According to President Obama, health reform will make healthcare more affordable, make health insurers more accountable, expand health coverage to all Americans, and make the health system sustainable, stabilizing family budgets, the Federal budget, and the economy. As the changes outlined by the Affordable Care Act are being implemented into law beginning this year, many Americans will experience first-hand just how medical delivery will be impacted.
First, Americans must be prepared for their healthcare experience to change, and many will realize first-hand that great health insurance does not necessarily equal great health care. Few are aware of just how difficult it will become to navigate an already complex healthcare system, which will be fraught with new limitations. As insurance coverage is extended to an estimated 32 million more Americans, demand on physicians will also increase. More patients visiting the physician per day also means less time and attention devoted to each patient. In many cases, it will be a struggle to find a primary care physician that accepts new patients without being placed on a six month or longer waiting list. This may mean a delay in care, which can ultimately result in negative health outcomes. Furthermore, the evidence-based approach to medicine that will shape the new system will lead to fewer medical options for patients, and will mean that a third-party – vs. the patient and physician – will have a voice in the treatment options chosen for a patient.
Beyond the effects of health reform that people may experience in the physician’s office, many are likely to feel the impact of the new legislation financially – the legislation will cost more than $2.7 trillion over a decade of full implementation, and will add $352 billion to national debt over that period. Furthermore, the bill will increase taxes by more than $569 billion between now and 2019.
Employers can also expect to feel the costly impact of reform. The new legislation outlines employer mandates, as well as increased taxes and other means to pay for reform. Most American workers and businesses will continue to see increasing costs, while millions of others, including younger and healthier workers and those who buy insurance on their own through the non-group market, will actually see their premiums rise faster as a result of this legislation.
Bottom line: dealing with the healthcare system today is tough, but dealing with the system in the future will be even more challenging. Despite the obstacles in medical delivery that lie ahead, Americans can be empowered to take healthcare back into their own hands. PinnacleCare, which serves as a trusted health advisor and partner, is based on that premise.
A trusted health partner can significantly improve the healthcare experience by helping employers and individuals navigate the new reform through:
• A dedicated team to help members control the system, rather than being controlled by the system.
• Education to provide patient choice – Members are not limited to government determined evidence-based medicine restrictions or “quality-adjusted life years” restrictions.
• Expedited access to quality care – PinnacleCare members see physicians on an expedited basis.
• Health advisors who attend appointments, ensuring the doctor answers all questions, devotes adequate time, attention and focus to PinnacleCare members and provides coordination of care.
• Universally compatible electronic health records for PinnacleCare members, available 24/7/365.
• A private pay option to provide all the services the healthcare system can no longer afford to provide.
• Objective and independent research and information about all options – PinnacleCare members can make the best decisions for themselves, without limitations.
To learn more about PinnacleCare, please visit www.pinnaclecare.com. Bruce Spector is the Chairman and Founder of PinnacleCare.