Wal-Mart Memo Suggests Ways to Cut Employee Benefit Costs

[AutumnBorn]

I have a question: Do all Doctors have to participate in insurance or if the Doctor is very good and popular(like a Park Avenue Doctor) can they tell people that the Doctor charges X amount for a visit and that he does not accept insurance.? Or do all Doctors have to accept insurance...

Another question: For a person on Medicare, which I have an idea what it is(sort of), can a Doctor "refuse" to see the person if they do not have a regular insurance but like a State Insurance. Or does the patient have to see a Doctor that specifically states that he/she accepts medicare? Is the Doctor a regular Doctor, or a Doctor that may not be that good.

Also does Insurance cover everything or just specific things. I thought someone told me there are different types of plans., but that a person does not have 100% coverage for all things. Like the Insurance will cover the hospital bed, but not blood tests or X-rays for example.

Just wondering...........I know that Insurance premiums are tax deductible, but what about about of pocket costs. Can those be taken off your taxes if you provide receipts.

Doctors can refuse to take patients on Medicare or any other type of insurance. Insurance only covers specific things. Some cover drugs, some don't cover any, some just cover a few drugs. Some make it so difficult to get approval for a service that they may as well not cover it at all. Out of pocket expenses are tax deductible, as are premiums, but they must be more than 7.5% of your income (not everybody is eligible to itemize their deductions).

I'd explain the Medicare Part D which covers drugs and will be available to participants in 2006, but it infuriates me. I work with the elderly and they are ANGRY and frustrated.

 

[dakini]

Here's why




http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20051028/memo_do_not_work_at_walmart.php

 

[luvbeaches]

Health care in the US is at a crisis level. We own a small business, and it is our biggest nightmare. We had one employee who ended up leaving, after our insurance company rated them at $3,000 a month (yes, that's 3K). Of course we couldn't pay that, nor could they.

Gone are the days that companies offer health insurance that is free to the policy holder. We paid $20,000 a year for our family of 5 (with no health problems). Finally, we found a company that is only $10,000! It's out of control!

We belong to a small business organization that is trying to get legislation introduced that would make it a federal law that small business could pool in each state, and get lower group rates. Several senators are fighting this...with BCBS backing them. BCBS has the largest share of "individual" policies. We talked with our local senator about this, and talk about SPIN! My head was in the next county after spending ten minutes with him.

I think a good start would be to take away health coverage for all the senators and reps. Let them try and get individual coverage and see how they like it. Then we would see a change in health care in this country!

 

[Marthatex]

Affordable healthcare seems unreachable. Costs really begin to rise with the elderly. Recently my mother-in-law was taken by ambulance from a hospital in one town to a skilled nursing home in another town; the cost was $3,000. Medicare only pays for 3 months of a nursing home, I think.

Every night after work my husband sits down to deal with the paperwork and different healthcare issues with his mother. Hearing aids, which most elderly need, and not covered either. I guess this is why Long Term Health Care Insurance might be a good idea for us baby-boomers. Medicare will be broke by the time we get in the system.

 

[CyberLaw]

I read an article today in my hometown newspapers, saying that anyone who may need Long Term care Insurance in the future(like over age 60) should think about it prior to needing it.

In my province it costs about 300 per month. So I can imagine what it may cost in the US.

But it is a good idea.......

 

[Marthatex]

Well, no, you should get it in your 50's preferably, or younger if you can afford it. I think the premiums stay the same, so the younger the better. But who can afford that on top of health insurance; not too many. Also people neglect to plan for their "feeble years". Not me; I'm ready, bub. The life of the Senior Center - leading the Jazzercise Class. I actually enjoy working with older people very much. They are usually gracious and wise. Just need a little helping along, much like children.