(Snippets from the frontline)
Seeing, chewing, hearing
Medicare does not pay for glasses, dental work, nor hearing aids.
If you are a senior and can’t see, chew, or hear, what impact might this have on your quality of life?
No TV, reading, or driving; losing weight, poor nutrition, gum or tooth infections; loss of communication and social isolation.
I already know the counterpoint is Medicare cannot afford to pay for these basic living costs. As you might suspect as with any government agency, finding a way to do this might be easier than we think.
Eliminate the 2010 estimated 47.8 billion (with a “B”) fraud taking place in the Medicare system. This is 10% of the total budget and is well-documented lost money that easily could have provided these services.
In the long run, providing glasses, dental work, and hearing aids could ultimately save money improving mental and physical health, even allowing many seniors to be contributors to society again.
Do elected officials get these benefits?
Almost all wear glasses and seem to have nice teeth.
Too bad they still can’t hear us.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
I have always wondered why the American voters have not brought forth a measure to have our elected officials receive the same type of medical benefits that the average American had to deal with. Especially when it come to Medicare! There should be no special treatment for them just because they are elected officials. They already get paid for the position. That should be enough.
Dr. Gene, Your diary entry today, (“Seeing chewing hearing) was astounding and eye-opening. It was also one of the most humorous pieces you have written. Keep up the good work!