Senior Citizen’s “Death” Warrant

TITLE XIII—HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Talk of the day is “Healthcare” or in today’s vernacular “Obamacare”. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, along with their like-minded cadre, have pledged a one payer system we all can dub Socialization. (Government operated healthcare) A complete dismantling of current medical care, known as the finest and most innovative in the world, it would become only Part II of the destruction of our Constitutional Republic.

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During the past several weeks since their August recess, Congress has been besieged by the vocalization of varied constituency. Some very vocal for a one payer system and many against changes in what has been working for 80% of us. But obviously there can and should be expansion of HealthCare allowing greater utilization for those that want coverage of insurance, and those citizens and residents that need it but can’t afford it. One of the most vocal groups has been the Senior Citizens that in the later years of life are afraid losing what they have contributed to and forced to utilize upon retiring or reaching the age of 65. Hearing rumors, (which have more strength than weakness) about death committees and rationing, pushed more at seniors than any other segmented part of society, scares the Hell out of them as it should (including me). Not surprising though all political and economic groups have shown concern and even the media has been voicing a little more than a biased opinion, and for once have been more objective. Reports are coming in from all directions, contrary to many, the public or government option may be off the table. Said also, non-profit co-operatives allowing for more competitive insurance might be the answer. It looks like they would be subject to fulfilling ongoing Government mandates. (Like going into court and having your name changed? You are who you are.) To Seniors, whether recognized or not, none of this means anything to us, other than general rationing and the inflation to our fixed income as everyone knows there will be a tax component. After all, we have plenty of time and money only having to take from the pool of credits we contributed to. Just like Congress who spends it daily. Well, that isn’t quite true. Even if those that have grown up and thrived on the system currently have wish to destroy it and fail, on this Obamacare Bill, it doesn’t make a difference. The Bill through the Congress and the Obama Administration has already been passed and funded. It was in the Stimulus Bill known as ‘‘American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009’’. I am aware that many, at this time of life, can take the time out to enjoy the fruits of their labors. We enjoy the beginning of our children and grandchildren’s lives, but as seasons and the “Almighty” will have it, fade away to better pastures. Some look forward to those times to come more rapidly than others as the years have not been as kind, or possibly as fair for varied reasons. But the above mentioned type of warrant for passing is for our Maker”, and not a man made phenomenon. Within a quietly inserted piece of Legislation which was touted a needing immediate passage, (remember, the one of many that no one read) lured an addition that also was formed and funded called in the Bill “TITLE XIII—HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY” which creates the “AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY”. The purpose of this inclusion (from the Bill)” That the funding appropriated in this paragraph shall be used to accelerate the development and dissemination of research assessing the comparative effectiveness of health care treatments and strategies, through efforts that: (1) conduct, support, or synthesize research that compares the clinical outcomes, effectiveness, and appropriateness of items, services, and procedures that are used to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases, disorders, and other health conditions; and (2) encourage the development and use of clinical registries, clinical data networks, and other forms of electronic health data that can be used to generate or obtain outcomes data:” This is the beginning of our execution warrants. The Government still says that they plan to cut $500,000,000 + from Medicare and Medicaid. Where will the adjustments be made, with the senior population increasing around 30%(baby boomers)? It is a forgone conclusion that with a radical reduction in services available, what providers get paid, and less people to be a drain on the proposed system, they can balance their budget. Remember, they are exempt. And if by chance we don’t make it through the waiting list, or the service isn’t authorized any more due to the “AGENCY FOR HEALTHCARE RESEARCH AND QUALITY” recommendations, it will speed up the balancing of the budget. Since the decisions are based in the arena of politics the results should go as smoothly.