Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Medicaid Enrollment Up by 9 Million in 2014 | Medpage Today
Medicaid Enrollment Up by 9 Million in 2014 | Medpage Today
If 66.5 million are now on Medicaid and another approximately 8 million
on a plan under the ACA we would now have 24% of our population covered
by those programs. Per some data I found - if we have 8 million on CHIP
and 25 million on Medicare (w/o also being on Medicaid), we would have
108 million on a public program. I am sure my numbers are a bit off
and that I missed some public programs like Veterans health care. I
wish most of this was not via managed care / HMO type models. What
struck me is that we already use public programs to cover about at least
1/3 of our citizens. That is a ball park figure and if it is way off, I
sure would like to be corrected. Again, my research capabilities are
limited.
If 66.5 million are now on Medicaid and another approximately 8 million
on a plan under the ACA we would now have 24% of our population covered
by those programs. Per some data I found - if we have 8 million on CHIP
and 25 million on Medicare (w/o also being on Medicaid), we would have
108 million on a public program. I am sure my numbers are a bit off
and that I missed some public programs like Veterans health care. I
wish most of this was not via managed care / HMO type models. What
struck me is that we already use public programs to cover about at least
1/3 of our citizens. That is a ball park figure and if it is way off, I
sure would like to be corrected. Again, my research capabilities are
limited.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Two Theologies Have Blocked Medicare-For-All – Health Affairs Blog
Two Theologies Have Blocked Medicare-For-All – Health Affairs Blog
well here. I contend that it comes down to money and the corporate
money control over our whole government decision making. HMOs do not
save money overall and they sure do not help me as a patient.
Competition in health care is an oxymoron. In fact, I suggest it is the
for-profit competitive motives that have driven the horrendous cost
increases in our health care system.
Worth reading the summary and looking forward to the Feb report.
The barriers to improved access to health care for all are summarized verywell here. I contend that it comes down to money and the corporate
money control over our whole government decision making. HMOs do not
save money overall and they sure do not help me as a patient.
Competition in health care is an oxymoron. In fact, I suggest it is the
for-profit competitive motives that have driven the horrendous cost
increases in our health care system.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Monday, December 8, 2014
My Insurance Company Killed Me, Despite Obamacare - The Daily Beast
My Insurance Company Killed Me, Despite Obamacare - The Daily Beast
Comment from a friend: "The article is an effective, easily understandable demonstration that
the ACA does not solve the problems of private health insurer
participation in our non-system. Thus, the ACA is not really a "first
step" toward a health care solution, as is often stated by
self-proclaimed progressives who actually don't get it."
Comment from a friend: "The article is an effective, easily understandable demonstration that
the ACA does not solve the problems of private health insurer
participation in our non-system. Thus, the ACA is not really a "first
step" toward a health care solution, as is often stated by
self-proclaimed progressives who actually don't get it."
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014
Poll: Employers watching insurance costs closely
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/poll-employers-watching-insurance-costs-082118083.html
I sure wish the job and access to health care were separated and that the insurance industry was not allowed to be in the health care market. If we put hospitals on a budget instead of a marketing approach with complex itemized bills, we sure would save allot. Check out the video at this site.
I sure wish the job and access to health care were separated and that the insurance industry was not allowed to be in the health care market. If we put hospitals on a budget instead of a marketing approach with complex itemized bills, we sure would save allot. Check out the video at this site.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Medicine’s Top Earners Are Not the M.D.s - NYTimes.com
Medicine’s Top Earners Are Not the M.D.s - NYTimes.com
I am not surprised by this but the
general public is not aware, at least not aware that it does not have
to be this way. The profit driven system pushing recent decades
of higher salaries for insurance and hospital execs has the same
argument in support as the ungodly high salaries for corporate execs
throughout the U.S. The argument that a capitalistic, profit
driven system is more efficient and effective is BS when it comes to
providing health care - IMHO. It actually makes it cost way
more and be much less responsive to me as a patient.
general public is not aware, at least not aware that it does not have
to be this way. The profit driven system pushing recent decades
of higher salaries for insurance and hospital execs has the same
argument in support as the ungodly high salaries for corporate execs
throughout the U.S. The argument that a capitalistic, profit
driven system is more efficient and effective is BS when it comes to
providing health care - IMHO. It actually makes it cost way
more and be much less responsive to me as a patient.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
UnitedHealth says it will compete for health exchange business in 23 states | Star Tribune
UnitedHealth says it will compete for health exchange business in 23 states | Star Tribune
If they are increasing their involvement, the ACA can't be as bad for business as some say. Maybe it really was an insurance company bailout.
If they are increasing their involvement, the ACA can't be as bad for business as some say. Maybe it really was an insurance company bailout.
Winona County preparing for second year of state healthcare exchange
Winona County preparing for second year of state healthcare exchange
The story in MN -- especially SE MN.
The story in MN -- especially SE MN.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
NEW VIDEO: Walker sells out Wisconsin - Citizen Action of Wisconsin
NEW VIDEO: Walker sells out Wisconsin - Citizen Action of Wisconsin
http://www.citizenactionwi.org/walker_sells_out_wisconsin/?splash=1&utm_campaign=our_new_video_w&utm_medium=email&utm_source=citizenactionwi
http://www.citizenactionwi.org/walker_sells_out_wisconsin/?splash=1&utm_campaign=our_new_video_w&utm_medium=email&utm_source=citizenactionwi
Friday, October 17, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
Test shows how hospitals battle to balance care, cost | Star Tribune
Test shows how hospitals battle to balance care, cost | Star Tribune
"Persuading hospitals to become accountable care organizations — to share in the financial risks and rewards of their own efficiency — is an underlying but unproven tenet of U.S. health care reforms."
"Persuading hospitals to become accountable care organizations — to share in the financial risks and rewards of their own efficiency — is an underlying but unproven tenet of U.S. health care reforms."
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
Friday, September 5, 2014
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Friday, August 8, 2014
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
The Problem With the Private Option
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/25395-the-problem-with-the-private-option
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Life expectancy gap between blacks and whites improves — but not in Wisconsin
Life expectancy gap between blacks and whites improves — but not in Wisconsin:
Causation is not addressed. Lack of equitable access to health care and differences in access to social supportive programs in women's health certainly would play an important role.
Causation is not addressed. Lack of equitable access to health care and differences in access to social supportive programs in women's health certainly would play an important role.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
WI will lose even more money
http://www.wccf.org/wisconsins-medicaid-deficit-grows-93-million-cost-rejecting-federal-funds-rises-sharply/
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
TalkingStickTV - Philip Caper, MD - Universal Health Care
TalkingStickTV - Philip Caper, MD - Universal Health Care
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Remote Area Medical expedition
http://m.dailykos.com/story/2014/07/19/1315138/--They-pull-thousands-of-teeth-here-At-the-end-they-ll-have-buckets-of-teeth?detail=email
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Biggest Insurer Drops Caution, Embraces Obamacare – Capsules - The KHN Blog
Biggest Insurer Drops Caution, Embraces Obamacare – Capsules - The KHN Blog:
DUH! They knew it all along - their money bought what turned out to be an insurance company bail out law.
DUH! They knew it all along - their money bought what turned out to be an insurance company bail out law.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Losses mounting at Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph
Losses mounting at Wheaton Franciscan-St. Joseph:
I wish this article dug into what role the WI private insurance companies play in setting rates and making profits. I wish they had dug into what role the State's refusal to get into the ACA and refusal to accept the Fed $ and expand Medicaid had to play in this issue.
I hope the Gov and his cronies in the Legislature don't take the response the North Carolina Gov did and say that the Feds should repeal the requirement for free ER care as the solution.
I wish this article dug into what role the WI private insurance companies play in setting rates and making profits. I wish they had dug into what role the State's refusal to get into the ACA and refusal to accept the Fed $ and expand Medicaid had to play in this issue.
I hope the Gov and his cronies in the Legislature don't take the response the North Carolina Gov did and say that the Feds should repeal the requirement for free ER care as the solution.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
The ACP Advocate Blog: Will American conservatives lead the U.S. to a single payer system?
The ACP Advocate Blog: Will American conservatives lead the U.S. to a single payer system?:
Interesting perspective: Partial quote: "This isn't sustainable. A person’s
access to quality healthcare shouldn't depend on who their boss is.
And an employer shouldn't be heavily fined if they don’t
compromise their religious convictions in providing healthcare for
their staff. . . A single-payer public health care option eliminates
such complications. No matter who your boss is or what business you
work for, you get access to the healthcare you need. And employers
will not be forced to compromise their religious beliefs while
providing the public good of healthcare."
Interesting perspective: Partial quote: "This isn't sustainable. A person’s
access to quality healthcare shouldn't depend on who their boss is.
And an employer shouldn't be heavily fined if they don’t
compromise their religious convictions in providing healthcare for
their staff. . . A single-payer public health care option eliminates
such complications. No matter who your boss is or what business you
work for, you get access to the healthcare you need. And employers
will not be forced to compromise their religious beliefs while
providing the public good of healthcare."
Friday, July 11, 2014
Sunday, July 6, 2014
End Employer Based Coversge
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/the-bigger-question-behind-hobby-lobby
This bad decision can help rid us of a bad practice.
This bad decision can help rid us of a bad practice.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Monday, June 23, 2014
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Monday, June 16, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Myth vs. Fact: Violence and Mental Health - ProPublica
Myth vs. Fact: Violence and Mental Health - ProPublica:
Important to remember to check out the facts. Early intervention and treatment can pay off big time.
Important to remember to check out the facts. Early intervention and treatment can pay off big time.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Sign petition to State Legislators to accept federal funds for BadgerCare
Sign petition to State Legislators to accept federal funds for BadgerCare:
"The $1 million a day is a big loss to state government, but it does not include the extra costs paid by the working families needlessly denied BadgerCare. We estimate based on state figures that if the families denied BadgerCare sign up for private insurance they will pay $26 million a year more in deductibles alone, not including additional co-pays and premiums." ADD YOUR VOICE supporting accepting federal money for BadgerCare: http://www.citizenactionwi.org/badgercare_petition2
"The $1 million a day is a big loss to state government, but it does not include the extra costs paid by the working families needlessly denied BadgerCare. We estimate based on state figures that if the families denied BadgerCare sign up for private insurance they will pay $26 million a year more in deductibles alone, not including additional co-pays and premiums." ADD YOUR VOICE supporting accepting federal money for BadgerCare: http://www.citizenactionwi.org/badgercare_petition2
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
CEO Pay: Healthy pay for health care CEOs : Madisondotcom
CEO Pay: Healthy pay for health care CEOs : Madisondotcom:
Median pay for health care CEOs last measured at $12.3 million. That was the highest in the survey, even above financial companies. I am sure these include the health insurance industry. I think profit needs to be removed from how our health care and health care coverage industries are run. It does not improve our actual care and it sure doesn't keep costs down. We pay more for premiums and provider charges in order to line the pockets of these CEOs and the shareholders who keep that pay so high.
Median pay for health care CEOs last measured at $12.3 million. That was the highest in the survey, even above financial companies. I am sure these include the health insurance industry. I think profit needs to be removed from how our health care and health care coverage industries are run. It does not improve our actual care and it sure doesn't keep costs down. We pay more for premiums and provider charges in order to line the pockets of these CEOs and the shareholders who keep that pay so high.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
States eye more oversight of health insurance exchange workers, but no reports of complaints | Star Tribune
States eye more oversight of health insurance exchange workers, but no reports of complaints | Star Tribune:
Last year as ACA was ramping up I saw this happen via admin. policy in Wisconsin so that it was virtually impossible for an interested citizen to get OK'd to help folks apply. I see this as the same as all the voter ID and other voter suppression laws being enacted in states like WI. I would not be surprised if this too was written by ALEC.
Last year as ACA was ramping up I saw this happen via admin. policy in Wisconsin so that it was virtually impossible for an interested citizen to get OK'd to help folks apply. I see this as the same as all the voter ID and other voter suppression laws being enacted in states like WI. I would not be surprised if this too was written by ALEC.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Dr. Frank Bures: Medical bills remain a mystery
Dr. Frank Bures: Medical bills remain a mystery:
And this is just the surface of how complex out system is from beginning to end. Figuring out insurance, figuring out who to see, figuring out all the bills and statements (I get at least three for any office visit - clinic, Medicare and insurance company) and then figuring out how to pay after you give in on accepting what to pay. I used to be able to come close on figuring out the bottom line -- not anymore. Now I just wait for the clinic bill and only spend time on it if the net amount left for me to pay is high enough to justify it. Sad!
And this is just the surface of how complex out system is from beginning to end. Figuring out insurance, figuring out who to see, figuring out all the bills and statements (I get at least three for any office visit - clinic, Medicare and insurance company) and then figuring out how to pay after you give in on accepting what to pay. I used to be able to come close on figuring out the bottom line -- not anymore. Now I just wait for the clinic bill and only spend time on it if the net amount left for me to pay is high enough to justify it. Sad!
Monday, May 12, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Pass Minnesota Health Plan Notice
Please join PassMHP on Thursday, May 8th at 5:30 pm for the Campaign Season Kickoff and Fundraiser at Cowboy Jack's, 126 5th St N., Minneapolis.
The 2014 elections are fast approaching.
The PassMHP Political Action Committee is gearing up to help elect
legislators who support single payer and Gov. Dayton, who has publicly
voiced his support for single payer on numerous occasions. It is vital
that PassMHP supporters and volunteers are active this year. Because it
is not a presidential year, we have to work even harder to get our
supporters elected.
Everyone
is welcome, so come and join us to help get the Minnesota Health Plan
passed! Contributions of $25 are encouraged. If you would like to be a
sponsor please contact us at passmhp@gmail.com.
Gold Level Hosts: Erin Anderson, Donna Cassutt, Joel Clemmer, Jay Damberg, Alex Eaton, Sharon Erickson Ropes, Megan Gavin, Renate Hohman, Barb Jacobs, Geri Katz, Dave Lee, Don Pylkkanen, Chuck Sawyer, Valerie Nelson Swenson.
If you cannot attend, we greatly appreciate your donation:
You can mail a check to:
PassMHP
P.O. Box 15704
Minneapolis, MN 55415-0704
P.O. Box 15704
Minneapolis, MN 55415-0704
Friday, May 2, 2014
Almost 140,000 Wisconsin residents enrolled in Obamacare
Almost 140,000 Wisconsin residents enrolled in Obamacare:
And over 200,000 in MN. WI population is higher.
Other two state comparisions at: http://state-facts.findthedata.org/compare/19-29/Wisconsin-vs-Minnesota
'via Blog this'
And over 200,000 in MN. WI population is higher.
Other two state comparisions at: http://state-facts.findthedata.org/compare/19-29/Wisconsin-vs-Minnesota
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Sunday, April 27, 2014
How patient groups saved America from Medicare efficiency | Star Tribune
How patient groups saved America from Medicare efficiency | Star Tribune:
This sure appears to be an example of how big money/corporations hood wink people into doing their dirty work. And, it ends up being in the patient's worst interest.
'via Blog this'
This sure appears to be an example of how big money/corporations hood wink people into doing their dirty work. And, it ends up being in the patient's worst interest.
'via Blog this'
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Monday, April 14, 2014
Under new health law, insurers target diabetics before they get lax in managing costly disease | Star Tribune
Under new health law, insurers target diabetics before they get lax in managing costly disease | Star Tribune:
Sounds like a good thing. Community workers is a model that helps here. MN has done some of this but the rates under Medicaid do not allow it to really work well. Insurance companies, MCOs and the States need to expand this para-professional model idea for home visits, etc. It works much better than a nurse calling me to bug me or getting a fancy colored mailing to bug me. Too easy to ignore and it does not work like human contact from folks who "have been there".
'via Blog this'
Sounds like a good thing. Community workers is a model that helps here. MN has done some of this but the rates under Medicaid do not allow it to really work well. Insurance companies, MCOs and the States need to expand this para-professional model idea for home visits, etc. It works much better than a nurse calling me to bug me or getting a fancy colored mailing to bug me. Too easy to ignore and it does not work like human contact from folks who "have been there".
'via Blog this'
Minnesota's uninsured get public aid at historic levels | Star Tribune
Minnesota's uninsured get public aid at historic levels | Star Tribune:
Too bad this is not happening in the states who, for political reasons, are refusing to take the Federal Medicaid money to expand the program.
'via Blog this'
Too bad this is not happening in the states who, for political reasons, are refusing to take the Federal Medicaid money to expand the program.
'via Blog this'
Sunday, April 13, 2014
The Conservative Death Panel
The Conservative Death Panel:
We need changes in these states - starting with Wisconsin.
'via Blog this'
We need changes in these states - starting with Wisconsin.
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Medicare Advantage plans dodge U.S. cuts | Star Tribune
Medicare Advantage plans dodge U.S. cuts | Star Tribune:
AND, it worked! Too bad for us.
'via Blog this'
AND, it worked! Too bad for us.
'via Blog this'
Monday, April 7, 2014
Insurance industry spends millions fighting cuts to Medicare Advantage | Star Tribune
Insurance industry spends millions fighting cuts to Medicare Advantage | Star Tribune:
Personally I chose a Medicare Supplement and NOT the Advantage program. I did not like all that money being skimmed off by the for profit insurance companies and I did not like the idea of a manged care model that would restrict my choices of providers. I am happy with my choice and my several years of experience have shown it is better financially as well. I also have the freedom to change, if I want, my Part D provider and have saved allot of money by doing so.
Personally I chose a Medicare Supplement and NOT the Advantage program. I did not like all that money being skimmed off by the for profit insurance companies and I did not like the idea of a manged care model that would restrict my choices of providers. I am happy with my choice and my several years of experience have shown it is better financially as well. I also have the freedom to change, if I want, my Part D provider and have saved allot of money by doing so.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Expand Medicaid
http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/pressure-to-expand-medicaid-likely-to-grow-b99237895z1-253973681.html?page=1http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/pressure-to-expand-medicaid-likely-to-grow-b99237895z1-253973681.html?page=1
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
(2) Bill Maher - HBO Real Time Mar. 28, 2014
(2) Bill Maher - HBO Real Time Mar. 28, 2014:
Examples of how to use ACA messaging as build up for Single Payer.
'via Blog this'
Examples of how to use ACA messaging as build up for Single Payer.
'via Blog this'
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Q&A: Am I Stuck In My Job's Costly Health Plan?
"The new health care law helps some people, hurts others and confuses
almost everyone. Hoping to simplify things a bit, The Associated Press
asked its Twitter, Facebook and Google Plus followers for their
real-life questions about the program and the problems they're running
into as the March 31 deadline approaches to sign up for coverage in new
insurance markets.
Two of their questions and our answers:"
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=292204653
Two of their questions and our answers:"
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=292204653
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Friday, March 7, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Love It or Hate It, Obamacare's Spurring Interest in the Pathology of Health Care
Love It or Hate It, Obamacare's Spurring Interest in the Pathology of Health Care:
Pathology of Health Care can Generate Reform
'via Blog this'
Pathology of Health Care can Generate Reform
'via Blog this'
Friday, January 24, 2014
True Single-Payer Healthcare System Being Considered in New York Assembly
True Single-Payer Healthcare System Being Considered in New York Assembly: "A key point about single-payer is quite cogent and compelling as made by Gottfried: that "the most affordable way to achieve universal coverage," as confirmed in a report by New York State "found that a single-payer plan would have the lowest-cost for providing universal coverage, compared to plans relying on insurance companies and employment-based coverage.""
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
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