By Lynn Kellogg
Kindergarten rules are sometimes cited as being good for adulthood. They tend to focus on safety, kindness, respect, listening and picking up after yourself. Another set of rules might easily be coined “Depression era” rules. I had the good fortune to be born of WWII, Depression era parents. Born in 1915 and 1920, they promoted my independence and taught by example, following simple rules: Work hard, take responsibility for yourself, don’t go into debt, be kind.
While my father was a prodigy in aeronautics, serving the cause through research and design, my uncles were all active-duty veterans. They didn’t talk much about their experience, but all were proud to serve their country and fight for democracy.
With Veterans Day right around the corner, I can’t help but think of them and other veterans I know who served in the Korean War, Vietnam or Afghanistan. I’m grateful for their service and thankful we have the Veterans Administration (VA) to provide health services to show our gratitude. I’m hoping they’re safe from these troubling times in health care.
We don’t have universal health care in this country. The only means for receiving care is private insurance, VA, Medicaid, Medicare or paying out of pocket. VA, Medicaid and Medicare cover designated groups and are a godsend – though, by design, they are not available to the general public.
When people have none of the above and can’t pay out of pocket, they might receive some preventative care from the health department. Still, treatable conditions otherwise go untreated until people end up in an emergency room – where fortunately they are helped – though often for conditions that would not have become serious if treated earlier.
Emergency care is expensive. Hospitals must pass these costs on through the system, ending with increased rates on private insurance. With insurance costing more, fewer businesses and private buyers can afford it, resulting in even higher numbers of uninsured citizens. And so the cycle goes: more uninsured, higher costs.
For years, this has been our dilemma and vicious cycle. The only solution for a system based solely on insurance is getting more people covered through insurance.
Our only significant impact strategy in getting people to buy private insurance was the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. This set up a standardized online marketplace where people could shop and compare, as well as a system of tax credits and subsidies to incentivize buying.
Highly successful in getting people coverage, small businesses, family farms and individuals are the biggest buyers, with 24 million people signed up this year.
Debates over the level of tax credits and subsidies are running high and have beena sticking point with budget talks. If tax credits are left to expire, out of pocket premiums are expected to increase 114 percent. A poll from the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found 6 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about their health costs next year.
Tax credits for health insurance must stay in place. The value of these credits on the state of individual lives and our health system is huge. Addressing the high cost of health care in general is important, but a different discussion requiring long term solutions is also needed. People must have coverage now. It’s important we do not go backwards.
Meanwhile, open enrollment season for Medicare plans is in full swing, and veterans may or may not be aware of their health options. Did you know the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can help on both counts?
No-cost appointments with trained Medicare counselors are available to help people understand their online options. Additionally, the VA contracts with AAA to assist veterans wanting to self-direct their care at home.
Links to area veterans offices and information on Medicare counseling can be found under Programs & Services at www. AreaAgencyonAging.org, or by calling the Info-line for Aging & Disability at 1-800-654-2810.
Stay informed – good luck.
Lynn Kellogg is former CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-6542810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.