflated prices, poor management, and inappropriate care, waste and fraud. These problems significantly increase the cost of medical care and health insurance for employers and workers and affect the security of families."
Agents of Change
Obama/Biden Health Care Plan
Good Websites
National Coalition on Health Care NCHC
Families USA
Current News
USA Today on the Ave. $ for Families
Washington Post
SiCKO Trailer
Comment on SiCKO
I have seen firsthand the impact that our current health care system has on families.
A little background:
From 2003 to 2008 as a medical provider (Psychotherapist) in Minnesota, I treated individuals and families. Part of my duties were to obtain "authorizations" for behavioral and substance abuse treatment services for my clients from their insurance companies. Many times my patients were denied the necessary services to effectively treat their conditions. The insurance representatives were very disconnected to the field of behavioral health and seemed motivated to deny or limit services as much as possible.
A glaring example of this was in treating persons whom struggled with Methamphetamine addiction. For most persons with this addiction, recovery can take between 1-3 years.....and that's if their brains are not already permanently damaged from the chemicals. However, the insurance representatives response is to allow 21 days of inpatient treatment followed by 6 weeks of aftercare counseling (often only 2-4 hours a week of help). This is not even close to enough time to help an individual with this condition, let alone, allow time for the family to heal.
Agents of Change
Obama/Biden Health Care Plan
Good Websites
National Coalition on Health Care NCHC
Families USA
Current News
USA Today on the Ave. $ for Families
Washington Post
SiCKO Trailer
Comment on SiCKO
I have seen firsthand the impact that our current health care system has on families.
A little background:
From 2003 to 2008 as a medical provider (Psychotherapist) in Minnesota, I treated individuals and families. Part of my duties were to obtain "authorizations" for behavioral and substance abuse treatment services for my clients from their insurance companies. Many times my patients were denied the necessary services to effectively treat their conditions. The insurance representatives were very disconnected to the field of behavioral health and seemed motivated to deny or limit services as much as possible.
A glaring example of this was in treating persons whom struggled with Methamphetamine addiction. For most persons with this addiction, recovery can take between 1-3 years.....and that's if their brains are not already permanently damaged from the chemicals. However, the insurance representatives response is to allow 21 days of inpatient treatment followed by 6 weeks of aftercare counseling (often only 2-4 hours a week of help). This is not even close to enough time to help an individual with this condition, let alone, allow time for the family to heal.
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