March 21, 2010.
This date will go down in history as the “End of Health Care” as we know it. The passage of this bill will drastically change our health care system. Some believe it will be for the good and others believe we have lost our way
My goal here with this post is to share some info on what I forsee to come. Usually we can predict the future by looking at the past. So let me start there.
"A Government Big Enough To Give You Everything Is Big Enough To Take It All Away"
In 1945 President Harry S. Truman became the first sitting president to officially endorse national health insurance. It wasn’t until 1965 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law. The part B premium was $3.00 / month, today people going on Medicare Part B pay $110.00 / month. Plus they usually carry a supplement to cover the thousands of dollars that Medicare will not cover. Example: You walk through a Hospital door and stay just 1 night, your cost $1100.00 with just Medicare.
In 1984 I went full time into selling Individual Health Insurance. My main focus has been in the Medicare Supplement market place. Medicare is a Government Ran Health Insurance system that insures people over the age of 65 and people on Medicare disabilty.
Over the past 26 years, there has been major changes to Medicare. Threats that the system is going broke, somehow like magic the government always has a way to fix the trust fund. How, by raising premiums, taxes and cutting benefits. Every year the Medicare program has either raised the premium or raised the deductible or both. Thus putting more of the responsibility back on the consumer.
Lets talk about the 32 million people that will now have to purchase health coverage BY LAW. You may ask how with this effect me. I have coverage, my employer provides it or you carry your own plan. President Obama and Congress has stated that you can keep your plan. You can keep your doctor. You won’t be forced to change. But wait!
You will be able to keep your coverage as long as your coverage meets certain guidelines. But you will NOT be able to change your coverage unless the PLAN meets the guidelines put in place by the government. Remember the words “Qualified Plan”. Mark my words, this will be the focus in 4 years when the benefits of this Health Bill goes into effect. If you chose to make any changes to your current plan, will it meet the guidelines of the plans established by the government. Example: What qualifies a Health Plan to be a HSA? (Health Savings Account) Answer: Rules established by the federal government. Who determines how funds from the HSA (Savings Account) can be used? Answer: Federal Government (IRS).
Yes you will be able to keep your employer provided healthcare. Questions is, will your employer continue provide it . If it makes more economic sense to pay a Tax (Penalty) for not providing it. What would you do? How many people do you think would pay a small penalty each year rather than pay a monthly premium. Especially when the bill provides them the ability to obtain coverage without worry of a pre-existing condition. I’m 46 and my medical file is probably under 10 pages in the entire chart. Don’t think that thought hasn’t crossed my mind in the last few months.
Hows this going to effect our Health Care?
I read an article on the AP Wire last week that spoke of a doctor that became transparent on his income to his office. He stated that with further cuts to Medicare, he may have to limit his practice. The amount of money reimbursed for an office visit is so low that its hard to cover overhead. Think back to when you could actually spend more than 5 to 10 minutes with the doctor. The only revenue coming in to the office is the patients. Than the government cuts there cost but does nothing about limiting the liabilty.
Last week I heard that 35% of doctors may limit or leave their practice. At first I thought no way, than a friend of mine told me that his Heart doctor who is from India may return to India. What incentive does he have to stay, than making a good income. He can be a Heart doctor in India and be around more of his family. When we lose this many doctors and the Government pays for peoples care. Who gets in to see the doctor?
I saw a piece on CNN Headline news this morning that spoke of the lady in Ohio that had Cancer and lost her coverage. Not canceled because of the cancer but she didn’t pay the premium. She was in fear she may lose her home. The report said that the hospital was not going to put a lien on her home and that she was a GOOD canidate for Medicaid. (Low Income Government Health Care estab: 1965) The truth is, if she qualified for medicaid she probably couldn’t afford much premium. The guidelines are pretty tight! But Did the President or Speaker Pelosi mention this? NO WAY, they made her a poster person of why we need this Bill. She already would have met the Medicaid Guidelines and available for Government Health Care.
The real problem with this HealthCare Bill is that many people who CHOOSE not to carry coverage will now be Penalized or taxed for their decisions. Yes, Pre-existing conditions is a problem for many people. I personally carry a policiy that has a restriction rider for 10 years on a condition. It’s my choice to be self employed and carry my own coverage instead of looking for other employment that would provide coverage.
I know you think I’m biased because I sale Health Insurance. Wrong, remember I have been selling Supplemental plans to Government ran Health Insurance since 1984. Insurance companies will always have something to sale. The problem with providing coverage to everybody is that people have NO Incentive to take care of themselves. Example: This Bill will remove the “Donut Hole” under Medicare Part D. Question I have is, if people don’t need to worry about hitting a point with there medication where they pay the full cost, why use Generics. Who cares what the cost is, my insurance will pay for it. At least when people understood that they had other medications that may keep them from reaching the Donut Hole they would investigate it. This is part of the problem that got us where we are today!
Remember everybody will start paying for this HealthCare Bill starting this year and NOBODY will be covered until 2014. What can we do about this Bill, probably nothing! Regardless of your politics, I would urge you to look at the representatives that voted for / against this Bill and ask yourself ONE questions. Did they listen to YOUR voice or the people in your District? Did they represent the very people that elected them to office? Did they do the job they were sent to Washington DC to do? If not! Come Novemeber, vote them out. Make your voice heard.
My focus with this Blog is not to tell anybody what to think but hope that I can inspire people to think and make informed decisions.
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I’m depressed. But I feel especially sorry for the younger generation. This will be a nightmare for them in ten years. I’ll be 83 then and probably be looking over my shoulder waiting for the Government Euthanize Panel to come and get me.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Skyjacked” =-.
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Bill Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Nelson,
We were told that nothing like that would happen. Do you believe that? You will see changes on the Medicare Program. It’s been estimated that 500 Billion will be cut from the Medicare system effecting ALL Medicare Beneficiaries.
Bill
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March 22nd, 2010 at 2:50 pm
This whole issues is wrong, wrong, wrong. Health insurance should be a choice, not a requirement. If people would be educated in taking care of themselves, alot of health issues would disappear. People should be held accountable for taking care of themselves instead of relying on doctors.
I take care of myself with natural supplements, I do not and can not afford to carry health insurance.
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..“Woo-Hoo, What A Ride!” =-.
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Bill Reply:
March 22nd, 2010 at 5:05 pm
Val,
Thank You for your thoughts. As a country, we do have some major issues. When they get done with this. There has been talk of taxing peoples time on the net! Imagine that!
Bill
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March 22nd, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Great post Bill!
I have to admit that I have tried to avoid the details of the health care bill because there is not a thing I can do about it. I think it is so sad how far our country has come from the principles that this country was founded on. I think it is a terrible sign that our government was not willing to put the time and thought into this bill that would be required to get some support and agreement from both parties. It just seems like there has been so much spending with very little to no actual results in the past year and a half.
Looking back at what I wrote so far, I am reminded why I choose to not allow myself to get involved with politics lately. I can’t think of a single good thing to say. As a general rule I don’t allow myself to focus on negative things.
I think it is good though that you are sharing this information with everyone. It is definitely interesting to hear about it from the perspective of someone who is familiar with current health insurance.
.-= Melissa Wright´s last blog ..How to Start a Blog (Part 3) =-.
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Bill Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:41 pm
Thank You Melissa,
It is a scary thing knowing that our lives will change. The sad part is that Congress “always” hopes that people won’t be paying attention.
Bill
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March 22nd, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Ok – this has literally given me a stomachache, a headache, – I guess an all over ache!! This is scary stuff and to think there is nothing we can do about it. AND we are going to be paying for this 3 yrs before it is in effect? On Man:(
Great post and info Bill
.-= Glyna Humm´s last blog ..RED HOT The Temp of the Health and Wellness Industry =-.
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Bill Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:44 pm
That’s one of the real problems, we start paying now and most changes won’t be effective until 2014. The CBO makes it’s predictions of cost only on the information provided to them. The \y must stay unbiased and can’t look at anything else.
Bill
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March 23rd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Bill. I was just talking to a colleague friend of mine today about how I really have no clue about what is going on in Washington regarding Health Care Reform. What REALLY does it mean? What REALLY are they doing to us. If History has taught us anything is that anytime the word “reform” is in any law… we, the taxpayers, are getting NAILED! And yes, I have heard about the idea of taxing us for being on the web. But what I heard was they are not going to tax us on time on the web as they can’t really tell how much time we are on there, but by bandwith. How much up and how much down. Basically, information. And a few years ago in California we actually voted something like this into effect. I was telling everyone to read the fine print… but all people saw was lower the telephone bill taxes… they didn’t keep reading and see the part about raising the bandwith taxes. AHHHH!!!! kills me.
.-= Matthew Miller´s last blog ..Do you “Big Mo?” – Office Hour Recharge Tips.. =-.
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Bill Reply:
March 23rd, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Thanks Matthew,
I read something along the line that ANY person that has company benefits that are valued at over $8500.00 will be TAXED to the insured.
NOPE your taxes wont go up if you make less than 250,000. RIGHT, they will simply start taxing everything we receive.
Bill
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March 24th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Thanks for this very informative post, Bill.
It’s hard for me to conceptualize what this will all look like down the road, with all the back and forth political hoop-la it’s really confusing to be honest!
Taxing people’s time on the net, seriously? I hadn’t heard that. Aiy, yai, yai! My head is aching…..
.-= Beth Allen´s last blog ..What Would You Do If You Were Not Afraid??? =-.
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Bill Reply:
March 24th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Beth Allen,
It is kinda of crazy all that is going on. I don’t know the extent of the internet deal. Just heard some blimps of it.
Bill
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March 25th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Those who have not followed the health care debate or find it to difficult to understand, would do well to follow Bill’s comments. This is a very well researched and though provoking post.
Edmund Burke said: “For evil to triumph, it is only necessary that good people do nothing”. “You” have an opportunity to do something in the next election, to redirect the direction of the country’s dirft towards Socialism. I would appulade the lady Senator from Tenn. who said when commenting on the passage of the health care bill, pp “A little bit of freedom died today”!
I have listened to people complain about the high cost of health care
for years, and granted we do need reform, but not at the cost of liberty. The costs in health care are driven by research and development for new proceedures and drugs, giving us the best health care in the world. Granted the cost are very expensive is some cases, however if you think it is expensive now, ‘wait until it is free’, (copied).
And you hear the heart breaking stories of folks with pre-existing conditions that can’t get insurance now. And we hear the stories of folks that can’t afford health care now, but they can afford a new HD television, and a nice car because they choose that over health care. But then they get caught and now have a pre-existing AMAZING! But we don’t hear about those stories.
Our president says once people start getting the benefits they are going to really like the new health care…just remember…with sheckles come shackles!
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Bill Reply:
March 25th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Dennis,
Thank You for your comments. I know that you have had a very ACTIVE life in the Health Insurance business. You too have watched many of the changes over the years.
Bill
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March 30th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Hi Bill and everyone else who has left their comments on this post… its a bit hard for me to follow all of the ins and outs of this ‘reform’ being as how I am in Australia but i certainly reiterate that it gave me a pain in the neck as I read all this stuff… depressing to the max…
I am amazed that many private health care insurances in Australia don’t reimburse PREVENTATIVE therapies that stave off dis-eases rather than treat them once they have taken hold… Is this madness or what? How much money could be saved each year across the world if we educated people to eat better, think better, behave better and take care of themselves? Good health is our birthright and should be safeguarded at all costs. Food for thought…..
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March 30th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Oh boy … This issue was haunting me for so long. I need a sleep aid over it. Thanks for bringing out the real deal.
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Bill Reply:
March 30th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
Donna,
It is going to be real interesting to see all of this unfold. I don’t think that people really realize what is in store for us.
Bill
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April 12th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Very Scary times ahead! Very Scary! Just one more step towards Socialism! Thanks Obama!
.-= Michael Feil´s last blog ..Active Income: Passive Income’s Super Motivated Twin =-.
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Bill Reply:
April 13th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Michael,
Most people have no clue as to what is ahead for us.
Bill
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May 11th, 2011 at 10:10 am
It amazes me how an entity called ‘government’ can get away with effectively wearing the hat of ‘master of the people’ by successfully and unabashedly hiding the only hat lawfully given to it: ‘servant of the people’. This ‘emperor’ is naked and this is one thing that can and needs to be made known… as a start to turn this ‘beginning of the end’ into a happy ending where freedom of choice is honored and upheld again. After reading your post, Bill, I feel like cattle on the way to the slaughterhouse might feel, but then I pinch myself to wake up to the realization that I am not cattle but a human being with all my rights and corresponding responsibilities attached. It’s up to me to act on that realization as best as I can.
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