Is There Any Escape From Medicare

Introduction

The original Medicare law promised that the federal government would not interfere in the practice of medicine.

Main Item

Although people may believe that their insurance worries are over once they qualify for Medicare, both doctors and patients are looking for a private option especially with Medicare's looming bankruptcy, and ObamaCare's promise to cut half a trillion dollars from it to help fund universal coverage.

Many doctors can't pay their rent on Medicare-allowed fees. Some Medicare patients can't find a doctor willing to see them at all, much less to provide VIP service.

Medicare is supposed to be "voluntary", except of course for paying the tax. Jane Orient, M.D., executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) explores what that means, in the summer issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. (www.jpands.org/vol15no2/orient.pdf)

The original Medicare law promised that the federal government would not interfere in the practice of medicine. Cost escalation, however, quickly led to price controls, "utilization review," and "quality assurance." Courts held that these were constitutional because Medicare participation is "voluntary." By accepting money from Medicare, a doctor "volunteers" to be bound by more than 100,000 pages of rules.

Physicians are "opting out" of Medicare at an accelerating rate. Additionally, now that Medicare is requiring onerous procedures to enroll, or to "revalidate" enrollment, more physicians are asking why they should.

Medicare has apparently anticipated this exodus. Its new Provider Enrollment and Chain Ownership System (PECOS) may make it impossible for physicians to treat seniors outside the system, or at least for them to order or refer for any service that might be covered by Medicare.

Seniors can't avoid being "covered" by Medicare Part A without relinquishing all Social Security benefits. Moreover, their private insurance options were destroyed when Medicare went into effect.

Why should anyone want to pay for things that are supposed to be free? It's the only way to escape government oversight and rationing. Some patients might feel that a one-hour visit with a physician focused on their problems might be worth more than the government pays for six 10-minute encounters with a nurse practitioner devoted to a government-approved checklist.

Will government be able to keep doctors from offering, and thus patients from receiving, self-paid care? Apparently, it is trying to do so.

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). (2010, June 2 - Last revised: 2016, June 13). Is There Any Escape From Medicare. Disabled World. Retrieved December 1, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/healthcare/us-medicare/escape-medicare.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/healthcare/us-medicare/escape-medicare.php">Is There Any Escape From Medicare</a>: Some Medicare patients can not find a doctor willing to see them at all.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.