Health Care Reform Fallout

There are many unintended consequences of legislation the size of Health Care Reform. I hear from clients every day that have stories that need to be told.

Recently, I heard from a client who is on Medicare. Shortly after the new Health Care Reform law was passed, her doctor closed his doors without contacting his patients. When my client tried to contact him, he could not be located. She was frantic when she called me and wondered what to do.

Many doctors no longer take new Medicare patients because of the low reimbursement rates by Medicare. These rates are being cut again in June by more than 20%.

The unintended consequences are many. First, my client will have to search for a new doctor in an environment unfriendly to finding a doctor willing to accept Medicare. Second, the cost of her medical care just went up because she is forced to go to an Urgent Care or Emergency Room, just to be monitored for cholesterol and high blood pressure. Third, doctors like hers who are frustrated with the low reimbursements will continue to exit the market - worsening the ability to access health care in the US.

What stories do you have like this?