news-record.com

Skip to the site menu
Skip to search

OPINION

Ending Medicare fraud would save tax dollars

Wednesday, November 18, 2009
(Updated 3:00 am)

It’s well-known that our country ranks at or near the bottom in almost all measures of health and mortality. Not so well-known is the fact that among those age 65-plus, we rank near the top.

Those under 65 are serviced by our present health system. Those 65-plus are served by Medicare, a (gasp) government-run system. Gee, is there a message here?

There is fraud involving Medicare, way too much. Can something be done about it? Yes, hire more investigators. Independent experts tell us that for every dollar spent on Medicare fraud investigation, we get back $17 in return. Why doesn’t Congress allocate more funds for this effort?

We never hear a word from our leaders concerning the French health system, which has been tabbed the best in the world by the World Health Organization. I understand it is provided by private insurers and regulated by government, similar to our utilities industries. I haven’t heard any horror stories, as with the Canadian and British systems.

Wouldn’t it be great if our leaders did what is right for America, rather than doing so for their lobbyist buddies? I wonder if campaign cash has something to do with it. Hmmm.

Don Hallock
Greensboro
 

Comments

View Comments

This letter has been closed to new comments. Comments are accepted on select letters to the editor between the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM, EDT, Monday through Friday.

Inappropriate content? Please report abuse.

J D R

November 18, 2009 - 5:09 am EST

This might be how France does it: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9994.php

.. but I can see a system provided by private insurers and regulated by government as workable. As an example: The g-men tell the industry "ya gotta accept pre-existing conditions 'cause that's the rogt thing to do" and g-men tell the workers "ya gotta have coverage 'cause not joining until you get a condition is not fair the other way."

One problem would be unemployed workers .. that's a problem here too .. 'cause it's hard to purchase coverage without money ... maybe health care must be financed before the Time Warner Cable is authorized into your house, maybe there is a fuse on your credit links (no mastercard purchases without paid health care) .. I dunno.

Sawdust

November 18, 2009 - 8:32 am EST

France is going broke supporting their public health care system, the same fate that awaits us.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124958049241511735.html

Bert

November 18, 2009 - 10:15 am EST

Nay Mr. Dust, that fate does not AWAIT us -- we're already totally broke and borrowed out, but with no public health plan. Go figure.

Sawdust

November 18, 2009 - 4:28 pm EST

You're right about that. Obozo's been to China, begging them to lend us even more money. Even the Chicoms can see that we're on the path to ruin. I think Obozo already knows it, he just doesn't care.

Once again, Obamaroids, how's that hope and change workin' out for you? How many of you have lost your jobs this year?

Speaking of jobs, we are now learning that those figures for Obozo's "jobs created or saved" are complete and total bovine feces. Exaggerations and lies, trying to convince us that Porkulus I is working, and that we need Porkulus II. And the heralded "jobs summit" he plans for next month is not about creating jobs. Just when you think he can't possibly exhibit more incompetence, he proves you wrong.

J D R

November 18, 2009 - 5:45 pm EST

" .. going broke ... the same fate that awaits us."

... and this from a man who beleives a couple years in the military earns him the right to eternally suck on the VA Health Care system .. which costs we the taxpayers $100 Billion / year with costs rising at the same unsustainable rates as all other medical costs.

Sorry, Sawdust - I just do not understand how you and yours can claim integrity while also maintaining such a continuously nasty stance towards a system that is a sister to the one you exploit.

... and all without putting forth any useful ideas (ok "tort reform" which best case might be worth 10% and "across state lines" which won't change a dang thing 'cause savings would really only involves lowering minimal coverage - that's not saving, just the equivelent of buying a cheaper car).

Sawdust

November 18, 2009 - 8:50 pm EST

You have health insurance because you pay the premium. I have insurance because I payed the premium. It was a benefit of the job, just like other people have job benefits. The employer, not the employee, sets the terms of those benefits. And it is available to all, just put on the uniform and put your life on the line. As I recall, you declined to do that. For whatever reason, cowardice or otherwise, millions of young people choose the same option that you chose. They didn't pay the premium, so they don't get the benefit. What you are saying is that you want just anyone to have the insurance without paying the premium.

J D R

November 18, 2009 - 5:11 am EST

http://www.forbes.com/2009/09/02/public-private-healthcare-buisiness-hea...

J D R

November 18, 2009 - 5:19 am EST

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/view/main.htm...

Speaking of PBS .. where's Tony Baloney? He's been gone since his 180 reversal on the economic meltdown.

danagain

November 18, 2009 - 6:38 am EST

The French health care system has been in the red for 20 years. In addition to the 21% that workers have deducted from their paychecks for health care the govt. is implementing a co-pay system for drugs.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124958049241511735.html#mod=whats_news_f...

This article is spot on in that the French will vehemently resist any change to their cradle to grave entitlements.

danagain

November 18, 2009 - 7:53 am EST

Looks like more docs aren't taking Medicare due to the low reimbursement rates and paperwork hassles. A sign of things to come with the public option?

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/02/business/retirementspecial/02health.ht...

rightwingnemesis

November 18, 2009 - 9:25 am EST

Medicare reimbursement rates need to rise and that would fit perfectly into the models for overhaul of healthcare. What you mention has been said for many many years. Fact remains that most physicians realize dealing with medicare is easier, though lower paying, than dealing with insurance companies that dictate care options to doctors. Mr. danagain, your simplistic observations are increasing by the day. Do you realize it or are you oblivious to it? If only problems were solved with such child like solutions.

ghost from white oak

November 18, 2009 - 10:25 am EST

" Medicare reimbursement rates need to rise and that would fit perfectly into the models for overhaul of healthcare."
Do you think this will happen with about $500 billion cut in Medicare under the proposed reform?
Also, do really think Medicare does not dictate care options?
I suggest Medicare is directly responsible for a large portion of health care cost increases.

rightwingnemesis

November 18, 2009 - 7:54 pm EST

Mr. Ghost,
While this may sound crass, you are absolutely wrong about this. "I suggest Medicare is directly responsible for a large portion of health care cost increases". Show us the facts to back that one up as not even Fox News would make such a ridiculous statement. I have no doubt that you've heard that said on some radio or television talk show but it is as true as Sarah Palin's claims in her new book.
Facts now. Just give us some back up on that outlandish statement, please.

danagain

November 18, 2009 - 8:06 pm EST

rightwinger, are you capable of posting just one, just one post without belittling those who disagree with you? Ever notice how JDR, Yvonne and others effectively get their message across without petty insults? Does it give you a sense of power and superiority? Is that important to you? Do you address people face to face in this manner? And you speak of others being child like.

retiredguy

November 18, 2009 - 10:05 am EST

Let's see if I get this right. I am a physician and I have a choice. I can use Medicare and be reimbured $50 for a procedure that costs me $100. Or I can bill an insurance carrier and get $110 the procedure that costs $100. The way this works out is that the medical practice needs to perform procedures at the higher billing rate in order to average out with the ones where they lose money.
I guess you would like to get your health care from at "the blue light special" loss-leading vendor. Or at the vendor who charges less because they have a lower overhead (less equipment, old equipment, low demand due to less successful results, etc.). Maybe you don't remember the old dental drills that worked off a pulley system versus the new high speed water-cooled ones.

Sawdust

November 18, 2009 - 4:31 pm EST

After a few years of government-run care we'll be lucky to find a witch doctor to drive out the evil spirits.

rightwingnemesis

November 18, 2009 - 7:54 pm EST

Mr. sawdust,
You can alway go see the "Medicine Man" in Cherokee.

Sawdust

November 18, 2009 - 8:51 pm EST

I'm sure Obama will tax and/or regulate him out of business. Not a government-approved plan he's running.

eMail Updates

Learn More
Advertisement | Advertise with Us

Featured Ads

Search

Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Advertisement | Advertise with Us

News & Record Network Sites

User Tools

  • Social Networking
  • RSS
  • Share
  • Sign in to MyNR

Search