Too few understand health care law

In response to Karen Storino’s Feb. 15 comments regarding her two recent college graduate grandsons who, if “. . . not for the new health care law that just passed would be without health care,” my question is, which new law is she referencing? If she is crediting federal law (Obamacare) for allowing her grandsons to remain on their parents’ health insurance policy, and if the parents live in Illinois, chances are credit is due to state law (in 2008 lawmakers agreed to amend the Illinois Insurance Code extending coverage until age 26 for unmarried dependents).

After working 25 years with students, seniors and adults with disabilities, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of communicating in ways that suit each individual best. Words and phrases that are commonly assumed to be understood, with the same meaning for all, are in fact not. Take “reimbursement rate” for example. I wonder what people think it means. Health care laws and insurance include an infinite number of such words, and until we can adequately teach — and it truly be understood, we will continue to argue and advance dividedness based on poorly informed, misunderstood opinions.

Here are some facts you might want to consider while trying to make sense of it all:

Ÿ Numerous surveys indicate 10-46 percent of our physicians report they will quit or retire if Obamacare is enacted.

Ÿ There is a growing number of physicians and hospitals refusing to accept patients on Medicare due to its excessive paperwork and poor reimbursement rates.

Ÿ Health care reform calls for reductions in Medicare reimbursement rates by 21 percent. You be the judge of how this will affect your health care in light of the current doctor shortage, coupled with adding 32 million more patients to the mix.

Dee Kay

Palatine