SENIORS: How will Ron Paul's health care proposals will benefit elderly dependent on Medicare?

Question

I like his ideas regarding herbal and alternative medicines, but I am concerned about the eldery in United States. They seem to have been neglected in favor of "welfare" recipients.

I am sick of welfare fraud and abuse of medical care in this country - who is looking out for the eldery? The dems give it minorities, welfare lifers, etc., rep create more paperwork and increase costs...

Answer 1

From what I understand, Ron Paul would do nothing to interfere with the elderly's Medicare benefits. He would change the way it is financed which is something the other candidates are ignoring. Medicare is going broke and will do so long before Social Security does.

Answer 2

Ron Paul is a physician. He should recognize that the delivery of health care is one of the last contracts of unequal bargaining powers left. The provider determines what is wrong, what it will take to fix the problem and what it will cost. The disconnect in our system came about when those who were paying (insurance companies) decided to do some innovative approaches to have some voice it what it would cost. In some cases they also took on the role of what it would take to fix the problem as well.
Those who are clients in an HMO have to recognize that they have a role as well. That is to take an active part in maintaining their own health. Sad to say, we haven't been doing that. Walk down the aisle of the nearest super market. You're almost tempted to throttle some of those people who think they need more food!
I'm a big fan of baseball and I've heard that some minor league parks are replacing their seats to fit the wider physique of the 21st Century American. Every time I have to visit my primary care physician I am astounded at the number of people in the waiting room who look like they are awaiting the results of some funeral lottery. And these folks are half my age in many instances.
So, I agree there is abuse. But some of that happens because patients think they will live forever and every malady they suffer will be cured within 30 minutes (counting commercials).

Answer 3

Nearly 20 years ago I moved my parents in with me to take care of them. My mother died a decade ago, I still look after my father in my own, so I am going to respond because I live with these issues every day of my life.

Unquestionably welfare fraud and abuse of the medical system are endemic in the US. The answer to who is looking out for the elderly is NO ONE. Medicare premiums in 1998 were $43.80. In 2008 they will be $96.40--up 120% in a decade. Benefits have not increased that much AND as for many decades seniors have needed "medigap" insurance to help with their 20% co-pay, that is ANOTHER expense anyone who is ill bears. Many thus turned to HMOs to hold down those costs. Well, surprise, when Congress came up with its insane "donut hole" prescription benefit, many HMO drug coverage plans DECREASED to imitate the federal BS. Also many procedures that used to be had for less than $100 co-pay now cost the patient the 20% ON the HMO plan.
Contrary to what some claim, it is NOT just experimental or elective health care items that are NOT covered by Medicare. Your doctor can order perfectly ROUTINE and NECESSARY blood work, for example, and the insurance can deny your claim. You may be successful upon appeal, but the pressure of it all damages peoples' health. If they were in no condition to launch a fight from the get-go, they'll be bankrupted.

As to Ron Paul, who is an MD, and his ideas re: health care, there's more than one. I'd direct people to this site:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul339.html
There are some solid ideas that could be passed with little fuss that would help many of the most vulnerable and ill in the US.

Some other places to see what he says re: health care include:
http://www.issues2000.org/2008/Ron_Paul_Health_Care.htm

I don't see anything about herbal or alternative medicine in his discussion of health care. I do know he wants government out of it and he believes for the truly poor that charities should step up and offer care. As he said to ABC news in a 20/20 interview, he used to work in a charity hospital that didn't charge and he made $3/hr to treat the patients regardless of what was needed (http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Stossel/Story?id=3990372&page=2). Frankly, there is no reason why similar things can't be done today--beats the nonsense of "universal health care" by a mile.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, there is much neglect concerning the elderly in this country. However, when we start blaming any 1 group, a particular race, a certain population, a certain party for our struggles. I think we get way off tract.! Blaming & anger keeps things stuck & doesn't solve problems , in fact it creates more!
Insurance companies control medical communities, lobbyists control politicians {for the most part} Medical costs have skyrocketing to the ludicrous. Feds forced HMOs on us. Normally BIG money wins here in corporate America. I believe we need socialized medicine. Ron Paul does not believe this. He wants less Govt. involvement. .ck. his web site.....under issues/health. I am not impressed with his health complilations . {Unless} he can promise to get medical costs to say 80% reduction & keep insurance companys in line, huh, right. I agree with him that Govt. is to big but lets not throw the baby out with the bath water.

Answer 5

doesn't he want less government involement -- i can not see it happening in fact i see more --- with out going to a socialize medical benefits i do not have any answer -- but since we do basically have it for the poor maybe that is the way to go == it will cost all tax payers more in the long run but at least every one gets a shot at the fruit on the tree!!!

Answer 6

I use herbal medicines. But I don't want my Medicare taken away in case I need it.

Answer 7

Follow the cash flow, and/or figure where's all the "free government stuff" coming from. No mun , no fun, hun

Answer 8

What's wrong with all of you? Until the politicians and government stay out of it, it's a joke.

Answer 9

WELFARE REFORM WILL NEVER BE ACHIEVED UNLESS EVERYONE WAS UNDER TRI CARE.
ALL GOV'T EMPLOYEES HAVE IT AND IT IS CHEAP. WHY DO YOU THINK THEY WORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT ANYWAY.
THE AMERICAN WAY IS TO OFFER YOU CHEAP AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE AND BLUE ADVANTAGE IS ANOTHER GAP FILLER.

Answer 10

campaigning has nothing to do with the truth ! It's as blind as Bill Clintons (and Hillary's) health program went. They will tell you what you want to hear. When are you people going to catch on ?