New Medicare Cuts Or Just Hype?
- Thread starter MeAgain
- Start date
Don M.
SF VIP
- Location
- central Missouri
Medicare and virtually ALL health care costs are headed for a Brick Wall in the not too distant future. Health care costs are already the single largest expense in the Federal budget, and will only continue to spiral upwards unless some meaningful attempts are made to control our "For Profit" health care system and our multibillion dollar prescription drug companies. Our nation needs to take a serious look at what is working in so many other nations, and begin moving in a similar direction. Also...a major share of our soaring health care costs are due to the "habits" of our own people....The data at the CDC clearly shows that fully 1/3rd of our total health care costs are due to Obesity. And now, the largest increases in recent years are being caused by the Opioid Epidemic that is sending more and more addicts to the hospitals. Between our greedy health care system, and the stupidity of our own people, I don't give it more than a decade before health care costs are completely out of control.
retiredtraveler
Senior Member
That is a 'hot button' issue for me, and one that makes me angry every day. The (almost) total lack of people controlling their daily habits to conform to a healthy lifestyle,and then those same people complain about health care costs that they cause. Another major statistic is that there are 900,000+ NEW cases of Type II diabetes EVERY year. CDC states that 90% of those new cases were 100% preventable. People are giving themselves a non-curable disease and as usual, complain about how expensive the treatments are for it (and the rest of us pay for it).
Ok, rant is over.
retiredtraveler
Senior Member
Not a political statement --- just giving the facts:
"....Over the next 10 years, Trump’s 2020 budget proposal aims to spend $1.5 trillion less on Medicaid — instead allocating $1.2 trillion in a block-grant program to states — $25 billion less on Social Security, and $845 billion less on Medicare (some of that is reclassified to a different department). Their intentions are to cut benefits under Medicaid and Social Security..........".But $269 billion of that figure is reclassified under the Department of Health and Human Services, bringing the Medicare cuts to $575 billion. As Vox explained, the administration says it will achieve these cost reductions by targeting wasteful spending and provider payments and lowering prescription drug costs. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, which advocates for fiscal responsibility, estimates that 85 percent of these cuts will come from reductions in provider payments, 5 percent would come from policies around medical malpractice, and 11 percent would come from reducing drug costs through the Medicare Part D program. Medicare Part D is the only area of these reforms that could raise out-of-pocket drug prices for some while lowering it for others. Otherwise, premiums, deductibles, and copays would largely be left unaffected.....".
"....Over the next 10 years, Trump’s 2020 budget proposal aims to spend $1.5 trillion less on Medicaid — instead allocating $1.2 trillion in a block-grant program to states — $25 billion less on Social Security, and $845 billion less on Medicare (some of that is reclassified to a different department). Their intentions are to cut benefits under Medicaid and Social Security..........".But $269 billion of that figure is reclassified under the Department of Health and Human Services, bringing the Medicare cuts to $575 billion. As Vox explained, the administration says it will achieve these cost reductions by targeting wasteful spending and provider payments and lowering prescription drug costs. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, which advocates for fiscal responsibility, estimates that 85 percent of these cuts will come from reductions in provider payments, 5 percent would come from policies around medical malpractice, and 11 percent would come from reducing drug costs through the Medicare Part D program. Medicare Part D is the only area of these reforms that could raise out-of-pocket drug prices for some while lowering it for others. Otherwise, premiums, deductibles, and copays would largely be left unaffected.....".
Aneeda72
Well-known Member
Actually, in some cases diabetes (type II) is "curable".
I am guilty as you charge overweight and diabetic! I also know thin people who eat healthy, exercise, and have type II diabetes. There is a genetic connection.
People are overweight due to overeating (usually due to emotional problems or medical issues), thyroid issues, and many other medical problems. I am overweight. I do not overeat. I am on predsione due to Addison's disease/adrenal failure. Losing weight while on predsione is nearly impossible while gaining weight is oh so easy. But then predsione keeps me alive. Hmm, what to do? Be overweight or be dead? Decisions are so hard!
I never complain about health care costs, like taxes I just pay and move on. I actually have no hot button issues. Being angry everyday is not good for anyone's health-physical or mental. It can lead to various diseases.
Lots of people do not give themselves non-curable diseases. They just have them. Some generalizations can be hurtful and unnecessary. Strangers do not pay for my health care, my husband does. He does not complain about the cost.
I am guilty as you charge overweight and diabetic! I also know thin people who eat healthy, exercise, and have type II diabetes. There is a genetic connection.
People are overweight due to overeating (usually due to emotional problems or medical issues), thyroid issues, and many other medical problems. I am overweight. I do not overeat. I am on predsione due to Addison's disease/adrenal failure. Losing weight while on predsione is nearly impossible while gaining weight is oh so easy. But then predsione keeps me alive. Hmm, what to do? Be overweight or be dead? Decisions are so hard!
I never complain about health care costs, like taxes I just pay and move on. I actually have no hot button issues. Being angry everyday is not good for anyone's health-physical or mental. It can lead to various diseases.
Lots of people do not give themselves non-curable diseases. They just have them. Some generalizations can be hurtful and unnecessary. Strangers do not pay for my health care, my husband does. He does not complain about the cost.
Smoking also remains a healthcare concern. Between obesity, substance abuse and smoking, healthcare costs will continue to soar with the issues of diabetes and cancers. The U.S. is the snack capital of the world. We lead every country with the production of junk food, including sweets, like: cookies, candies and ice cream, not to mention fast food.
As for substance abuse and especially the opioid crisis that we have already beaten to death and as long as people have money and access to these toxic chemicals, there is little hope that we will be able to put the brakes on their use in the near future.
Booze is cheap, legal and easy accessible, which makes shutting that down an almost impossibility. My wife’s brother, who is a Marine (retired), came from a fine family, but got hooked on booze, got diabetes, lost both legs and ended up in a VA nursing home and died from a stroke at 58 y/o.
We are our own worse enemy with not taking care of ourselves physically. I once read in a self-help magazine that people should only worry about the things that they can control. Well, here’s our chance to make that adage true for each of us by controlling our diet with what we put in our mouth. Avoid sugar, carbs, alcohol and illicit drugs, get some sunshine, fresh air, a little exercise and enjoy a good nutrition, and we should all live to be 100.
JMO
As for substance abuse and especially the opioid crisis that we have already beaten to death and as long as people have money and access to these toxic chemicals, there is little hope that we will be able to put the brakes on their use in the near future.
Booze is cheap, legal and easy accessible, which makes shutting that down an almost impossibility. My wife’s brother, who is a Marine (retired), came from a fine family, but got hooked on booze, got diabetes, lost both legs and ended up in a VA nursing home and died from a stroke at 58 y/o.
We are our own worse enemy with not taking care of ourselves physically. I once read in a self-help magazine that people should only worry about the things that they can control. Well, here’s our chance to make that adage true for each of us by controlling our diet with what we put in our mouth. Avoid sugar, carbs, alcohol and illicit drugs, get some sunshine, fresh air, a little exercise and enjoy a good nutrition, and we should all live to be 100.
JMO
It's not that simple. And what about those who are born sick or with rare medical conditions that worsen with age?
retiredtraveler
Senior Member
I definitely second oldman having been living a healthy lifestyle for 35+ years. No one is jumping on people with conditions that are beyond their control. If we only had to treat those with medical conditions that were not caused by their sloth-like behavior, we'd probably cut our medical costs, for the country, by 95%. Totally agree with oldman --- substance abuse, obesity, smoking, poor diet, etc. are the causes of our out-of-control medical costs. People simply refuse to act like responsible adults and then complain about the costs of medical care.
Well, guess what, Don, Retired guy and Oldman, the demographics say that old people cost the most in medicare and other medical dollars compared to the rest of the population. So how about we not be hypocritical and save the rest of the younger population from us and make a vow to off ourselves after the age of 70. How does that sound? Oh, you all are the exception? Well, too bad. That's life. :doh:
Well, Olivia, what's your answer to the problem? Just keep on keepin' on?
Of course older people cost more with healthcare. That's no news flash. As people grow older, our bodies, including our organs, muscles, nerves, bones, etc. all wear out. Nobody is denying that. What I am saying is that people should begin to take care of their selves at an earlier age. There are things that people can do early in life that will sustain their good health as they grow older.
I don't deny that some people do have degenerative diseases that can't be helped, but as I look around at the many social functions that I attend and I see all the big bellies hanging over their belt buckles and then when I go past the fast food restaurants and see the lines of cars at the drive-ins, it's no wonder that we begin to see diseases like diabetes pop up at early ages.
No one can deny that people can't do a better job of taking better care of their self. It's not just about living longer, but living healthier.
https://www.verywellfit.com/why-you-eat-junk-food-2507661
Of course older people cost more with healthcare. That's no news flash. As people grow older, our bodies, including our organs, muscles, nerves, bones, etc. all wear out. Nobody is denying that. What I am saying is that people should begin to take care of their selves at an earlier age. There are things that people can do early in life that will sustain their good health as they grow older.
I don't deny that some people do have degenerative diseases that can't be helped, but as I look around at the many social functions that I attend and I see all the big bellies hanging over their belt buckles and then when I go past the fast food restaurants and see the lines of cars at the drive-ins, it's no wonder that we begin to see diseases like diabetes pop up at early ages.
No one can deny that people can't do a better job of taking better care of their self. It's not just about living longer, but living healthier.
https://www.verywellfit.com/why-you-eat-junk-food-2507661
Aneeda72
Well-known Member
Actually, Oldman, I can deny that a large segment of the population can do a better job of "taking" care of themselves when they are younger.
The poor, the working poor, and the lower middle "class" are the largest segments of our population. At these income levels, they cannot afford the type of diet you speak of. They rely on carbs, potatoes are cheap, to keep their families fed. In addition, I remember saying to my husband, how great it was that many fast food places have a 1 dollar menu.
The five dollar boxes are also great! One of those can be split between three small children, or two older adults. But, unfortunately, lots of children still go to bed hungry, as do older adults. Lots of people still eat out of the garage behind restrautants-both fast food and fine dining.
I am happy for anyone that can attend many social functions, and eat. I am happy for anyone who can eat. Children in our area attend the social function called school. They get free school lunch. During the summer they go hungry. Feeding stations are now set up in certain parks in poorer areas so a child can at least have one meal a day.
I suppose since these children are joined by other children; this could be considered a social function. Food stamps? A single person in our area gets 128 dollars in food stamps a month. Our food banks have been known to run out of food. I could go on.
It is unrealistic to think "younger people" can eat a better diet IMO. A lot of younger people are unable to eat at all.
The poor, the working poor, and the lower middle "class" are the largest segments of our population. At these income levels, they cannot afford the type of diet you speak of. They rely on carbs, potatoes are cheap, to keep their families fed. In addition, I remember saying to my husband, how great it was that many fast food places have a 1 dollar menu.
The five dollar boxes are also great! One of those can be split between three small children, or two older adults. But, unfortunately, lots of children still go to bed hungry, as do older adults. Lots of people still eat out of the garage behind restrautants-both fast food and fine dining.
I am happy for anyone that can attend many social functions, and eat. I am happy for anyone who can eat. Children in our area attend the social function called school. They get free school lunch. During the summer they go hungry. Feeding stations are now set up in certain parks in poorer areas so a child can at least have one meal a day.
I suppose since these children are joined by other children; this could be considered a social function. Food stamps? A single person in our area gets 128 dollars in food stamps a month. Our food banks have been known to run out of food. I could go on.
It is unrealistic to think "younger people" can eat a better diet IMO. A lot of younger people are unable to eat at all.
Oldman, the trouble with your theory is that it's impossible to define or narrow down, let alone to implement. It's what my high school English teacher used to call a "glittering generality."
Yes, of course there are some people who are just too stupid to care about taking care of themselves. And there are people who aren't aware of your version of good health rules. (These keep changing all the time, BTW.)
And there are millions and millions of people who have inherited diseases or "conditions," who get cancer, diabetes, etc. in spite of the fact that they eat a healthy vegan diet and run marathons, and everything in between.
So, aside from your tongue-clicking and hand-wringing, what are we supposed to do about it? Set up a health police squad to investigate every insurance claim to be sure that this person is "deserving" of medical care?
Yes, of course there are some people who are just too stupid to care about taking care of themselves. And there are people who aren't aware of your version of good health rules. (These keep changing all the time, BTW.)
And there are millions and millions of people who have inherited diseases or "conditions," who get cancer, diabetes, etc. in spite of the fact that they eat a healthy vegan diet and run marathons, and everything in between.
So, aside from your tongue-clicking and hand-wringing, what are we supposed to do about it? Set up a health police squad to investigate every insurance claim to be sure that this person is "deserving" of medical care?
Don M.
SF VIP
- Location
- central Missouri
I disagree. We go to several school functions, throughout the year, when our young great grandkids are participating. It seems that an awful lot of these small kids are already substantially overweight...even though their parents are Not poor. Much of that stems from these kids not getting enough "playtime"...instead, probably sitting indoors watching TV and playing video games. Some of that probably is due to parents concerns about all the child predators wandering around, etc. The parents themselves....mostly in their 30's...also reflect poor choices in their diet and lifestyles with their huge bellies and bulbous behinds. When I am pushing the cart for the wife at the grocery store, I am always amazed at the number of people who have multiple cases of soda pop and beer in their carts...and these people usually are substantially overweight. If they can afford to spend a bunch of money on beer and pop, they should have no problem buying healthy food.
There are certainly a lot of people who have some "genetic" disorder which affects their health, but far more people are having health problems due to poor lifestyle and diet choices. The few times that we have to go to the doctor or hospital, "knock wood", the patient waiting areas always seem to be filled with people who are quite overweight...irregardless of their ages.
So true. Really healthy whole food is expensive and so are herbal / vitamin supplements and so many seniors go without both and then need doctors and medicine to help with the illnesses they get from poverty. It's worse for welfare folks and their children. Food pantries in my area have also been running low on food this year and meals on wheels doesn't deliver on weekends so many seniors go hungry on those days. Not exactly an ideal way to build health and promote wellness, IMO, and there's nothing one can do about financial poverty except to change it.