Coming Soon

 

Q: I do not understand the Congressional health reform plans. What problems are they addressing?

Q: Some government people and academics tell us that health care is so different from other goods and services that we need their protection. How does health care differ from other goods and services as far as the consumer is concerned?

Q: Healthcare Expenditures Rising? Why Worry?

 

  

 

In Upcoming Weeks

  

From a veteran whose wife is expecting their first child

I never go to the Doctor. Can’t I just get a policy with very low premiums that cover me in case of emergency but not for routine care?

Why do I pay so much when I visit the dentist when I have dental insurance?

I really don’t need much in the way of health insurance. But my family needs it. Can’t I have a family plan that only has a few features for me but offers comprehensive care for my children?

I own a small business. When I buy health insurance for my employees – I can’t possibly get as good a price as a large company, can I?

I work at a big company and hate it. I want to join a small emerging company. The salaries would be pretty much the same. But, the benefits at this big company are great, especially the health insurance. The insurance at small companies is terrible, right?

I just graduated from college. I did well and worked hard, but there are NO JOBS out there. I have a pre-existing condition and need to take regular medication. Am I screwed without a job?

  

From an academic

Some argue there will be no change in the demand for services.  Others argue there will be a surge of demand.  Who is correct?

Given all of this talk about comparative effectiveness research – it makes intuitive sense – I want the best/appropriate procedures and want to know the risks of having too much care.  How can I be sure that the best will be done for me?

The proposal for health information is grounded in driving competition among those who can provide solutions.  I like that – but how do I know there will be standards that really let providers know about me when I move to another provider?  Shouldn’t the government be providing greater demands for standardization?

I like the idea of having control and taking more responsibility.  But what if I’m wrong about my ability to manage my health expenses?

This idea of bundled care and getting value for money sounds pretty good.  Who will be the managers for this?  In the past – consulting firms have been the big winners?  Will that happen again?

So much of the change talked about refers to big medical centers.  What about those who live in rural areas.  Is just having insurance not enough?

Pricing seems to be such a mess in the U.S.  I want to know what medical procedures and products really cost.  There is so little transparency. Some economists say that non-disclosure clauses for medical devices are good.  Others say it prevents the market from working.  What should I think?

 

From a Doctor

Why do drugs cost so much?

Why are drugs cheaper in Canada?

Why do I have to pay more for a doctor’s visit without insurance than with insurance?  Why are hospitals so much more expensive without insurance?

Why should we pay for futile procedures on terminal points — who will decide what is futile?

How can we prevent a 2 tiered system?  Is hoping to prevent a 2 tiered system unrealistic?  Is it necessary?

What defines necessary versus luxury in health care?

Why should people who take care of themselves have to pay for people who do not?

Should we penalize people with poor self care?

Should wealthy older people have their health care paid for by the government?

Isn’t one of the reasons our health care costs more “defensive” medicine?  Why is tort reform not part of this plan?

Doesn’t U.S. healthcare cost more because we are a bunch of fat asses?

Some veterans seem to like the VA, but all the congressman seem to opt out of that system– what does that tell you?

Why does no one balk at forced auto insurance?

Why does no one question risk adjustment in the auto world or the life insurance world?

How would we differentiate increased costs from bad luck medical problems and self-inflicted ones?