HCCD Report Kentucky 41076

Stories

• Epileptic young adult can not get her own coverage as she is no longer covered by parent
• As contract employee, $6000 deductible concerned about finding pre-existing condition which would prevent regular coverage – when that option arises.
• Rapidly changing premiums / upward deductibles even with teachers retirement programs, etc..
• Story of Wisconsin Medical practice that has loaded familial health history and treatment for all in family so that duplication of facts and records doesn’t keep occurring.
• Someone who is required to use particular hospital connection which would rather make own choice
• Unexpected expenses when multiple medical personnel visit you in the hospital during intensive care and bill you separately.
• Lack of choice/availability when you live in small towns / rural areas
• My son, doctor in rural Virginia is paid on a lower scale then urban counterparts.

Comments

• I wonder how many employees know the actual cost of their coverage.

Problems

• Job Carry Over
• Cost is too high and too high a deductible
• Pre-existing conditions not covered
• Legislatures/Gov Officials are not aware of the problems because they have their own plans
• Current system does not cover wellness
• Current system is based on Profit Model
• Drug Companies do not invest in solutions for rare diseases/ exceedingly expensive
• Health care linked to employment is a failing model
• Insurance industry makes arbitrary decisions about people’s personal health
• Because health care is an expense for American industry, American industry is less competitive with non-American companies where Health Care is not employer driven.
• Pension payments are reduced as premium rise. This is a concern.
• Where are the communications / coordination / health advocates?
• No case managers or advocates causes people to go doctor to doctor with coordination.
• Dental and mental health should be covered
• No national standards for regulation of insurance companies

Desired Solution

• If choice prevents coverage for others, I would give up my choice.
• Equality of service and opportunity for all should be #1 priority.
• Insurance companies will want to expand pool of those covered – so may require broader more inclusive coverage
• Insurance companies will need federal regulation, rather than stat by state and standards for all
• Single payer plan is ultimate goal, with some private options.
• Consider questions about $$ costs for preemie baby costs and terminal illnesses / organ transplants, etc...
• All people must contributes in some way
• Reduce reliance on employer coverage

Survey

1. What do you perceive is the biggest problem in the health system?
   • (a) Cost Of Health Insurance (5)
   • (b) Cost Of health care services (2)
   • (c) Difficulty finding health insurance due to a pre-existing condition (2)
   • Comment: How financial considerations influence services and accessibility
   
   
2. What do you think is the best way for policy makers to develop a plan to address the health system problems?
   • (a) Community meetings like these (5)
   • (d) A White House Health Care Summit (2)
   • Comment: Bring all stake holders (business, insurance companies, government, citizens) together to create framework of agreement before plans and legislation are made
   
   
3. After this discussion, what additional input and information would best help you to continue to participate in this great debate?
   • (a) More background information on problems in the health system (2)
   • (b) More Information on the solutions for helath reform (5)
   • (c) More stories on how the system affects real people (3)
   • (d) More opportunities to discuss the issues [feedback to legislators] (1)
   • Comment 1: Doctors Forum