DRLUGO BLOG

We have a law now. It is a disappointment that our government has made this a political show of force. Despite millions of american opposing it, and a clear split, our president feels that this is the best thing for the country. Well, I found a nice summary of the law as it was passed done by a group of docs at The Methodist hospital. See below:Overview of the law

Cost = $940 billion over 10 years, major expenses are:

• Medicaid and CHIP expansion

• Subsidies for those who can’t afford insurance

• Small employer tax cuts

Funded from these sources:

• Penalties paid by individuals/employers that do not buy insurance

• Reduced Medicare scheduled payments and “bundled payments” for care

• Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid Disproportionate Share payments

• Premiums for long-term care insurance

• Cuts to Medicare Advantage plans

• Taxes on Cadillac health plans

• Medicare payroll tax increases

• Excise taxes on insurance companies

• Excise taxes on brand name pharmaceutical companies

In short what this means is higher taxes for companies, hence they will raise their prices or or contract,  leaving more people unemployed.  So more people will apply to free government insurance and the cost will continue to escalate.  More work for doctors at lower rates, so less doctors will be willing to take government insurance, creating a larger shortage of available docs.  Not to mention that some docs will be forced out of business due to increase in overhead.  More taxes for most americans to help subsidize those that do not contribute, those that choose to not make an effort.   More paperwork and complications for businesses.  Higher premiums in private insurance for those that do not qualify for the government insurance, which is most hard working americans.
I think that healthcare reform is needed, but I think that the current law and the way it was done, will only create problems and actually will not solve the problem.  It is a self serving, selfish agenda for Mr. Obama and Mrs. Pelosi.    The people making decisions have the wrong interest at heart and they do not get affected by these decisions or changes. I am concerned with the future ahead. I am not afraid, but I know that things will not be smooth. I know that money and deficit will increase to new highs and the system will self destruct. The frustrating part of all of this is that I know this could be done with less impact on the hard working americans and in a more meaningful way, if the right people are consulted and the real issues are targeted.  I hope americans really get interested in this issues and try to make a difference.  The american public needs to show what their real opinion is about this bill in the November elections.
RLUGO
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This is the month to raise awareness and have all your friends come and get their colon screened. The age is 50 or older. If there is family history of colon cancer I recommend starting in your 40’s. IT is an easy test to ahve done and it is very important. Come and make your appointment at www.drlugo.com