What is your Zip Code
Are you currently insured?
Yes No
How many people are being insured?

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Comparing Medicaid And Medicare

By Don Bethune

Some similarities exist between Medicaid and Medicare. Both programs provide forms of health insurance backed by the United States federal government. But, as this article will explain, that is about as far as the similarities between the two programs go.

Medicare is for people that are sixty five years of age or older. Medicaid also has younger patients and that is because they are either disabled or on dyalisis. Run by our government, Medicaid is funded by those who have been able to pay into the program. Those that are covered by Medicaid also pay a portion of their Dr's visits, hospital stays as well as having a deductible to meet.

Medicare is another insurance program that is run by our government, yet each state and or county has different rules and guidelines. This is a social service program, meaning that it mostly insures the lower income class of people. Struggling single parents, homeless people, low income workers, immigrants both legal and illegal. Medicare does not cost the patient anything, nor do they ever have to pay it back.

My feeling is that Medicaid is worthwhile because its recipients have already made some kind of contribution to the program. In other words, they partially reimburse the government for the services they receive. Medicare, on the other hand, is a program that is far more easy to cheat, especially by a few who want something for nothing. I feel this is unfair to its many honest beneficiaries and the program should be overhauled. Moreover, I feel that eligibility to receive medicare benefits should be limited only to American citizens. It is unfair when illegal immigrants who come here can become entitled to the same benefits as easily as a natural-born citizen like me.

What is the perk to being a citizen? In fact alot of struggling citizens do not qualify yet someone who sneaks across the border qualifies for medicare and then other programs. While Medicaid is a great program that like most things could use a makeover, nothing too drastic though.

While Medicaid is a useful program for millions of people it could stand to benefit from a limited overhaul. This could perhaps be delivered in the form of lowered co payments or perhaps a small rebate check or gift card.

On the other hand Medicare needs a drastic makeover and perhaps tighten the guidelines. Imagine how much money would be saved if we were able to spend our taxpayers dollars on our programs that are in desperate need of help.

Progress requires that we as a country come together in unity and speak with one voice. Perhaps then our voices will be heard and there can be lasting change for a better community. That would be a real improvement, if not simple change.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment