686. Are you enjoying Obamacare (ACA)?

Fortunately, so far, other than annoyances re new programs (not costs) I haven't seen a personal difference. As a matter of fact, Medicare and my supplemental plan have been a blessing lately. What surprised me was how much lower medical procedures are reimbursed (no effect to you) compared to medical procedure fees. Oh, I feel for the people who have to pay full fees -- those who choose NOT to pay for health insurance or buy insurance that's inadequate for them personally. I have a friend on Medicare who without a doubt would be sucking up much Medicare and insurance bucks per year. But, instead of opting for a supplemental plan that costs more and pays all differences in what Medicare doesn't pay, a plan that is almost free was chosen. Free did I say? Yes they exist as far as monthly premiums. It's the co-pays that add up. In my friend's case, the costs already this year (here were just finished January) have already exceeded annual premium payment for the policy I recommended! Doesn't take many hospital days and specialist to realize that the almost free plan has wiped you out in January!

Here's one for you: I received a letter from an ACO (look it up yourself), a new Obamacare (ACA) money-spending entity that was designed and implemented to defend against the inefficiencies in the use and payment systems throughout the health industry. The hospitals, doctors, and healthcare organization who have signed up with an ACO share the efficiency gained by their work. If they share it (bonuses), who saves? Anyway, they send out this very general, high-level letter allowing you to opt-out of allowing Medicare to send them "personalized" information about you. My spouse and I discussed this. The ACO is NOT there to benefit you, such as making available information such as treatment dates, times, your drugs, etc. Hence, if you land up in a hospital and cannot communicate, they will NOT be able to look up you prior treatments, allergies, etc. This is NOT the function of the ACO. Would have been nice if data could be shared immediately when necessary and when the patient cannot respond himself. The ACO is merely playing monitor, like a resource monitor on you computer, looking at everybody'e costs and regarding those who do the best -- oops, let me paraphrase in what I believe: FOLLOW THE PROGRAM. I can see large abuse of the program to get a bonus -- false info, delays, etc. So, we just added another program that is going to MEASURE something, but does not have pure factual and unabused data. Sound like out other government programs?

In short, the ACO will get Medicare data regardless of whether you opt out or not. All the data they get otherwise is sufficient for their "inaccurate" analysis and subsequent CONTROL. I do NOT see that identifying my data personally is required. Thus, I immediately sent back my Opt-Out.