Will the New Medicare Chief Make Health Coverage More Available to Seniors?
September 2010
Dr. Donald Berwick was appointed to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services back in July, but has only now spoken out about his plans for seniors and
health coverage this week, at a conference hosted by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).
So what are his plans, and should seniors think about purchasing
Medicare supplemental insurance in light of rumored Medicare cuts?
Berwick's main focus includes three points that he believes will improve the health coverage available to seniors and underprivileged Americans:
He wants to offer better care for individuals.
He wants to offer better care for specific groups who usually struggle with health coverage, including diabetics, seniors, the poor, etc.
He wants to cut costs by eliminating waste and duplication.
According to the Examiner.com, the new
Medicare chief is known for his dedication to patient services. He is the founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), a non-profit organization that researches various means of improving health care all over the world.
In light of upcoming cuts to Medicare and Medicaid many seniors are wondering if they'll need Medicare supplemental insurance to offset any loss of coverage coming their way.
Facts on:
Health Coverage
Did you know...
Medicare Supplemental Insurance offers a variety of plans for seniors who don't get enough coverage through Medicare?
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Medicare supplemental insurance is an extra insurance policy that seniors can purchase on top of Medicare itself. Supplemental plans are run by private insurance companies, and offer a variety of plans and coverage, depending on your specific medical needs.
Berwick addressed such fears in his speech, claiming that he'll lower costs without "harming a hair" on any patient's head.
Instead his goal is to work with insurers to create a new "model" of health coverage that works to prevent more treatable diseases like obesity and depression, and to streamline medical records so patients don't need to resubmit personal information every time they go to a new doctor.
Other points of his speech, including a move away from a system in which doctors are paid more if they do more procedures, have created a lot of political speculation. There is some concern that limiting such procedures will mean fewer choices for seniors.
In terms of supplemental insurance, those seniors who are interested in the extra coverage could certainly still purchase some of they like, and then discontinue the plan if it turns out that Medicare does, and will continue, to offer health care for all their needs.
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