Obama Is Gonna Cut $313bil From Medicare, Medicaid

[Whiffleball]

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/obama-eyes-313bn-more-cuts-for-healthcare-reform-1704429.html

Obama eyes $313bn more cuts for healthcare reform

By Doug Palmer, Reuters

Saturday, 13 June 2009

President Barack Obama today proposed an additional $313 billion in cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other programs to pay for healthcare reforms expected to cost about $1 trillion over the next decade.

"I know some question whether we can afford to act this year. But the unmistakable truth is that it would be irresponsible to not act," Obama said in an advance text of his weekly radio address.

Obama wants a healthcare reform bill on his desk by October, but faces opposition from Republicans who oppose creation of a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers.

Many of his fellow Democrats are wary of making deep cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, the US healthcare programs for seniors and poor people, to pay for reforms.

With the cost of US healthcare continuing to rise rapidly, Obama argued the country could not afford to wait another year for sweeping changes.

But he acknowledged the ambitious plan would increase government costs in the short run.

To address those concerns, Obama has pledged to come up with enough spending cuts and new revenue to pay for reforms.

"So today, I am announcing an additional $313 billion in savings that will rein in unnecessary spending, and increase efficiency and the quality of care - savings that will ensure that we have nearly $950 billion set aside to offset the cost of health care reform over the next ten years," Obama said.

About $110 billion of the new cuts would come from reducing scheduled increases in Medicare payments. That would encourage healthcare providers to increase productivity, White House budget director Peter Orszag told reporters.

Obama also proposed cutting payments to hospitals to treat uninsured patients by $106 billion on the assumption those ranks would decline as healthcare reforms phase in.

An additional $75 billion would come from "better pricing of Medicare drugs," Orszag said, adding the White House was in talks with stakeholders over the best way to do that.

The remaining $22 billion in proposed cuts would come from smaller reforms, such as adjusting payment rates for physician imaging services and cutting waste, fraud and abuse.

The new cuts are in addition to a $635 billion "down payment" on healthcare reform that Obama outlined in his budget to Congress earlier this year.

About half of that came from cuts in Medicare and Medicaid and the rest from revenue proposals such as cutting tax deductions for families that make over $250,000 a year.

Altogether, the Obama administration is now asking Congress to trim spending on Medicare and Medicaid by more than $600 billion over the next decade, which is more than some Democrats are willing to swallow.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel told reporters after a closed-door meeting with fellow Democrats on the panel that the committee would include about $400 billion in Medicare and Medicaid savings in the healthcare overhaul legislation being drafted.

"We don't think we can do all the things he (Obama) is recommending. ... We think his 600 (billion) is our 400," Rangel told reporters.

This seems really stupid politically. However Obama frames it, he wants to cut billions in health care benefits, affecting millions of elderly Americans, plus their adult children. And he justifies these cuts with blind faith that hospitals will somehow become more efficient, and claiming more people will be covered by his health care plan, the details of which haven't even been released yet.

[BIG PIZZLE]

The Hospitals are going to hurt the hardest and the Drug companies if he can make them charge less money. This could also end up making people buy insurance or start to perform surgery at home.

[Le Goat]

Obama ain't gonna do shit.

[Rover]

The Hospitals are going to hurt the hardest and the Drug companies if he can make them charge less money. This could also end up making people buy insurance or start to perform surgery at home.Back-alley cholecystectomies?

[Infotainment]

The Hospitals are going to hurt the hardest and the Drug companies if he can make them charge less money. This could also end up making people buy insurance or start to perform surgery at home.

What it's really going to do in the long run is push good doctors out of America and into countries where they will pay for the quality of their doctor. As soon as we go down this road, the doctors won't be compensated for the quality of their work.

[Genius]

What it's really going to do in the long run is push good doctors out of America and into countries where they will pay for the quality of their doctor. As soon as we go down this road, the doctors won't be compensated for the quality of their work.
That's ridiculous. You know how many countries pay their doctors even close to what ours make? None. Not only that, but we get the best and the brightest from around the world, because we pay ours so damn much. Our doctors aren't going anywhere.

I don't know if this plan is a good idea or not. But at least it's a plan. We've let it drag for 16 years, it's time to fucking do something.

[Infotainment]

That's ridiculous. You know how many countries pay their doctors even close to what ours make? None. Not only that, but we get the best and the brightest from around the world, because we pay ours so damn much. Our doctors aren't going anywhere.

I don't know if this plan is a good idea or not. But at least it's a plan. We've let it drag for 16 years, it's time to fucking do something.

This is the problem when you start cutting down on what you are going to pay them eventually you're going to end up below what they can make somewhere else. Wait until free healthcare rolls around, they won't be making jack shit.

[Genius]

Free health care will never "roll around". No one can even get a minor reform passed. As much as the Right likes to fearmonger, when have we ever even been close to the doomsday scenarios that they like to envision? Never, that's when.

[Infotainment]

Free health care will never "roll around". No one can even get a minor reform passed. As much as the Right likes to fearmonger, when have we ever even been close to the doomsday scenarios that they like to envision? Never, that's when.

Really? Isn't that one of the promises of the panderer of "Hope and Change"?

[freegood]

This is the problem when you start cutting down on what you are going to pay them eventually you're going to end up below what they can make somewhere else. Wait until free healthcare rolls around, they won't be making jack shit.

We're the last industrialized country that doesn't have socialized medicine... Where are all those high paid doctors going to jump ship to? Zanzibar?

[Claydon]

How exactly is he going to cut 313 billion?

If we are going to discuss price controls then the debate is over. Price controls are ALWAYS disasters.

[Nature's Folly]

How exactly is he going to cut 313 billion?


He is half black....he can do anything.(sports related)

[Claydon]

He is half black....he can do anything.(sports related)

apparently... kind of like John Kerry's super secret Iraq plan that no one knew about....

[Genius]

Really? Isn't that one of the promises of the panderer of "Hope and Change"?
Okay, fine, be a d-bag.

[Infotainment]

We're the last industrialized country that doesn't have socialized medicine... Where are all those high paid doctors going to jump ship to? Zanzibar?

And all the best doctors are in the US because they can get paid more for being good at what they do.

How many of those specialized high paid doctors are foreign? Where is the incentive for them to stay in the US when they won't get paid more in the US than in their home countries?

[Genius]

apparently... kind of like John Kerry's super secret Iraq plan that no one knew about....
So trying to come up with a plan to fix health care is somehow worse than totally ignoring the problem and not coming up with a plan at all?

[Infotainment]

Okay, fine, be a d-bag.

I'm not being a d-bag I'm just saying that's what he campaigned on and since he has a stranglehold on both congress and the senate I don't see why it wouldn't get done.

[Genius]

And all the best doctors are in the US because they can get paid more for being good at what they do.

How many of those specialized high paid doctors are foreign? Where is the incentive for them to stay in the US when they won't get paid more in the US than in their home countries?
What fantasy world are you living in, where doctors get paid well in India? Or rural China? Or even in England?

[Hoser]

That's ridiculous. You know how many countries pay their doctors even close to what ours make? None. Not only that, but we get the best and the brightest from around the world, because we pay ours so damn much. Our doctors aren't going anywhere.

I don't know if this plan is a good idea or not. But at least it's a plan. We've let it drag for 16 years, it's time to fucking do something.

You really believe the US has the best doctors and the best health care in the world??


If so, I have a rainbow I would like to sell you.

[Infotainment]

What fantasy world are you living in, where doctors get paid well in India? Or rural China? Or even in England?

THEY DON'T AND IT'S BECAUSE IT'S SOCIALIZED MEDICINE.

[Genius]

I'm not being a d-bag I'm just saying that's what he campaigned on and since he has a stranglehold on both congress and the senate I don't see why it wouldn't get done.
Because he didn't fucking campaign on it, you didn't listen to a word he said, and you break out the was-already-old-before-he-got-elected "hope and change" line. The guy is cutting Medicare and Medicaid, exactly what Republicans say needs to be done, and you still don't pay attention.

[Infotainment]

You really believe the US has the best doctors and the best health care in the world??


If so, I have a rainbow I would like to sell you.

Not the best healthcare but by far the best doctors because they get paid for being better than other doctors, unlike in countries with socialized medicine and fixed rates.

[Claydon]

So trying to come up with a plan to fix health care is somehow worse than totally ignoring the problem and not coming up with a plan at all?

cuts sound fab their chief... but cut what? Seniors will shit their pants if you impact their benefits with liberty medical and their diabeetus supplies. Do you have any idea how horribly fucked up Medicare is? Ie how they fist fuck providers? So cutting 313 billion which is an ENORMOUS sum sounds fantastic but highly unlikely. When an MD makes $18 for a hour appointment with a patient where are you going to cut? Oh wait, does the government get to decide when a CT or MRI is necessary? Is it necessary on a stroke patient or a auto accident victim. Sounds like rationing to me.

[Claydon]

You really believe the US has the best doctors and the best health care in the world??


If so, I have a rainbow I would like to sell you.

The US has the best health care in the fucking world bar none.

However, it is incredibly expensive. We must be doing something when people from around the world come to us for care ie Mayo clinic etc.

[Hoser]

Not the best healthcare but by far the best doctors because they get paid for being better than other doctors, unlike in countries with socialized medicine and fixed rates.

What good are the best doctors if they are not providing the best healthcare?

[Claydon]

What good are the best doctors if they are not providing the best healthcare?

And you base this statement on what? Michael Moore?

You base this statement on what? That incident in New York where the woman died in the waiting room of a GOVERNMENT hospital?

[Genius]

cuts sound fab their chief... but cut what? Seniors will shit their pants if you impact their benefits with liberty medical and their diabeetus supplies. Do you have any idea how horribly fucked up Medicare is? Ie how they fist fuck providers? So cutting 313 billion which is an ENORMOUS sum sounds fantastic but highly unlikely. When an MD makes $18 for a hour appointment with a patient where are you going to cut? Oh wait, does the government get to decide when a CT or MRI is necessary? Is it necessary on a stroke patient or a auto accident victim. Sounds like rationing to me.
And as I said, I'm not sure if it's the right plan, but it is a plan, and it'll never pass as is, but will get hacked to pieces in the legislature. However, this didn't stop being a problem for the eight years Bush was in office, but it wasn't even addressed once over his two terms. At least there's an open dialog now.

[Hoser]

The US has the best health care in the fucking world bar none.

However, it is incredibly expensive. We must be doing something when people from around the world come to us for care ie Mayo clinic etc.

#37 is pretty good, there are a lot worse, I'll give you that.
http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html

And you base this statement on what? Michael Moore?

You base this statement on what? That incident in New York where the woman died in the waiting room of a GOVERNMENT hospital?

I like to use a little group called WHO, you may have heard of them before.

[Claydon]

#37 is pretty good, there are a lot worse, I'll give you that.
http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html

based on the WHO an extremely left leaning liberal organization. Yah thanks, but no thanks, try again buddy. This is the same group that says we should be vegetarians, along with the UN Climate change group.

[Genius]

#37 is pretty good, there are a lot worse, I'll give you that.
http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html
Just because the system is broken, does not mean the people are. I'd still much rather go to a doctor in the Midwest than in Singapore, no matter what the WHO says.

[Claydon]

And as I said, I'm not sure if it's the right plan, but it is a plan, and it'll never pass as is, but will get hacked to pieces in the legislature. However, this didn't stop being a problem for the eight years Bush was in office, but it wasn't even addressed once over his two terms. At least there's an open dialog now.

Actually bush did attempt at tackling entitlements both SS and Medicare both of which got shot down. Although he did that obscene Rx plan passed.

[Hoser]

Your right, I will listen to you, the authority on world health care, who does not have right bias at all.

[Infotainment]

Because he didn't fucking campaign on it, you didn't listen to a word he said, and you break out the was-already-old-before-he-got-elected "hope and change" line. The guy is cutting Medicare and Medicaid, exactly what Republicans say needs to be done, and you still don't pay attention.

In his speech today before the American Medical Association conference in Chicago, President Obama said any health care reform plan should include a "public option"--a government-run program for anyone unhappy with the options from private insurers.

Explain to me how setting up another government program is saving cash...

[Hoser]

Just because the system is broken, does not mean the people are. I'd still much rather go to a doctor in the Midwest than in Singapore, no matter what the WHO says.

I do take back the comment on the doctors, they may be really good, but if they arent providing the best healthcare I would go somewhere else.

Oh and Claydon I wouldn't be saying things like BAR NONE when you are that far down the list. Find me another list from another major medical authority showing the USA at #1 then we can talk.

[Claydon]

Your right, I will listen to you, the authority on world health care who is not right bias at all.

Actually, having worked in health care, in research, billing, and now the diagnostic imaging end of things it cracks me up to see the nightmare that government causes in healthcare and everyone thinks the government can cure what ails them. Tell you what buddy, why don't you call up an imaging center and ask how long the wait time is for a CT scan and get back to me.

Oh and what was your tax rate last year?

[Hoser]

Dont you work with animals??


I am ok with my 3-4 week wait. I am also ok with not paying $100,000+ for major surgery. If I really need to have it done there is private care in Canada, but it will cost me.

I am not saying the Gov will fix all, or can fix all. But a fully private system is not the way to go, just like a fully public system is not. The 2 teir system I gave to Debo a few weeks back seems ideal.

HAHA my tax rate, yeah I pay more, but I have never paid a penny for my health care that has kept me and my family in perfect health. 3 people (Mom and both grandpas) have beat cancer and it didnt cost them a penny.

[Genius]

In his speech today before the American Medical Association conference in Chicago, President Obama said any health care reform plan should include a "public option"--a government-run program for anyone unhappy with the options from private insurers.

Explain to me how setting up another government program is saving cash...
Which is totally not "free health care", or "socialized medicine", or any of the other ridiculous buzzwords that get tossed around by people who have no fucking clue what they're talking about.

[Claydon]

I do take back the comment on the doctors, they may be really good, but if they arent providing the best healthcare I would go somewhere else.

Oh and Claydon I wouldn't be saying things like BAR NONE when you are that far down the list. Find me another list from another major medical authority showing the USA at #1 then we can talk.

It is a well known fact that the US has the highest technology with regards to medication, and is the most cutting edge nation in the world period when it comes to medicine. I am sure what ever joke of a diagnostic imaging center you would go to would be loaded with GE CT scanners, MRI, and Ultrasound and not some canadian make (although Siemens makes a CT scanner). Your idea of best is government run slow, and plodding, my idea of best is the most cutting edge technology that is available, efficient and readily available. I can get a consult with any number of specialists, and have just about any type of advanced diagnostic performed within a week or less. How about Canada? Thankfully with bush out of office we will be able to do real stem cell technology research in this country and keep our research capabilities far ahead the rest of the world for some time to come.

[Infotainment]

Which is totally not "free health care", or "socialized medicine", or any of the other ridiculous buzzwords that get tossed around by people who have no fucking clue what they're talking about.

Government run health care isn't socialized medicine?

[Claydon]

Dont you work with animals??


I am ok with my 3-4 week wait. I am also ok with not paying $100,000+ for major surgery. If I really need to have it done there is private care in Canada, but it will cost me.

I am not saying the Gov will fix all, or can fix all. But a fully private system is not the way to go, just like a fully public system is not. The 2 teir system I gave to Debo a few weeks back seems ideal.

HAHA my tax rate, yeah I pay more, but I have never paid a penny for my health care that has kept me and my family in perfect health. 3 people (Mom and both grandpas) have beat cancer and it didnt cost them a penny.

I have not worked with animals in either research or private ownership for about 9 years.

[Claydon]

Hoser, do you truly believe with dont have public health care in this country.

The US spent over 1 trillion last year on Social Security and Medicare, so take your propaganda and flush it already.

[Claydon]

HAHA my tax rate, yeah I pay more, but I have never paid a penny for my health care that has kept me and my family in perfect health. 3 people (Mom and both grandpas) have beat cancer and it didnt cost them a penny.

Of course it costs you a penny, it costs you EVERY time you fill up on gasoline, or purchase consumer goods, or get your pay check.

[Hoser]

It is a well known fact that the US has the highest technology with regards to medication, and is the most cutting edge nation in the world period when it comes to medicine. I am sure what ever joke of a diagnostic imaging center you would go to would be loaded with GE CT scanners, MRI, and Ultrasound and not some canadian make (although Siemens makes a CT scanner). Your idea of best is government run slow, and plodding, my idea of best is the most cutting edge technology that is available, efficient and readily available. I can get a consult with any number of specialists, and have just about any type of advanced diagnostic performed within a week or less. How about Canada? Thankfully with bush out of office we will be able to do real stem cell technology research in this country and keep our research capabilities far ahead the rest of the world for some time to come.

Maybe read my other post where I talk about fully public not being the way to go, just like fully private is not.

The machines here always found what was wrong with me. I have always got to see the specialist I needed too. I have yet to have a problem. Also what do I care if the machine was made in Canada?

You may have some amazing tech, but if most of the country cannot afford to use it, what good is it really?

BTW Mount Sinai is far from a joke

You are so US biased it blinds you to the rest of the world.

[Genius]

Government run health care isn't socialized medicine?
Socialized medicine would be the government taking over the entire health care industry, eliminating private practice altogether. Let me give you an idea of how likely that is in the US. It will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever happen in the US.

[Infotainment]

Socialized medicine would be the government taking over the entire health care industry, eliminating private practice altogether. Let me give you an idea of how likely that is in the US. It will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever happen in the US.

Would you concede that a health care program run by the government would be the first step there?

[Hoser]

Of course it costs you a penny, it costs you EVERY time you fill up on gasoline, or purchase consumer goods, or get your pay check.

And over my lifetime that cost will be far below a single major surgery in the US.

[Infotainment]

And over my lifetime that cost will be far below a single major surgery in the US.

I would seriously doubt that.

[Claydon]

And over my lifetime that cost will be far below a single major surgery in the US.

I seriously doubt that.

I pay around $1400 per year for my insurance, and I have a maximum out of pocket of $2000 per year for ANY incident with a max ceiling of 10 million dollars in benefits.

I have seen what socialized medicine has done to california.... 40 billion in the hole and this state is truly bankrupt. We have increased our taxes every year for the last 10 years and increased our social services. So yah I am not impressed... move on.

[Hoser]

I would seriously doubt that.

I will pay more into my taxes, but will put less into the healthcare system.

[Genius]

Would you concede that a health care program run by the government would be the first step there?
That's like arguing that marijuana is a gateway drug, when 97% of marijuana smokers never move on to harder drugs. Of course it would be the logical first step, but if it takes 25 years to even find the door, much less crack it, is it really that likely we'll move forward, unless the program is an indisputable rousing success?

[Claydon]

Would you concede that a health care program run by the government would be the first step there?

we currently have that... medicare.

get ready for our tax rates to go up on that little witholding

[Debo]

That's ridiculous. You know how many countries pay their doctors even close to what ours make? None. Not only that, but we get the best and the brightest from around the world, because we pay ours so damn much. Our doctors aren't going anywhere.

I don't know if this plan is a good idea or not. But at least it's a plan. We've let it drag for 16 years, it's time to fucking do something.

Your statement does not reflect reality. Some doctors are paid well, some aren't. It all depends on what they specialize in, what their client mix is (Mcare vs. private insurance) and which state they operate in.

we currently have that... medicare.

get ready for our tax rates to go up on that little witholding


Yea, and it is USD 70bn underfunded. Lets push it up to USD 100bn. No big deal, we will just tax the rich. Wait...

[Hoser]

I seriously doubt that.

I pay around $1400 per year for my insurance, and I have a maximum out of pocket of $2000 per year for ANY incident with a max ceiling of 10 million dollars in benefits.

I have seen what socialized medicine has done to california.... 40 billion in the hole and this state is truly bankrupt. We have increased our taxes every year for the last 10 years and increased our social services. So yah I am not impressed... move on.

Ok for the last time. I agree, fully socialized is not good. I do not know how many more times I can say this before you get it into your little pointy head.

On the same note, I feel the same way about fully private.

There needs to be an choice. A 2 part system where you can choose which system you go to for health care. All will pay less into the public and if you have the means to go private you have that option. Shorter lines for all, and shorter lines and more doctor time, should in theory increase the quality of everyones care (obviously the private would have better equipment and doctors)

[Claydon]

Your statement does not reflect reality. Some doctors are paid well, some aren't. It all depends on what they specialize in, what their client mix is (Mcare vs. private insurance) and which state they operate in.

The diagnostic imaging groups i work with that are Medicare providers I can assure you are barely breaking even, they make up for the 30%+ loss of revenue by jacking up the prices on individuals and some insurance companies.

[Claydon]

Yea, and it is USD 70bn underfunded. Lets push it up to USD 100bn. No big deal, we will just tax the rich. Wait...

Not so much... did you see the anemic purchase of long term treasuries today? 11 billion.... last month 55 billion. The world is becoming tired of our debt. As am I.

[Genius]

Your statement does not reflect reality. Some doctors are paid well, some aren't. It all depends on what they specialize in, what their client mix is (Mcare vs. private insurance) and which state they operate in.

Of course that is true, but when comparing urban to urban, suburban to suburban, rural to rural, specialist to specialist, general practitioner to general practitioner across countries, I'd stand by the statement.

[Infotainment]

The diagnostic imaging groups i work with that are Medicare providers I can assure you are barely breaking even, they make up for the 30%+ loss of revenue by jacking up the prices on individuals and some insurance companies.

I can vouch that. I've audited two public health care companies and that is the exact strategy. If you have a private insurer it's one rate if you have medicare it's a way lower rate. Also, the freaking lag from medicare is unbelievable. You're talking payments coming over 180 days past their due date.

[Infotainment]

Of course that is true, but when comparing urban to urban, suburban to suburban, rural to rural, specialist to specialist, general practitioner to general practitioner across countries, I'd stand by the statement.

I agree completely.

[Claydon]

Ok for the last time. I agree, fully socialized is not good. I do not know how many more times I can say this before you get it into your little pointy head.

On the same note, I feel the same way about fully private.

There needs to be an choice. A 2 part system where you can choose which system you go to for health care. All will pay less into the public and if you have the means to go private you have that option. Shorter lines for all, and shorter lines and more doctor time, should in theory increase the quality of everyones care (obviously the private would have better equipment and doctors)

We have private and public in this state as you describe so again I am under impressed. Then again we get to take care of several million illegals with NO help from the fed, and yet we want to pay for everyone! Can you say anchor babies?

[Claydon]

I can vouch that. I've audited two public health care companies and that is the exact strategy. If you have a private insurer it's one rate if you have medicare it's a way lower rate. Also, the freaking lag from medicare is unbelievable. You're talking payments coming over 180 days past their due date.

I have seen up to 2 years. Oh and the government doesn't have to pay interest.

[Hoser]

Doesn't Australia and some other countries pay up to $7000 to people who have babies? Does anyone know anything about that and why it is done?

[Hoser]

We have private and public in this state as you describe so again I am under impressed. Then again we get to take care of several million illegals with NO help from the fed, and yet we want to pay for everyone! Can you say anchor babies?

And the way it was implemented sucks.

[Claydon]

Doesn't Australia and some other countries pay up to $7000 to people who have babies? Does anyone know anything about that and why it is done?

In california a woman can take disability for 180 days and the husband can take disability for 60 days for having a baby?! wtf?!

[Infotainment]

I have seen up to 2 years. Oh and the government doesn't have to pay interest.

No and you can't levy fines against them either. It's pretty awesome. It's funny if it's a private insurer and it's past 90 days we want them to up their reserve or write some of it off as uncollectible but if it's the government we let anything less than 360 days go off without a hitch.

[Debo]

Of course that is true, but when comparing urban to urban, suburban to suburban, rural to rural, specialist to specialist, general practitioner to general practitioner across countries, I'd stand by the statement.

True. But it all depends on a number of variables, as you and I have pointed out. A blanket statement saying that doctors make it rain isn't accurate.

[Claydon]

No and you can't levy fines against them either. It's pretty awesome. It's funny if it's a private insurer and it's past 90 days we want them to up their reserve or write some of it off as uncollectible but if it's the government we let anything less than 360 days go off without a hitch.

I have seen some insurance companies try to pull the same shit on radiologists ie being 180 days over due. The insurance companies were threatened with legal action (we are talking like $500,000+) and they paid it all up with interest.

[Phil Theehor]

In california a woman can take disability for 180 days and the husband can take disability for 60 days for having a baby?! wtf?!

Many companies choose not to have California offices, despite all the reasons you would want them there, because it is such a fiercely employer-unfriendly state.

Perhaps that explains some of your budgetary shortfall.

[Claydon]

Many companies choose not to have California offices, despite all the reasons you would want them there, because it is such a fiercely employer-unfriendly state.

Perhaps that explains some of your budgetary shortfall.

That and we have fucking fools in sacramento.