Archive for the 'Health Care' Category
Last week Fidelity came out with the news that they re-calculated what the total Health Care Costs would be for a 65 year old retired couple & that the new number people could expect to have in retirement has gone down. The timing is a little suspect.
The Financial Industry which has stuck by EBRI’s number of 0,000 can now turn to Fidelity who is reporting that the new number will be 0,000
How could this drop happen in such a short time?
There is a common theme out there that Health Care Costs are on the rise again and what is usually followed after that particular statement is that the costs can’t possibly maintain their upward trend at this rate.
But could they?
Instead of tackling the issue of Health Care Costs at the point of what the insurers charge or at the point of the enormous expense it is for doctors to get a degree (most have roughly 0,000 in debt 5 years after graduating) or even the amount that lawyers/lawsuits (Tort Reform could fix) contribute to overall costs we will take a look at a wider issue:
Health care benefits can be provided through many channels. The most common way in the United States is employer provided. Those fortunate to have healthcare insurance via their employer should consider themselves privileged. The plans usually provide the employee with a discount because they are considered part of a larger group of people. Large groups allow the insurance companies to spread the risk of sick individuals with those that are healthy. Usually employers pay a portion of the health care premium as an employee benefit. If the average person had to bear the entire cost of their health care premium they would find premiums too expensive.
The Nationalized Health Care debate continues in Washington and in many communities across America. Many well meaning people seem willing to accept a little socialism, if it means helping a wide swath of the citizenry obtain a basic human right. Socialist politicians recognize a wedge issue to grant a new entitlement to a segment of the population, thereby cementing their political support for generations.
Is health care a basic human right? The Declaration of Independence proclaims that, “all Men…are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable Rights…Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”", it seems strange to ask government to give me something already granted, by a higher power. The government cannot restrict or take this right away. Most of the political arguments refer to 50 million Americans that do not have health insurance.
How often have you taken something of major importance without considering all the facts, just because it was offered? This happens all the time with employers, health insurance plans and employees. Carefully think this one out before you sign. Your health as well as your family’s health will be affected by this very important decision.
Don’t make the mistake of not looking at the employer based insurance documents you are invited to sign, because as insignificant as this might seem; the deeper issues could be that you are convinced that any insurance is better than none so how bad could it be. Settling for the mindset of “no other options available”, is sobering in and of itself.
What is the annual percentage that the average adult goes to see their doctor?
The number is probably higher than you would have answered, it’s 83% of the adult population went to see their doctor last year (Source CDC). Now for the amazing part, which comes from Discovery Health, what is the percentage of inmates seeing a physician? It is over 70% in state pens & over 76% in federal.
Well what type of care do inmates get?
Most would jump to a conclusion that it may be inferior but…under the Eight Amendment in the US Constitution “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”
In society today, and the way we as humans live, health care is a very important factor that we all MUST have in our lives. There are many people out there today who do not have health care and live life day by day and never even stop to think about the risk or consequences they could one day face. They may be many reason people do not have health care insurance but one thing is for sure. It defiantly has a lot to do with the cost.
How much do we spend in Health care?
The latest Retirement Health Care Costs numbers from EBRI as reported by US News & Reports have been released. It’s great that attention is being directed to this issue and costs but these numbers may be misleading;
It all depends on healthy you are
The headline to the article is “Couples Need 8,000 for Retirement Health Care Costs’. Then the article continues to report that this number leaves a couple with only “a 50 percent chance of having enough money to pay for all of their medical expenses throughout retirement” and in order to achieve 90% success rate retired couples should aim to save 1,000”.
While many Americans believe we are in one of the top countries for health care, the truth is we are not. While the United States’ healthcare is the second-most costly in the entire world, we rank a distant 37th in quality! While it may not shock you to learn that America is not the top country where health care is concerned, the fact that we are not even in the top 10 should certainly give you reason for pause.
Health care beds can make sick people rest better. They may also be necessary for recovery from some illnesses or injuries that require the elevation of the head or legs. There are several beds that give patients or caregivers this ability. Some things are important to consider when you are buying these items.
An adjustable platform should help the individual be safe and comfortable, and will help the caregiver to better assist the patient. Being able to adjust the head and foot areas is important for the sick person. Rails on the side will keep the person from rolling out. They also let the patient grab something to support himself as he is getting up or down. It is nice if these rails lower for when a caregiver is assisting the patient. It should be easy to lift and lower the entire platform as well.
