Use Medicare as model for all health insurance

By Aldebra Schroll, M.D.
Chico (Calif.) Enterprise-Record, Letters, June 27, 2015

We are quickly approaching the 50th anniversary of Medicare on July 30. Medicare is the federally funded health program for seniors 65 and over and those with permanent disabilities. It was developed to guarantee health care to the elderly population and prevent poverty as people age. In surveys Medicare has the highest rate of patient satisfaction.

Surveys show two-thirds of the public support a Medicare for all approach guaranteeing universal health care. Under the Affordable Care Act, 53 million were uninsured for part of 2013. Another 39 million find themselves “underinsured” with deductibles and co-pays that limit their access to health care. Medical bills are a leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the U.S.

An improved Medicare for all would offer universal coverage; through a publicly funded and privately delivered health care system. It would save an estimated $400 billion by eliminating the administrative costs associated with the private insurance industry. As we near this important anniversary, isn’t it time to guarantee health care to all?

Dr. Aldebra Schroll resides in Chico.

http://www.chicoer.com/opinion/20150627/letter-use-medicare-as-model-for-all-health-insurance