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Off Topic / Winter Sucks - Healthcare Spending
« on: November 03, 2011, 10:50:53 PM »
A topic that has interested me since I returned to school this year to pursue a career in the healthcare industry:
In 2009 (most recent data available), Minnesota spent $7 billion dollars on medical assistance for people who were not able to afford their own healthcare coverage. For reference, the state's entire population was around 5.2 million that year, so that's $1300 per capita spent on MA.
In order to qualify for MA, individuals must show a case worker that they are not able to afford coverage for themselves and family members and have no other reasonable means of securing coverage. Once that threshold is met, healthcare is free or extremely low cost for them, provided they continue to show a financial need.
Outside of that, there are no other requirements that need to be satisfied in order to receive MA. Clearly, a person's ability to consume anything without financial impact to themselves leads to excess. How many motorcycles would you own if you didn't have to pay for them? If going to urgent care was free every time you went, do you think you'd go more often or for less serious situations? How about medications: If you don't pay for them, do you care if there's a lower cost alternative available?
Beyond that, individuals of low income have higher rates of smoking, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma than do people of higher income, leading to further excess.
My question: Is is reasonable to require people on MA to participate in state mandated wellness programs in order to qualify for coverage? Think of things like smoking cessation programs, training on how to eat in a healthy manner, mandatory vaccinations, medication evaluations etc.
In 2009 (most recent data available), Minnesota spent $7 billion dollars on medical assistance for people who were not able to afford their own healthcare coverage. For reference, the state's entire population was around 5.2 million that year, so that's $1300 per capita spent on MA.
In order to qualify for MA, individuals must show a case worker that they are not able to afford coverage for themselves and family members and have no other reasonable means of securing coverage. Once that threshold is met, healthcare is free or extremely low cost for them, provided they continue to show a financial need.
Outside of that, there are no other requirements that need to be satisfied in order to receive MA. Clearly, a person's ability to consume anything without financial impact to themselves leads to excess. How many motorcycles would you own if you didn't have to pay for them? If going to urgent care was free every time you went, do you think you'd go more often or for less serious situations? How about medications: If you don't pay for them, do you care if there's a lower cost alternative available?
Beyond that, individuals of low income have higher rates of smoking, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma than do people of higher income, leading to further excess.
My question: Is is reasonable to require people on MA to participate in state mandated wellness programs in order to qualify for coverage? Think of things like smoking cessation programs, training on how to eat in a healthy manner, mandatory vaccinations, medication evaluations etc.
). Thanks to Greg for planning and coordinating and Roger for helping out with the logistics. GREAT group of riders, great roads and a great time.