The wealth divide is affecting how healthcare is delivered in the U.S. Some wealthy families are opting for "concierge medicine," a type of healthcare system that gives them access to their physicians anytime at anyplace for $3,000 per month. Nearly two of every three doctors currently believe this type of medicine is the most financially viable practice. These type of medical practices limit the number of patients they take on. With a potential physician shortage looming due to the aging of the population, more physicians who opt for this practice may further exacerbate the problem of access to healthcare.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans still lack access to quality, affordable healthcare. While healthcare reform passed in 2010 addressed serious problems such as denial of health insurance due to pre-exsiting conditions, dropping people who get sick, and spending too much insurance revenue from patients on non-healthcare items, it has not yet contained overall healthcare costs. Single-payer healthcare is probably the only system that would bring affordable healthcare to every American. Medicare has a cost ratio of 3% and is something that every American 65 and older that is on will not let go without a fight. Chances are those senior citizens on "concierge medicine" like their Medicare too.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/16/concierge-medicine_n_1353155.html?ref=business
Very impressive post. Much helpful stuff.
ReplyDeleteMedicare America