I'll Say it again

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of healthcare reform is the fact it has little to do with the delivery of healthcare.  read any article or proposed legislation and you will find plenty of information about Insurance, money, and the uninsured: almost nothing about delivering healthcare to the underserved.

In an October 13, 2017, Press Release, The AmericanPsychological Association  APA President Antonio E. Puente said, “This move, coming hours after the president issued an executive order to allow trade associations and other groups to offer their own health plans, will wreak havoc on the health insurance markets".  There it is; it is about the health insurance markets. 

I agree the availability of mental health services is atrocious, at best, for a highly developed nation like the United States.  My theory is no one wants to talk about it because: 1) it can be an uncomfortable subject, 2) It would add a great deal of expense to the healthcare basket, 3) It is misunderstood. I also understand the position of the Mental heal providers.  The service is vital and almost no one is paying for it.  

I am an advocate of improving the delivery and quality of healthcare.  As a nation, we just cannot seem to get past the money part. Population Health is in its infancy, although some providers have made great strides.  However, Population Health is often misunderstood: and who wants to deal with the "uninsured' population?   

Let me share a little-known secret about the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  a family of 2 who does not make between 100 and 400 percent of the Federal poverty wage ($16,700) annually IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A SUBSIDY!  That is correct, if you make $12,500.00 per year, the only thing you are eligible for is a tax waiver (thanks a lot) or an open market policy (which you could get anyway) which you cannot afford.  I looked and the least expensive policy available and It was around $1080 per month with a $12,000.00 deductible.  You do the math: it does not work. 

President Trump stopped subsidies to INsurance companies.  Lamar Alexander (R) and Patty Murry (D) worked together to thwart that effort.  When it comes to Healthcare, bottom-line is politicians have no idea what to do! Talk to you elected representatives.