New Seniors Must Face The Realities Of Medicare
Based on the current rhetoric, Medicare has become "Mediscare," but neither political party seems to let the truth get in the way of their agendas.
Those of us 65+ have a vested interest in the effects of health care reform, as do citizens of all ages.
The problem is Medicare has already been targeted cuts of $500 billion, which few talk about.
As part of the president's health care plan that was signed into law, we were told that the half-trillion dollars would be realized by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse within the system.
These cuts will include paying less money to doctors and force them, along with hospitals, out of the Medicare system in the future, making it increasingly difficult for older Americans to find health care providers willing to accept Medicare.
The good news is that both the president's health care law and congressman Ryan's proposed plan will not affect anyone 55 and over.
The bad news is if something is not done to reduce the growth of health care costs the tax burden will double within the next two decades.
Under the current plan, reducing the amount of money the government spends for Medicare will eventually result in fewer benefits.
At the same time, taxes will increase to pay for the growing number of people who will qualify for Medicare coverage.
Younger Americans will have to shoulder the rising costs from an already out-of-control system.
And, they will wait longer to receive whatever benefits that can be squeezed from a shrinking budget allotment for each individual.
The only thing left to do is reform the system so it still exists for those now under 55 when the reach the time for Medicare to kick in.
A combination of some form of medical saving account and boosting the age for qualifying will likely produce the best results.
Younger adults will complain.
Do you remember when the Baby Boomers were faced with moving the age for full Social Security benefits? They may not have liked it, but now it's simply the way the program works.
Don't forget, under the president's law an additional 32 million people will be insured.
They were previously uninsured, so the money has to come from somewhere.
Some will come from the $500 million being cut from the Medicare budget.
Higher taxes, yes.
More efficient system operations, doubtful (after all the government is running this).
Fortunately, the folks under 55 will have several years to save for what will certainly be increased health care costs when they reach retirement age.
So, today's New Seniors have little to worry about, right? Wrong! There will be more health care regulations in place, which could adversely affect those 65+.
One major concern is the establishment of a government-run Independent Payment Advisory Board.
This panel will have the responsibility to approve when to get health care, where to get it and whether to extend care or not.
That's why it is incumbent upon all New Seniors to contact their elected representatives and say, "No death panels.
"
Those of us 65+ have a vested interest in the effects of health care reform, as do citizens of all ages.
The problem is Medicare has already been targeted cuts of $500 billion, which few talk about.
As part of the president's health care plan that was signed into law, we were told that the half-trillion dollars would be realized by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse within the system.
These cuts will include paying less money to doctors and force them, along with hospitals, out of the Medicare system in the future, making it increasingly difficult for older Americans to find health care providers willing to accept Medicare.
The good news is that both the president's health care law and congressman Ryan's proposed plan will not affect anyone 55 and over.
The bad news is if something is not done to reduce the growth of health care costs the tax burden will double within the next two decades.
Under the current plan, reducing the amount of money the government spends for Medicare will eventually result in fewer benefits.
At the same time, taxes will increase to pay for the growing number of people who will qualify for Medicare coverage.
Younger Americans will have to shoulder the rising costs from an already out-of-control system.
And, they will wait longer to receive whatever benefits that can be squeezed from a shrinking budget allotment for each individual.
The only thing left to do is reform the system so it still exists for those now under 55 when the reach the time for Medicare to kick in.
A combination of some form of medical saving account and boosting the age for qualifying will likely produce the best results.
Younger adults will complain.
Do you remember when the Baby Boomers were faced with moving the age for full Social Security benefits? They may not have liked it, but now it's simply the way the program works.
Don't forget, under the president's law an additional 32 million people will be insured.
They were previously uninsured, so the money has to come from somewhere.
Some will come from the $500 million being cut from the Medicare budget.
Higher taxes, yes.
More efficient system operations, doubtful (after all the government is running this).
Fortunately, the folks under 55 will have several years to save for what will certainly be increased health care costs when they reach retirement age.
So, today's New Seniors have little to worry about, right? Wrong! There will be more health care regulations in place, which could adversely affect those 65+.
One major concern is the establishment of a government-run Independent Payment Advisory Board.
This panel will have the responsibility to approve when to get health care, where to get it and whether to extend care or not.
That's why it is incumbent upon all New Seniors to contact their elected representatives and say, "No death panels.
"
