Is this Story Being Mis-Reported by Maine Media?
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Your figure on presacriptions is definitely wrong. The lowest co-pay is $2.50 per prescription.
Many disabled people have medicare as their primary provider for services, including the mentally ill. The amount you must pay depends upon if the provider is an approved medicare provider.Some providers have a sliding scale fee to help those who are in need of services.
At home services are often too little and of ooor quality, which is why many are pushing the Money Follows The Person Act and MICASA at the federal level. Olmstead was to help ensure that people could remain at home and receivce adequate services so that they would not have to be forced to livew in institutions. One area where there has been a growth is on senior care centers and senior programs called "senior daycare".
If there was more continuity of care and emergency out-patient services other than hospital ER's, there would be less in-patient stays for mental problems and... since most people are committed involuntarily from the ER and later in the hospital told to sign a patient agreement to voluntary care - the hospital gets their body for a whole week of seven days because they don't count weekends in the 5 days law - the providers make out good in getting money for an almost guaranteed stay in their institution.
If LD 151 gets passed, the hopsitals will fill up again and the drug companies will make bigger bucks because the drugs cause diabeties and other problems requiring medications or testing supplies etc. We can't forget the implants of meds too in that bill since there would be no way to counteract the implant if someone reacts to the drug ( which is usually the same symptoms that they were to be treated for ) and OW what a web they weave when trying to rake in the bucks and don't care who they are hurting as long as it isn't their middle and upper class kids with a made up syndrome called ADDHD.
The cheaper more humane way of taking care of people is to have a choice on what services, where, when, how and what drugs to take - living not in an institution for sure. Olmstead was based upon the fact that research showed institutions are far more expensive.
The drug companies will also have verichips in their implants of not already ( Verichip Corp. of Applied Digital in a Raiders news article is pushing their RFID in implants now and they can track people inside of institutions with them etc.)
But again we could go back to the fact that people on medicad ARE treated differently and most of their health concerns are dismissed or ignored and a disproportionate number are women and minorities as well as children so they can be in bad shape if they are ignored and don't get adequate health care.
There are many different layers to the issue.
The only thing that makes it "universal," if it is that, is that you fund it with dollars taken forcibly from others.Otherwise, health care already is universal. You just pay for it. Anybody can buy from Anthem if they have the money.
quote: Resulting savings of $10 million are "sufficient to cover the expense of this expansion
Savings where? That get to who? And pay for this how?
Expect the bubble to burst.
a) The health coverage is done by taking away more services from the elderly and disabled first and then the very poor.
b) Bush's budget has decreased medicaid funds which will result in even fewer federal dollars going to Maine in the future.
c) Bush's plan is to make everything a block grant type system so that if a state applies for funds and gets denied, there could be even nothing coming for some services.
d) The state will not apply for the grant funding because they don't know what they are doing and therefore things will look like the cost of medicaid nationally is going down when actually the amount dolled out has gone done instead, leaving many states inb exactly the same boat they are in now only even worse.
e) the disabled, elderly, and the poor will denied even more services ( disabled first and then elderly because disabled are most expensive to keep alive ) as more people are added to program roles that require money on the part of the enlistee.The paid program was used in New York state in the 1980s.If a person neeeded welfare - yes even a single person - the state paid a portion of their health insurance. At that time it was alot of Blue Cross patients. People contributed a certain amount and so did the state under welfare. Dental and eyeglasses were covered back then and no one was denied coverage because of their age. At present, Medicaid can deny based upon age especially for dental and glasses.
We're ahead of the curve as usual," said Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport.Is she referring to our #1 and growing taxation status?
After reading the remarks delivered by Baldacci as posted on Lenny's thread, I can say that the AP certainly left much to be desired in its reporting.
quote:Originally posted by Bob Stone:
Note: We still don't know how many of the current Dirigo members were previously uninsured.
By expanding Medicaid to cover up to 200 percent of the poverty level, it's likely even more of the "new" Dirigo qualifiers will have already had private insurance prior to opting for the FREE< FREE>VOTE FOR ME! plan.
quote: Turtle Island:b) Bush's budget has decreased medicaid funds which will result in even fewer federal dollars going to Maine in the future.
You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts, as they say. Let's review things.In FY 01, Maine got $1.54 Billion in federal funds. In FY 02, Bush's first budget, we got $1.69 Billion, a 9.5% increase. In FY 03, we got $2.0 Billion, an 18.4% increase. In FY 04, we got $2.35 Billion, a 17.5% increase.Given the figure in FY 95 of $1.12 Billion, this means that in just 9 years, federal funding grew by 110%. In just three Bush budgets, it has grown by 52%!Furthermore, Maine is a "net gainer" on federal money, meaning we get more from DC than we send there. That means we're freeloading off some other states residents.Perhaps I'm going out on a limb here, but it looks to me like you bought the demagogue's story hook, line, sinker, and rod and reel. And it looks like you might start chewing up the arm that holds the rod.Maybe you've got some facts that can counter this state data. If not, I'd suggest you try to get some real information before distributing guilt and making accusations. This is exactly the same kind of unsubstantiated claims we see promulgated around the state by the non-profits and our clueless legislators.Now, I have two questions for you:1) If 110% growth in 9 years and 52% growth in 3 years isn't enough, how much is?
2) Do you believe this rate of growth in spending is "sustainable?"
source
I was under the impression that by this time Dirigo was to have 30,000 subscribers. Maybe of Baldacci gets state government to subsidize another large block of wagon riders he might reach the goal. Dirigo, like Baldacci is a joke. Sorry if I'm not laughing.
The AP -- or somebody -- has a great opportunity to do some real reporting on Dirigo. I have seen so many versions of what the plan is -- or isn't -- doing that I'm confused. And so, probably, are most others.The story cited here seems to be based on unquestioning parroting of the Governor's figures, which seem in any case to be much less than originally trumpeted.Reporters in Augusta should start reporting instead of just repeating predictable quotes from people like the ever-predictable Sen. Edmonds.[ 05-03-2005: Message edited by: mediadog ]
Just waitthe next report will be Maine Goverment workers will be forced onto this program.Then he makes his numbers.Ed
Two of my favorite elements of Dare-We-Go:1. The benefit structure that is richer than the standard Blue Cross plan.2. The ATM cards for the beneficiaries.
The bubble will burst very soon.
Cue the crickets, Mel. Facts are so bothersome!
UDALL AND THIRD GRADE MATH.
IT'S EVIDENT YOU HAVE NO ELDERLY TO CARE FOR,YOU
SIMPLY MAKE YOUR OWN RULES AND FIGURES TO JUSTIFY
YOUR OWN SELFISH MIND.
"HEALTHCARE"IS THE NUMBER ONE DRAIN ON OUR FAMILIES. THIS HAS BEEN SHOVED IN A CORNER BY PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO FEEL THEY ARE INSULATED FROM
THE WOES OF THE AVERAGE FAMILY.
THE VERY FACT THAT WE PAY MORE FOR"HEALTHCARE"
PER PERSON THAN ANY OTHER ADVANCED NATION IN THE
WORLD; YET WE HAVE MILLIONS WITH NO "HEALTHCARE"
OR MEANS TO GET INSURANCE SHOULD TELL EVEN THE
"HARDCORE" STAUNCH NON BELIEVERS THAT OUR SYSTEM
IS CORRUPT AND "UNWORKABLE".
EXAMPLE=DRUGS IN CANADA COST HALF OR LESS FOR CANADIENS,BRITISH,SCOTS,FRENCH ETC.
EUROPEAN RESEARCHERS HAVE CONTINUED TO OUT PACE US IN DISCOVERING NEW MEDICINE AN OPERATIONS.
JUST A FEW EXAMPLES WHILE YOU SWING FROM LIMB TO LIMB.
1=PENICILLIN (FRANCE)
2=OPEN HEART SURGERY (AFRICA)
3=SEPERATION OF SIMASE TWINS (MANY COUNTRIES)
4=LOWER DEATH RATE AT BIRTH(MANY BETTER THAN OURS)
5=LONGER LIFE SPAN(MANY COUNTRIES)
6=HIGHER COSTS FOR HEALTH CARE(NONE)
justme: You are free to move to any of those countries. We could take up a collection to help cover moving expenses.
T H I R D G R A DE M A T H? I F Y O U C A N C H A L L E N G E M Y F A C T S, G O A H E A D. O T H E R W I S E, F O R G E T IT.
JUSTME...PARAGRAPHS ARE OUR FRIENDS...
quote:Originally posted by justme:
AND
?
Wow!
Health care is universal because no one can be denied help at a hospital.To lower per-person costs either- people must be denied care
or
- more people must pay into the system.Dirigo is trying for the second. Hurray!
The problem is DIRIGO comes with big subsidies paid for by the rest of us who already have health insurance so it mostly amounts to getting more from the people who are already paying.
quote:Originally posted by George:
The problem is DIRIGO comes with big subsidies paid for by the rest of us who already have health insurance so it mostly amounts to getting more from the people who are already paying.
Why is the "getting more from the people who are already paying" bad when it is taxes that will cause SOME new people to pay into the system, thus reducing per person costs, when the alternative is your insurer raising your rates the same or more anyways with no new people paying into the system.Health care will only go up until the people who use it, pay for it, even if they can't pay the full fare. It is simple mathematics.[ 05-03-2005: Message edited by: thinkabit ]
Wow....that last line has me stumped.
quote:Originally posted by thinkabit:
Health care will only go up until the people who use it, pay for it, even if they can't pay the full fare. It is simple mathematics.
The problem is the taxpayers are paying most of the cost for people on DIRIGO. It is mainly an expansion of Medicaid.
One must remember that the dollars of yesterday do not pay for the services of today. Prices have gone up for services and the fed has to dole out more to cover what is being given out. That accounts for the increase in federal spending. Let us not forget that some states have received more money for special target programs. Olmstead should have helped reduced costs but the lack of available services in the community kept people where they were. The current computer glitch in the MECare system has helped some providers close and thus reduced available services. Community Health and Wellness Centers were at one point a project for which ME received additional funds and it combined state monies to help that happen along with private dollars if I am not mistaken. Catholic Charities of Maine has alot of services available to people and recieves federal funding now that there has been a change in Washington on who can recieve the dollars.
Bob rhetorically pondered:
quote: Is Dirigo Health being expanded or is MaineCare eligibility being expanded?
The rhetorical answer...it seems that by actively "encouraging" as many people to "apply" for Dirigo Health as you can (and thus having their information under state scrutiny), more people will then be found to actually be eligible for MaineCare (Medicaid).and...THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS FOR JUSTME:YOU MENTIONED THE CARING FOR THE ELDERLY. DO YOU REALIZE THAT THE AVERAGE COST OF NURSING HOME CARE IN THE STATE OF MAINE IS $70K PER YEAR? (ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION)
DO YOU REALIZE THAT IN MOST NURSING HOMES IN MAINE, AT BEST, 30% ARE PRIVATE PAY AND THE REMAINING 70% ARE ON MEDICAID/MAINECARE? TELL ME HOW THIS TRANSLATES TO NO HEALTHCARE FOR THE 'POOR' ELDERLY? DO YOU REALIZE THAT PRIOR TO ENTERING A NURSING HOME THESE SAME 'POOR' ELDERLY HAVE ACCESS TO MUCH MORE IN-HOME CARE THAN THE OTHER 30% BECAUSE THEY ARE ON MAINECARE?
GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT. IT PAYS TO BE AS POOR AS POSSIBLE IN THE STATE OF MAINE!!!!! MANY PEOPLE DO THIS BY CAREFUL USE OF AGGRESSIVE ASSET PRESERVATION. SUCH LEGAL ADVISE CAN BE HAD FOR FREE IF YOU ARE ELDERLY AND CONSIDERED POOR IN THE STATE OF MAINE. ALL OF THIS IS LEGAL AND SANCTIONED BY THE STATE OF MAINE. WOMB TO THE TOMB UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL. BUT WHO WILL PAY FOR IT????
I wonder what proportion of the increase in healthcare costs are the simple, direct result of government subsidization? Not from increased regulation, mandated insurance coverage, and reporting costs... but just simple supply and demand?[ 05-04-2005: Message edited by: IdleTickover ]
Forgot to add to check the vote by Collins and Snowe and how they commented that they were indeed not happy with having to cut the budget for Medicaid nationally. They are Republicans in case you want to only listen to the Republican side of life as it is presented in the press.
Regardless of party, the majority of politicians will say anything to please their base.And in Maine, many in that base are on the public dole, receiving Medicaid and other "free" services.Maine - Government for the people, for the people and for the people.
For JUSTMEAfter coming up with penecillin have the French come up with anything else in the last century?
People on Mainecare do have co-pays for some services and also they pay at the pharmacy. Granted, they are much lower, but to lob everyone as a piece of crap because they are on Medicaid or foodstamps is getting kind of old and sick at this point. Let's face it, the Republicans would prefer the poor and elderly and disabled would just go into poor housaes like days of old and drop dead. When those republicans get into a bad situation, watch out because those folks will have no pity nor mercy for the teeth that have bitten at them time and time again under the guise that they are "religeous and Christian good-fellows."
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Is Dirigo Health being expanded or is MaineCare eligibility being expanded?Here's the story in the LSJ...Health coverage for families expandingTuesday, May 3,2005AUGUSTA (AP) - Maine's Dirigo Health program is expanding to provide coverage to thousands of more families, Gov. John Baldacci announced Monday.Parents whose incomes are up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level now qualify for health coverage, up from the previous maximum of 150 percent, Baldacci said. It means a family of four with income between $29,000 and $39,000 now qualifies.With the expansion, Dirigo will be able to cover nearly 10,000 new parents while reducing bad debt and charity care for people who previously had no health coverage, the governor said. Resulting savings of $10 million are "sufficient to cover the expense of this expansion," Baldacci said.The expansion builds upon the current membership in the program of 6,369 families and businesses,Should the above say "people"? Are they adding the number of insured members PLUS businesses to come up to 6,369?Baldacci said. As of January, 2,700 Maine families and businesses had applied for coverage under Dirigo, whose insurance product is known as DirigoChoice.Reducing charity care and bad debt avoids the need for hospitals to shift costs to others who pay insurance premiums and taxpayers who pay the costs of government health care, said Richard Batt, president of the Franklin County Community Health Network, who also spoke at a State House news conference. The network is affiliated with Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.The Dirigo Health program was created by the Legislature in 2003 with hopes of providing access to health care coverage to 130,000 Mainers who lacked it. Coverage is offered through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine.Note: We still don't know how many of the current Dirigo members were previously uninsured."Two years ago we didn't know where we were going. We had no road map," said Senate Majority Leader Michael Brennan, D-Portland, who chaired a committee that handled talks among insurers, hospitals and others with a strong interest in the legislation that created Dirigo.But Maine now has the foundation of the nation's first universal health care system, Brennan said.Ha Ha! Just as I expected!"We're ahead of the curve as usual," said Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport.Republicans have voiced skepticism about the program, especially its impact on the state budget and enrollments that were thousands below expectations early in the year.Bill Becker of the Maine Heritage Policy Center said the state should be addressing the causes of high health insurance premiums rather than expanding what amounts to, in his view, a welfare program.