Push Within Medicare To Degrade Services To The Disabled. Prosthetics Labeled A "Luxury".

[TheMastersNemesis]

There is a push on Medicare to degrade services to disabled Americans that would also probably effect veterans who are on Medicare and not within the VA system. Auditors have been auditing Medicare costs. And they have focused on the cost of prosthetics for disable people who need prosthetic divides to function.

There is a push for a policy that labeled necessary prosthetics as a "luxury item". The policy change labeling prosthetics as a "LUXURY" would change the quality of prosthetic a Medicare recipient receives. Individuals unfortunate enough to lose a limb would be allowed a prosthesis going back to the 1970's technology. More modern technology prostheses would NOT be provided.

1970's prosthetic technology would be more like wooden leg strapped on by leather straps. In some case NO prostheses would be provided. Medicare patients would have to purchase more modern devices themselves that few could afford. This new policy means that many patients would no longer have a quality of live newer technology would provides.

All of this mayhem seems to come from a RW meme that disabled people are a drag on the economy. It is part of the idea from the GOP that the disabled and sick have NO VALUE to society. Medicare could save billions by degrading or in some cases ending Medicare patients having prosthetics to continue life on a decent level.

LINK - www.Save Prosthetics.org

[procon]

1. Is there a link with more details? nt

[TheMastersNemesis]

5. The Internet Site Is. www.SaveProsthetics.org

I was alerted to the possible change in Medicare policy by my prosthetics adviser. Having become disabled due to a foot loss cause by staph infection I am now using an artificial lower leg. Even with modern technology using a prosthetic is a test of will. Even with modern devices up to 40% of amputees are NOT able to adapt to an artificial limb. Amputees above the knee face even more difficulty and as many as 60% in that category cannot adjust to a limb.

More modern prosthetics allow individuals to adjust to a fairly normal life and many people still work. The new guidelines might even might even take prosthetic technology as far back to the 1950's.

[cali]

2. link

Post a specific claim, you should post a link

[haikugal]

3. This sound like...well we know how they felt about folk in Germany...

Is there a link? Thanks.

[TheMastersNemesis]

6. Link Provided.

[haikugal]

7. Here's the link....

I think this is the link you're talking about..

http://www.saveprosthetics.org

If it isn't let me know. Put it in the OP so people can see it.

[TheMastersNemesis]

8. New Policy Probably Linked To The GOP Idea "Disabled Must Be Put To Work" Meme

Based on my conversation with my prosthetic provider Medicare hired "private contractors" to do audits. And this idea seems to have come from those auditors to save Medicare money. "Private contractors are paid a commission on ALL the money they save the Medicare system. So I guess that nothing is "off the table".

The RW and GOP wants to cut all domestic programs. Anything people get from the government is a "luxurious entitlement" in their world view. So these "entitlements" have to be essentially ended and really not just reduced. I am sure all the GOP presidential candidates believe this basic philosophy.

The only entitlement are subsidies for corporations and tax cuts to the rich. Everything else is taboo to the GOP>

[procon]

9. I'm sniffing a ruse here -- ripping off Medicare for fun and $$$

This is greedy capitalism preying on the fears of vulnerable people. The link, and many similarly named fright factor links, all point to a manufacture of prosthetics that is using scare tactics to protect its chief revenue stream... Medicare. Its true that Medicare is implementing many new healthcare changes regarding electronic records, standardized care and fraud prevention oversight to cut costs. Enter the fearmongers who make and sell these prosthetic devices that will undoubtedly see their profits significantly reduced once these new rules go into effect... unless they can prevent it by sowing fear.

The changes don't eliminate prosthetics, but patients will need to show that they actually have the ability to use, and the need for getting the pricier, higher functioning prosthetics technology. This is common practice for Medicare, and just as other patients have to periodically prove that they require oxygen (like me), or other medical equipment, now amputees will have demonstrate and be evaluated for determining the necessity for the specific type of prosthetic devices that best serve their individual needs, limitations and capabilities.

Naturally, the prosthetics manufacturers object because their businesses model is threatened and once the new changes are in place, they will not be allowed to sell the most expensive products just to maximise their profits, whether the patient needs a high tech model or not.

[TheMastersNemesis]

10. Lose A Leg Or Two Or Some Other Limb And See How You Like It.

Prosthesis offered by Medicare is not the top of the line. It is costly to provide the kind of prosthesis that offers a degree of independence. The cost of prosthesis now offered by providers under Medicare somewhat costly, but it is much less than the best technology has to offer today. You can get state of the art prosthesis if you want but the cost of state of the art prosthetic technology is 3 or 4 times the cost of what is presently offered.

If rules push the technology as far back as 1950 the long term costs will be much more because less capable amputees will need more health care that the less expensive technologies will require. Blistering, skin degradation and other issues were much more common with older technologies. In some case such issues can lead to deterioration of limbs and health in general.

The policy contemplated is essentially nonsense. Even with what is now offered adjusting to a prosthetic life style is hardly peaches and cream. For some reason it was ok to spend $4 trillion on two senseless wars. Now we cannot afford to take care of our own. And such policy will even effect disabled vets who are on Medicare.

Why not go back to the days of Black Beard where you strapped on a peg leg with a leather belt. I guess is that worked for him in the 17th century it will work in the 21st.

[procon]

11. No, the government doesn't provide state of the art equipment

for anything. That's why the gov't awards contracts to the lowest bidder. That's why the current Medicare drug formulary doesn't offer the newest drugs. That's why I can't get a powered wheelchair. Most private insurance isn't much better either.

Medicare is constrained by the limitations imposed upon it by the lily livered members of congress who are too comatose, unconcerned or afraid of looking weak, to put the needs of people over the starspanged headlines of another pointlessly stupid war.

The system will never see any improvement until there is universal healthcare -- cradle to grave -- for all.

[WinkyDink]

14. My 91-yr-old mother was just told that she should have her right lower leg amputated. She is

refusing, opting for wound care and, basically, death by diabetes.

Now I can't even tell her that a prosthesis might be worth it.

[1939]

12. Medicare Fraud

A few days ago, I made an appointment with a rheumatologist for hip bursitis (just need a shot to reduce the inflammation). They must have a "spotter" in their front office, because two days later, i get a phone call from a National Cane Company in Wisconsin offering me a fully-paid cane from Medicare.

[TheMastersNemesis]

15. There Is An Element Of Fraud In The System. Easier To Reduce Benefits Than Go After Fraud.

We are so pro business it is easier to reduce care than grafter an influential business person or lobbyist. Even member of Congress might be benefitting. Look at how much money the Frist family got over time from the system. I see a lot of ads for Medicare paid devices. And I am sure they are mostly scams.

[REP]

16. I'm disabled, have Medicare and degenerative disc disease

I was given a "prescription" cane, but I also have private supplemental insurance that covers DME. The funny thing is that because of the severe arthritis in my shoulders and hands, I can't really use the cane much.

Canes are pretty cheap, even out of pocket.

[1939]

18. I am blessed with good health at 76

My leg just hurts and i need a shot. i do not need a cane. In my mail, I get deluged with advertisements for hearing aids, lift chairs, walk-in bath tubs, etc (all paid for by Medicare of course). Most of my life I have been against government run health care (hang over from the military health system), but sine I have been on Medicare, I have become a firm believer in "Medicare for All" though i believe in "fee for service" and not capitation of doctors..

[WinkyDink]

13. it's simply the Medicare bureaucrats. "No, Mr. Bond! I expect you to DIE!"

[DirkGently]

17. Billions for fighter jets that don't work ...

... but we can't afford prosthetics for people who need them because they're too "fancy?"


Our priorities are insane.