Question
Hello, I am doing a Social Studies project regarding health care, and I was hoping you could help me by answering a few questions.
What are the pros and cons of private healthcare? Is public or private healthcare "better"? Like in terms of efficiency, quality of care, how HMOs eat you up, stuff like that. Medicare and Medicaid, are they easier to apply for than HMO insurance?
Thank you.
Answer
Hi Rita!
Medicare insurance is only for seniors at age 65 or disabled people. So unless you are 65 or disabled for 24 months you can not enroll in Medicare insurance.
Medicaid is for the poor and you must qualify. Each state has its own Medicaid program. The problem with Medicaid is that many Dr's and providers do not accept Medicaid patients since the payments are so low and the paperwork is so intense, not worth it for most Dr's and providers. Therefore the Medicaid network is limited. Medicaid also does not cover everything as private insurance does. There is no charge to enroll in Medicaid, however sometimes there are copays depending on each state.
HMO insurances usually pay Dr's a set amount and expect the Dr's to control costs. So many tests may be skipped for a patient due to just cost. They may be needed but not given. HMO Drs want to make money so most will limit services to their patients.
I don't think either way is working currently. Employers and employees cost go up each year. This year most insurance plans went up 30% for the same plans as last year.
Patients need to control their own medical needs but trying more natural ways instead of more medical ways. Instead of popping pills for a pain, they need to try exercise or heating pads. The less you depend on the medical system the better you are.
I have been on a few HMO plans and never had a problem at all however I hardly used my plan so that probably caused me to have no problems. The more you use an HMO plan the more problems you will run into due to cost.
Hope this help!
Good Luck on your project!
Tricia
