Elderly Americans concerned about healthcare access
A new study shows elderly Americans are fearful the current healthcare system won't provide adequate access to care, underscoring a need for reform.
The study, by the American Medical Association, AARP and American Nurses Association, shows that about half of those over 50 are concerned there won't be enough nurses or doctors to provide care in the future, and two-thirds of those polled are either very or somewhat concerned that the current system limits their ability to see the doctor of their choice.
"The fact that we need to strengthen our healthcare system may have been lost in some of the media coverage over the last several weeks, but this survey of Americans shows that the need is as great as ever," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. "It is critical – especially based on this polling – that any solution ensures that people can see the health professional they want, when they want – particularly for people on Medicare."
According to the poll, 87 percent believe it's important for doctors to be reimbursed adequately so that they continue to accept patients on Medicare.
"Dedicated physicians work day and night to provide their patients with high quality care within the confines of a fragmented health system," said AMA immediate past president Nancy Nielsen, MD. "This poll shows the public shares our concern about improving our healthcare system for all Americans. The status quo is unacceptable and we must work to achieve meaningful reform this year."
The poll also revealed that most people believe there are not enough nurses to support the current healthcare system, and that the nurse shortage will remain a problem in the future.
"Two-thirds of the poll respondents are sensing what we have recognized for the last decade – that we are experiencing a critical nursing shortage and that it will worsen as the rates of registered nurse retirements and aging Baby Boomers requiring health services each increase," said ANA President Rebecca Patton. "Healthcare reform must ensure that the RN workforce is sufficient to make universal access to quality care a reality, not just theory. We can catch up with growing demand through increased investments in nursing workforce development and educational programs."
According to the study, 78 percent of those surveyed are worried that they or someone they know will incur a healthcare cost that won't be covered by health insurance.
The telephone survey was conducted Sept. 4-7, 2009 by Woelfel Research, Inc. The sample consisted of 1,001 United States residents at least 50 years old.
On the same day that the study was released, AMA President J. James Rohack, MD, sent a letter to President Barack Obama and members of Congress urging action on health reform.
"Our elected leaders need to approach the health reform debate with a renewed focus on what matters most – health coverage for all Americans as well as providing stability and security for Americans that currently are insured, including Medicare patients," he said.
According to Rohack, Congress should pass health reform that includes:
* Health insurance coverage for all Americans;
* Insurance market reforms that expand the choice of affordable coverage and eliminate denials for pre-existing conditions;
* Assurance that healthcare decisions will remain in the hands of patients and their physicians, not insurance companies or government officials;
* Investments and incentives for quality improvement, prevention and wellness initiatives;
* A repeal of the Medicare physician payment formula that would trigger steep cuts and threaten seniors' access to care;
* Medical liability reforms to reduce the cost of defensive medicine; and
* Streamlining and standardizing of insurance claims processing requirements to eliminate unnecessary costs and administrative burdens.
