Official goals and challenges of U.S. health care reform – A hope for better care, delivery, and costs – Part I

The reforms to healthcare delivery being made by the Affordable Care Act are making an historic attempt to bring its costs under control by improving the quality and efficacy of the system. According to an official fact sheet, among the key reforms being made in this effort are as follows: Rewards for quality  Hospitals – this includes the first Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program of its size, which will give funding to more than 3,500 hospitals across the country based on how much they have improved and whether or not they…

Read More

Medicare open enrollment deadline approaching fast – things you should know!

Medicare open enrollment deadline approaching fast – things you should know!

Many seniors are being forced to change this year due to about 13% of Medicare Advantage plans are being phased out. Studies show that year after year, 80% of enrollees have not changed, even when unhappy, but this year 3.5 million people do not have a choice. Change can be unsettling but there are many avenues of information that can help, here are a few: 1. Ask your doctor’s office if they’re equipped with staff educated in the recent changes. They have your medical history and some have put in place…

Read More