Finding a New Doctor Becoming More Difficult for Medicare - For some Medicare recipients, the search for a new primary care physician has become more difficult, according to a 2008 survey conducted by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC).
Finding a New Doctor Becoming More Difficult for Medicare
By Chandan Chaturvedi
Jul 1, 2009 - 7:06:11 AM
For
some Medicare recipients, the
search for a new primary care physician has become more difficult,
according to a 2008 survey conducted by the Medicare Payment Advisory
Commission (MedPAC). Compounding this trend is an estimate from the
American College of Physicians (ACP) that there won’t be enough
internists to go around by 2025. The ACP also indicates that current
internists are becoming less willing to accept new Medicare patients.
According
to Alan Weinstock, an insurance agent at
www.MedicareSupplementPlans.com,
many physicians are opting out of Medicare due to low reimbursement
rates and too much paperwork. With all these trends converging at
once, Weinstock believes Medicare recipients need to shop early to
find the best doctor—before they turn 65.
“The impact on
seniors of physicians opting out of the Medicare program hasn’t
been a serious problem yet,” said Weinstock. “But if large
numbers of physicians join the group that is opting out, it may be
difficult for seniors to have access to affordable health care.”
This is why it is important for the 40
million Americans who have
Medigap
insurance to start early in their hunt for a
physician who has not opted out of Medicare. It is equally important
that seniors take the time to determine the best Medicare supplement
insurance coverage, since Medicare often does not cover all health
care costs.
Even for seniors not affected by the
Health Net rate increase, in the current economy it could be
beneficial to shop around, since costs vary between plans and
insurance companies. Those 65 and older can compare rates, plans and
benefits from several prominent insurance companies by visiting
websites specializing in
Medicare
supplement insurance.They can call various
insurance companies one by one or to probe the yellow pages for a
local health insurance broker, who may or may not have expertise with
Medicare supplement insurance plans.
Robert Dowell of Visalia, Calif., understands full well the need
to have someone knowledgeable when searching for the best
Medicare
supplement plan. “It’s traumatic turning 65
and entering an unknown area of new healthcare. So many
questions…wondering if you asked the correct ones and were given
all the correct facts.” But Dowell found all the answers he needed
at
www.MedicareSupplementPlans.comand says that now he “has a clear path on how to control my
health needs.”
The author is a business writer .Visit at
www. medicaresupplementplans.com to know more aboutMedigap
insurance, Medicare supplement insurance and
Medicare supplement
insurance.
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