Medicare Crisis

There is an increasing number of elderly patients that are living longer and that have more complex needs. Now, because of this increasing number there are not enough health care providers or specialists in geriatric medicine; in the United States there are only around 7,100 certified in geriatrics per every 2,500 older Americans. Medicare fails to provide for team care that many elderly patients need. "This July, the government will begin steep cuts in Medicare physician payments, and 60 percent of physicians say this cut will force them to limit the number of new Medicare patients they can treat," the AMA said in a statement. AARP, the organization for older Americans, said the report highlights the growing need for immediate action to improve and strengthen the health care and long-term care work force. I think that of course it is a good thing that there are a lot more elderly people that are living longer, however, it is sad that doctors can not take care of all of them and give the older people what they need. This is also sad because part of the problem as to do with doctors being underpaid. However, I do hope that this problem does not continue to worsen because there is an absolutely huge number of baby boomers that are about to enter a health care system for seniors and not only is it not ready for them but many are discouraged from getting the quality care that they need. What do you think can be done to fix this huge problem that can and will affect many people?

By: Adriane Smith