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Why are you so down on health care reform?

Photo courtesy of National Institutes of HealthThe lack of support for health care reform tabulated in our Part B News poll isn't surprising. There are lots of reasons - some more relevant than others -- to dislike the bill as opposed to liking the bill. Most Americans not in the medical profession probably feel the same way. As I previously stated, I have my own reservations for our new health care reform law.

You can go through the law and question the legitimacy of any section - especially the Medicare provisions. Why mandate a Medicare claim be submitted within 12 months or it will be rejected as untimely? How did Congress decide on 12 months? Why not six months or 18 months? Why tweak the timely claims section of the Medicare manual at all?

Certainly, there are some provisions in the bill America likes. Removing "barriers" such as patient copays and deductibles to preventive care and paying for annual Medicare check-ups seems like a good idea. Most Medicare physicians providing primary care must support the new wellness exam. At least they should welcome a new reimbursement opportunity.

I am wondering why you like or dislike health reform? Are there specific provisions in the new law you like or dislike? Which Medicare sections will give you big headaches and which sections are welcomed?

Feel free to comment below. You must be signed in, in order to do so. If possible, avoid general statements (such as the new law costs too much or drastically lowers the number of insured Americans) and try to be as specific as possible.  

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Reader Comments (4)

Dalton101,

The answer: politics.

I am one who believes in this bill as well, but why do you think they waited til now to get somethig like this passed?

Thanks, R Lande. Your comments are much appreciated.

I am one of those who believes that this bill is an improvement on the status quo. The restrictions on private payer behavior were very much needed.  

The changes in Medicare are no big deal. One year is enough time as a filing limit. It is easier to remember than current law, and longer than many private payers. I think everyone expected PQRI to become mandatory at some point and for Medicare Advantage plans to stop being paid so much. They should cut even more from Medicare Advantage plans. They are confusing and add to the cost of doing business.

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