TUCSON, Ariz., March 9, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The plan favored by many healthcare reform advocates is to make Medicare universal. The perception is that Medicare is popular and efficient, and that patients' needs are met, states Jane M. Orient. M.D., executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS).
It is also believed that the solvency of the program can be extended indefinitely with small tax increases and a change in the way physicians are paid, she added. "This is all based on myth."
The spring 2015 issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons reprints a 2002 summary of Medicare myths and facts. "The situation is even worse today," Orient states. The article debunks 13 widely held beliefs:
- Beneficiaries are just getting back what they have paid in.
- Medicare pays the reasonable cost of medical services.
- Without Medicare, most seniors wouldn't have medical care.
- Seniors were in poorer health before Medicare.
- Medicare is low-cost insurance.
- Medicare has low administrative costs.
- The Medicare Trust Funds are safe; they even have a surplus.
- Medicare can afford to add a new drug benefit.
- The problem could be solved by forcing the rich to pay their fair share.
- Medicare bureaucrats are there to help you.
- Medicare's fiscal troubles are largely caused by physicians who defraud the system.
- Patient care is not jeopardized by Medicare fraud initiatives, fee cuts, or hassles.
- Medicare patients have access to the best in medical technology.
Prophecies made in 1965 have come true, and promises made to get physicians to accept the program have all been broken, the article states.
The article concludes: "The Medicare system was doomed from its beginnings. Drastic change is needed to save medicine for today's seniors, and their offspring. The first step is to find out the truth and not be misled by the Medicare Myths.
The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is published by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943.