William Lawrence Sr Omnibit 11-3-14
Day: November 3, 2014
Doctors Leaving ACA Exchange Plans
The American Action Forum is saying that more than 214,000 physicians will not be participating in Affordable Care (sic) Act exchange plans.
It is basing the claim on an analysis of a May 2014 survey by The Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), a trade group which has served administrators of medical group practices since 1926.
American Action says the big reason is a March 27, 2012 HHS regulation that exchange plans provide their customers with a 90-day “grace period” to pay bills. This makes it very possible that providers are left uncompensated for services provided in those 90 days.
Anther factor though is the discovery that ACA exchange plans are now paying sixty cents on the dollar for services. Private plans pay 100 percent , and Medicare pays 80 percent.
Further it is noted that many ACA enrollees have high deductible plans but don’t understand what a deductible is.
The MGMA study indicates 75 percent of responders said that exchange plan patients were “very likely” or “extremely likely” fo have high deductible Bronze or Catastrophic plans. American Action said their concern is that those with these plans don’t understand what a deductible is and don’t realize that they could accumulate thousands of dollars in charges before these deductibles are met.
“The fear in the provider community is that low-income patients with these plans may rush to get delayed care without the financial ability to pay the high deductible, and while the insurer continues collecting premium payments, the provider will be left uncompensated,” says American Action.
Obamacare is looking more and more like the train wreck we long said it would be.
Doctors Leaving ACA Exchange Plans
Roadkill Deer Just Part Of PA Autumn
Fall marks breeding season for deer, reports State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129) which makes them an autumn road hazard about which Pennsylvanians must be especially aware.
He notes that they are especially active, between sunset and sunrise.
Cox said if a dead deer presents an obvious safety hazard on state roadways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have the deer removed.
For what it’s worth, road-killed deer may be claimed by state residents regardless of whether the person picking up the deer was the one who hit it or if he had already shot one during the hunting seasons. Permission to pick up the deer isn’t required. However, anyone who claims a highway-killed deer must apply to the Game Commission for a free permit within 24 hours from the time the deer is claimed. The permit can be applied for over the telephone. Call the regional office serving the county where the deer is claimed to make application and for more details.
In should be noted that road-kill cuisine is not uncommon in the United States.
Cox also noted that falling leaves, lower sun angles, wet roads, fog, and frost also make fall driving less than ideal.
All drivers are encouraged to slow down and use extra caution, as roadways and bridges may be icy or wet, he said. Drivers are also encouraged to allow extra following distance between vehicles and to the stay in the right lane unless they are actively and safely passing another vehicle.
PennDOT also recommends ensuring your vehicle is kept in proper working order: make sure all lights on the vehicle are working, tire tread is sufficient, and that heating and wiper systems are operating effectively. It is also recommended to clean the inside of the vehicle’s windshield to reduce glare.
For more tips on handling the fall driving conditions, click here.