Health Affairs has released a study showing Medicare beneficiaries are more satisfied with their health coverage than beneficiaries with Employer Sponsored Insurance (ESI).
I doubt that most of us find that surprising.
Key findings below the fold.
Health Affairs Release
Here's the money quote:
"Right now, policymakers are debating whether to offer a public health insurance plan to those under 65 as part of comprehensive health reform. Our results show that, in important ways, Medicare serves the elderly more effectively than employer-sponsored coverage serves its enrollees. If given the opportunity, many adults under age 65 would likely select a public health insurance option," said lead author Karen Davis, president of the Commonwealth Fund.
Other key findings included Medicare benificiaries reporting:
Better access to care
More physicians accepting their coverage
Fewer non-covered services
Fewer problems with medical bills, inability to pay, or referral to collections
Higher confidence in ability to access quality care in the future
So, I can certainly understand why ESI providers are afraid of the prospect of competing with Medicare.
The timing on this is perfect. What a great opportunity to contact Senator Baucus, and ask him why he thinks we don't deserve to have access to a lower cost option that is succeeding better than our high cost, reviled ESI option.
The good senator can be reached at:
(202) 224-2651(DC Office)