Opinion

Ramifications of changing Medicare

Posted May 27, 2011 1:00 am

In a New York Times Op-Ed, Rita Redberg opined, rightfully so, that Medicare pays for tons of procedures that could be deemed unnecessary. Tons of procedures means billions of dollars in overspending.

Not being of the medical profession, I have no grounds to comment on whether or not the items she mentions are needed or not. My guess is she is probably right. For example, people over the age of 75 possibly don’t need routine colonoscopies. Maybe when I’m 75 I’ll change my mind, but right now that seems OK.

Medicine aside, as I said I’m no doctor, there are huge political ramifications of altering Medicare. Does anyone remember the cries of “rationing” during the recent, and ongoing, health care bill debate?

Redberg is right, a lot of stuff gets paid for that shouldn’t. Who, however, is going to change it with election season around the corner?

John Hankes

Batavia

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