Good sense needed to save Medicare

In a recent letter, Dr. Dominic Catrambone Jr. addressed Medicare rationing from the viewpoint of a conscientious and compassionate physician trying to obtain the best outcome for his patient. Bureaucratic determinants on which treatments are therapeutic and which are cosmetic echo many of the complaints Canadians voice about treatment options under their socialized medical scheme. More and more Canadians are nipping across the border or taking medical tourism flights to obtain appropriate treatment for their medical conditions.

Rationing is not new to Medicare. How many senior citizens have been forced to find new primary care physicians because their doctors “no longer treat Medicare patients?” How many seniors get the “bums’ rush” from their doctors who function minimal clinical hours commensurate with minimal reimbursement?

Sensible adjustments to Medicare are critical. Medicare is not free. I contribute nearly $1 200 per year (10 percent of my total benefit) for this entitlement, not including additional payment for supplemental insurance. Bureaucrats need to scrutinize the program, weeding out pervasive fraud while trimming administrative waste. Seniors should be willing to accept familiar co-payments established on a means basis. Reconsider Medicare-the-moment-you-turn-65. If one is adequately covered by an employer or private policy then Medicare should remain supplemental until other coverage is no longer available.

There are any number of sensible options. Intelligent conversations between reasonable individuals begin the journey to restore solvency while preserving high levels of care and physician autonomy. Congress should take advice and consent from a responsible, objective citizenry.

Sheila M. Barrett

Elk Grove Village