The Coronavirus pandemic has swept through America, and the rest of the world, at a rapid pace. There could be days, maybe even weeks, spent on speculation as to why this virus has not been controlled. Was it the President’s response? Was it the lack of supplies in health care facilities? Was it the sheer … Continue reading
Category Archives: Medicare
A Call for Social Determinants
It is common knowledge that the United States spends substantially more money on health care than other developed nations, yet it is by no means the healthiest country. Health care accounts for one-sixth of United States’ gross domestic product (GDP), but morbidity continues to rise. Two out of three American adults are obese, one-third of American adults have high blood pressure, and diabetes prevalence is … Continue reading
America / Economy / Healthcare / Medicaid / Medicare / U.S. Domestic Policy
VBP Has the Chance to Become the MVP
America has a drug problem that goes well beyond opiates and abuse. Pharmaceutical drug prices have skyrocketed in the last decade and fueled an overall increase in health care costs and spending[1]. The top ten most prescribed medications have all risen more than 50% since 2011, with four out of ten having doubled in cost. … Continue reading
Fighting Waste: Proton Beam Therapy in Prostate Cancer
Experts across the political spectrum have questioned how much society should be willing to pay for new and expensive treatments, especially if another treatment exists with a proven track record. Although it often escapes policymakers, the heart of this debate should be medical efficacy. For both the new treatment and the old, do they work? How … Continue reading
America / Culture / Economy / Fiscal policy / Medicare / Politics / Social Security
The Confident Public: Misguided or Justified on the “Graying of America?”
The graying of America is not a new fear for economists and politicians. Before even the earliest Baby Boomers began retiring, economists were making predictions about the hardships America would undoubtedly face as it aged. Many say those problems have already begun, while others argue they have been over exaggerated and prematurely predicted. The American … Continue reading
Delayed Aging: A New Concept for Living a Longer, Healthier Life
Slowing the biological aging process (senescence) is now a realistic goal. According to a new research study published in Health Affairs, the elimination of diseases such as cancer and heart disease would have less effect on longevity and quality of life than delaying aging itself. Although most medical research remains focused on combating individual diseases, … Continue reading
Important Implications of the Aging Population in the U.S. Workforce
The recent debates on retirement policy are anything but productive. The main points revolve around the rising debt and health care costs, as well as increasing the retirement age. While these concerns are important, retirement policy in the United States (and in the world) needs another look. More and more people are living to the … Continue reading
The President’s Budget Proposal Clashes with Health Care Priorities
The White House finally released the President’s FY 2014 budget proposal last week. Not only has it garnered the media’s attention due to the fact that President failed to keep his deadline (more than two months late) but also both the Democrats and Republicans are equally unsatisfied with the President’s proposal. Here are some key … Continue reading
America / Healthcare / healthcare premiums / Medicare / Politics / Social Insurance Programs / Social Security
Social Insurance Programs: Young American’s “Opinions”
In early February, the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) hosted their 25th annual policy research conference on “Medicare and Social Security in a Time of Budget Austerity.” It was a two-day event and I gladly participated in one of their several sessions on a Friday afternoon. The session that I chose to attend was … Continue reading
Home Health Services: Do We Care?
What does Medicare or home health services mean to you? Is it even relevant? I’ll tell you why we should care. Not to be the bearer of bad news, but you will eventually grow older and hospital visits will become more frequent. Eventually we will be enrolling in Medicare programs or experiencing at first-hand, various … Continue reading
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