changes to Medicare and Medicaid that is. Not to speak of Social Security. I don't imagine most Republicans, though they might like to cut them, don't want that part of their re-election platform.
you don't want programs cut if it affects you directly. Unfortunately, we've become an entitlement society regardless of political persuasion.
I have been reading about medical concierge services. It would be interesting to see if any of the TER board members are using it. You basically pay $1500 a year. It's kind of like a retainer fee. You get immediate access to your primary care physician, no waiting, personalize service, etc. Many doctors are reducing their client list as they now get a substantial guaranteed yearly revenue stream. I've been thinking about using it.
Now the unintended consequences of Medicare. Doctors are taking fewer patients, so those unable to fork over $1500 a year, will have less doctors to access, longer waiting times, and generally poorer service.
It worked very well for him. And he had Medicare plus a Medi-gap policy. The problem is, how do people without his resources get decent medical care?
they're screwed. There are a number of doctors that are bailing out of Medicare due to the continuing reduced payments. Those that stay in can supplement the Medicare reduced payments, and the "gap" policy that some seniors purchase, by charging $1500 per patient.
Imagine if just 100 of your patients signed up for concierge services. That's an immediate annual $150K. Now to provide this improved service to a select few, doctors will reduce their patient rolls. This is just another unintended consequence of the Medicare mess.
I'll definitely do it when I turn 65 years from now, but am thinking about even with my company's policy.
While I don't like the Ryan plan, I give him and the Republicans credit for at least having the guts to say things need to change. They are not so stupid that they don't know they're touching the "third rail" of poliitics and they could get fried. If the story is true, they could get fried by their own Tea Party base.
This is an example of the hypocrisy and ignorance of these Tea Partiers. They want everything cut except the programs they like. It can't work this way. Can they really believe a balanced budget is possible without affecting entitlements? Or without killing sacrosanct deductions like the one for home mortgage interest? Maybe they really are that dumb. IMO, everything needs to be on the table and the real problem with the Republican plan is they're saying it can be done without new tax revenues. Even their old warhorses, Alan Simpson and David Stockman, are telling them they're nuts.
Raising taxes on the wealthy. The overwhelming majority of Americans, including a majority of Republicans want taxes increased on the wealthy. What happens? They get a tax cut. When asked if we should balance the budget by cutting medicare. Only 3% agree. What is being pursued?
Keep it up Republicans. Please.