new health care laws discussion

Hello all, was having a discussion with one of my grown sons re trying to determine changes and then keeping up w them both as practitioners and consumers. I know there r various ways to do this. Was wondering if anyone cared to comment re their experiences here from either or both sides, and of course, this is all still unfolding, whether negative, positive, or neutral, regardless of what conditions dealing w or whichever type of coverage or lack thereof. Topic important to me personally and in other ways. And I'd prefer to avoid the political tho I feel venting is indeed importqnt. Primarily trying to stay informed in a changing and vital landscape. Thanks and b well!

I work in healthcare and the Medicare laws are affecting patients access to home care. The nurses are required to double their paperwork making it harder to get an 8 hour day done in 8 hours. The cutbacks to Medicare caused our agency to loose $27,000 this year alone, and it's only April.

I'm afraid the cutbacks will greatly affect the patient's care and they'll get less services. Our homebound patients and families depend on the nurses to help them live at home safely.

I think it is hard to compare with individual states and clinics, doctors, etc. having some control over what to do with laws that impact them, rather than the client. Some states will find more money to add to their services, other's will cut back because they are being cut back, charge more because they "can", etc.

I'm retired but too young yet for Medicare so have state-mandated insurance coverage as I could not get insurance on my own due to my personal insurance risk statistics (I'm overweight). I have excellent insurance, though expensive, because it is something I wish to afford, rather than spend the money I'd save on a cheaper plan on something else.

So, it seems to me there are too many variables and unrelated changes (some good for one, some perhaps detrimental) to be able to compare. In my case, I have not noticed being affected yet. I have a quarterly doctor's visit and do a zillion tests twice a year and that's that; my out-of-pocket prescription costs have gone up nearly $200 a quarter but it is not clear to me why (could just be something to do wiht the beginning of the year and my insurance deductible), it is mostly one prescription. It is for my asthma so I am interested in affording that too; breathing is good, I like being able to breathe

How recent are you talking about? I have Medicare and Medicaid. I have so far, in my case, not noticed any difference with the Medicare (I keep straight Medicare, no HMO!) - but a few years ago, Straight Medicaid was no more here - forcing a HMO on it - I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT! - Managed care - yeah, managed by me and my doctors, and no one else is what I am looking for.
And with that change, first off I had to find a different place to get some medical supplies, one product is only once a year, and it I actually got higher quality than before (that a a wrist brace for Corporal Tunnel), but the other two it's every month (Diapers and Cathadors - Urine both leaks and retains) - Well the cathadors are the same brand and all that, but the lubricant is not way too thin for my taste, so I end up paying for a better one myself (no more than a few bucks, but on a low-fixed income, it still matters) the Diapers, I had to get from yet another place, due to while I had been getting both from the same place - starting last September, the diapers there were completely uncomfortable, and worst did not work all that great. That was due to changes, now instead of up to 200 per month, they only want to pay for up to 180. That Supply place did not want to slit up a case (I was actually getting 192) - I manged to get the same diapers through ActivStyle just one pack less. That doesn't sound like a big deal - but again low-fixed income - and I do end up self-paying for 1 pack per month (I found a place to get that same brand for about $12 per pack).
I also since the Medicaid HMO, now I pay a few bucks per prescription, when I had straight Medicaid, provided my Medicare Part D covered that drug, it cost me $0.
Any one of those may not be a big deal, but add them all together....
Basically, I feel like I am getting nickle and dimed to death - AND I CAN NOT AFFORD IT! (in fact I am so poor I can't afford to pay attention - )
And with more and more issues coming up lately - I have no doubt it will just keep happening - if this keeps up - well I just don't know - but this is nuts - we have basically nothing, but you want us to come up with more - well, YOU CAN'T GET SOMETHING FROM NOTHING!

I think this is an evolving and ongoing situation, and we just have to deal w it as best we can, from either a consumer and/or provider standpoint! I'm really hoping but not dwelling on the fact that I hope it will all get better someday. . . one day at a time! I do feel one must have hope, tho I know that can be so difficult at times. The powers that be need to wake up and understand that eventually social problems caused by all this are likely to affect them negatively. That's what it may take, along with public and growing grassroots groundswell and elections. But i don't care to get political or partisan here. I wish you well, my friend, and the same for me, and for many others!

I can understand and may get tougher before it gets better, if it does, but thanks for your service, seriously! I would imagine that some of your clients consider you a serious blessing in their lives, and I do believe we reap what we so, in some kind of way. Thanks for your input! I have my own experiences, and know others in either/or consumer/caregiver roles whom unfortunately are saying similar things. But I know they keep trying, as you are! Take care!

Yes, Perna, I know the weight is a major factor, and you are so right, at least for now, and maybe in the future as well, that it does indeed depend on where you are, and your individual circumstances. I certainly wish you the best, my friend. I am certainly finding it's one day at a time. Also understand weight requirements and tables are lower, interesting! Take care!

hi my bro has a similar situ like urs and he hasnt seen much change. and of course, as someone said earlier, depends on where u r and with whom ur dealing. So tru cant get blood out of a turnip, so to speak. we just have to keep pushing forward as best we can. i understand that some of the healthcare laws won't b implemented till next year. we will just have to take it day vy day, i think. take care!