[quote=bearishgurl][quote=spdrun]Agreed. Toss the ACA into the sewer. Replace with a base level of public insurance. Done.[/quote]
Between October and December 2015, three out of eight of my “renowned” longtime SD providers have elected to “retire” and close up shop. Two of them cited in letters that their decisions were not based upon their age but the fact that they were unable to keep their offices open due to the low reimbursements from Covered CA plans as well as Medi-Cal (from the one provider who accepted it).
I guess I’ll be out on the hunt sometime this year to replace two of them. They’ve all offered referrals to their patients.
It’s going to get ugly out there, folks. Put yourself in a medical provider’s place (who has fairly high overhead and often has to pay their own malpractice ins premiums). Especially one with 40+ years of experience who has made a name for themselves.[/quote]
That’s what they say, however, participating in a plan is voluntary on part of the provider. My current plan is really good, providers are happy when they see it, yet it has some of the lowest reimbursement rates I’ve seen.
The real problem , IMHO, is that the rate has gone down (significantly for non insured), and the work load has gone up massively. My dentist is a good example, they’ve extended their hours, added hygienists and weekend hours and they’re still booked. My doctor is the same way. It has gone from being able to get a appointment next week if needed to four weeks out and if it’s more urgent, head to urgent care.
But in a nutshell, extending coverage has changed it, instead of $200/unit they make $150, or maybe $125, and if they started taking Some other plans, maybe $100/unit. And demand went from 6 hours of patients scheduled in their office to a full waiting room with twelve hours of patients trying to squeeze in.
