This week's news
February 10, 2012
The health care news this week has been mostly about contraception and catholic institutions.
It appears that part of the new health care reform bill includes the rule that if any institution accepts federal funds then it cannot deny payment for contraception.
This has produced a lot of turmoil and discussion. It is well known that catholic women do not abide by the dictums of the church as far as contraceptives are involved. What then should the average American citizen think about this issue?
December 30,
2011
There exist HMO's
run by private companies which are designed specifically for Medicare patients.
Their premiums, copays and deductibles may be attractively much less
expensive or even non-existent. As I understand it, the company is paid
a certain fixed amount of money every year to take care of all the
healthcare needs of the indiviual enrollee. If one becomes ill, unlike
traditional Medicare plans, the company may deny some tests and treatments.
It is obvious that besides efficiency scales, which have a definite endpoint
and limit, denying interventions and diagnostic tests would be an
avenue to generate revenue.
The
crucial question then arises regarding what constitutes nonessential
tests and treatments. How is this decided on by one insurance company?
December
16,2011
This
week’s health care news is mostly focused on ACO’s.
ACO’s stands for accountable care organization.
This is basically an HMO that is owned by a hospital, insurance company, or a
group of physicians.
The
principle is to cut down on costs by rendering more efficient services.
The
pit fall would be that which did in the HMO’s, namely denial of care.
Another
hot topic this week is what is essential healthcare? In other words what is
basic healthcare that will be the goal of universal healthcare for all Americans.
To read more about ACO's you can start by looking the word up in Wikipedia.
