Obamacare and the Reverse Notch Continued with charts Reverse Notch Blogging (Extremely Wonkish) I can't even think of a comment given how far out the responses are to the OP.
A buddy of mine who practiced in the US moved to Canada recently because the ACA greatly reduces the fee schedule for doctors and generates a ton in new compliance costs. He felt he could make more in Canada then he could in the US. Crazy.
i did not want to start a new thread on obamacare... so here is story from the la times. every paragraph seems to be chuck full of of a problems. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-obamacare-patients-20140205,0,5417742.story By Chad Terhune February 4, 2014, 6:41 p.m. After overcoming website glitches and long waits to get Obamacare, some patients are now running into frustrating new roadblocks at the doctor's office. A month into the most sweeping changes to healthcare in half a century, people are having trouble finding doctors at all, getting faulty information on which ones are covered and receiving little help from insurers swamped by new business. Experts have warned for months that the logjam was inevitable. But the extent of the problems is taking by surprise many patients — and even doctors — as frustrations mount. Aliso Viejo resident Danielle Nelson said Anthem Blue Cross promised half a dozen times that her oncologists would be covered under her new policy. She was diagnosed last year with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and discovered a suspicious lump near her jaw in early January. But when she went to her oncologist's office, she promptly encountered a bright orange sign saying that Covered California plans are not accepted. PHOTOS: The battle over Obamacare "I'm a complete fan of the Affordable Care Act, but now I can't sleep at night," Nelson said. "I can't imagine this is how President Obama wanted it to happen." To hold down premiums under the healthcare law, major insurers have sharply cut the number of doctors and hospitals available to patients in the state's new health insurance market. Now those limited options are becoming clearer, and California officials say they are receiving more consumer complaints about access to medical providers. State lawmakers are also moving swiftly to ease some of the problems that have arisen. "It's a little early for anyone to know how widespread and deep this problem is," said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "There are a lot of economic incentives for health insurers to narrow their networks, but if they go too far, people won't have access to care. Network adequacy will be a big issue in 2014." The latest travails come at a crucial time during the rollout of Obama's signature law. Government exchanges and other supporters of the healthcare law are trying to boost enrollment, particularly among young and healthy people, ahead of a March 31 deadline. Of course, complaints about outdated provider lists and delays in getting a doctor's appointment were common long before the healthcare law was enacted. But some experts worry the influx of newly insured patients and the cost-cutting strategies of health plans may further strain the system. Maria Berumen, a tax preparer in Downey, was uninsured for years because of preexisting conditions. The 53-year-old was thrilled to find coverage for herself and her husband for $148 a month after qualifying for a big government subsidy. She jumped at the chance in early January to visit a primary-care doctor for long-running numbness in her arm and shoulder as a result of bone spurs on her spine. The doctor referred her to a specialist, and problems ensued. At least four doctors wouldn't accept her health plan — even though the state exchange website and her insurer, Health Net Inc., list them as part of her HMO network. "It's a phantom network," Berumen said. It was no surprise to her family doctor, Ragaa Iskarous. She has run into this problem repeatedly with other patients in the last month, the doctor said. "This is really driving us crazy." Berumen said she was seen by a neurosurgeon Thursday — after state regulators intervened on her behalf. Insurers say they are working hard to resolve customers' problems as they arise, and they continue to add physicians to augment certain geographic areas and medical specialties. "Any huge implementation like this comes with a lot of moving parts," said Health Net spokesman Brad Kieffer. "There is a learning curve for everyone, and we expect as time goes on these issues should dissipate." Looking to head off potential problems, government regulators and patient advocates are pushing for tougher rules to ensure health plans provide timely access to care.
You are wrong there is no SIMPLE FIX. You seem like an intelligent guy but your thinking on this is extremely biased based on you're personal experience.
I disagree .. a "fix" was simple. (1) Don't toss people who previously had insurance off their plans. There's a reason people chose the plans they had. Why disallow a variety of plans? Every other form of insurance allows customers to CHOOSE what coverages they desire. Health insurance also formerly did. Now, we are told we have to have 10 mandated coverages so everyone gets an identical policy except for the choice of platinum, gold, silver or bronze. That's idiotic. (2) Find a way to get insurance for those who previously didn't have coverage. Clearly rates would rise due to all those with pre-existing conditions coming into play. (3) Make people responsible for making wise choices. If I drive like an idiot and have speeding tickets and wrecks I pay higher rates. Similarly, those who CHOOSE to eat poorly, not exercise, etc. should pay a higher premium since they are choosing to put their health at risk. Should I (or you) pay the same rate as a cokehead? Or an alcoholic? People who endanger their health make conscious (bad) choices. They should not be bailed out financially for such choices.
There was/is no fix without the fed getting involved. And DH you are wrong there have been mandatory requirements on insurance most of those were at the state level, auto insurance has minimum requirements too. There are also government requirements on liability business insurance and workers comp too. You're just wrong DH.
Your thinking on this is extremely biased based on your personal experience. You're just plain wrong.
I realize I'm biased not extremely though and it's a blanket statement which are usually at least a little wrong. A more accurate statement is without government intervention the health care / insurance problem was not fixed, that I think we can agree on that. No one wants to buy insurance in a 100% deregulated market, there has to be standards and regulations.