I’m grateful for Medicare – now quit killing it!

So often, we get great pleasure out of bashing politicians, but sometimes the culprit is us.

An acquaintance told me of a prescription error by her doctor’s office and making another appointment for a prescription rewrite. I suggested a phone call to save the collective “us” the additional $70 Medicare bill. She said she didn’t have to pay anything and that’s what she was going to do!

What about doctor fraud? Will her doctor choose honor and ethics or eagerly bill Medicare for another appointment under a different billing code?

I also had an ethical issue with my doctor who ordered some blood work done before my annual exam. The exam consisted of checking for ear wax, chest listening, blood pressure and listing a multitude of future tests. Later, I realized I didn’t get the recent blood work results and called them. The PA said my appointment was only for the annual exam. A separate appointment was needed for any results. Are the annual exams and annual test result discussions really two different billable medical provider activities?

Do doctors and patients believe money trees grow on the Washington D.C. Mall? Medicare benefits far exceed anything we paid or will pay for in monthly premiums. Every visit for sniffles, hangnails, prescription refills and multi-step annual exams further puts Medicare’s future in jeopardy.

Our Medicare doesn’t put us on a six-month wait list for scheduling. People don’t die waiting their turn. Medicare provides immediate premium care. Our Medicare doesn’t charge a co-pay for every service we receive.

Does that mean we have a right to abuse this gift? Why are we surprised and angry that the level of Medicare benefits we enjoy is at risk? I’m grateful for Medicare -- quit killing it!