Some Thoughts on Insurance and Chiropractic Care
August 2012
Hi Everybody Dr. Norris Here.
With the recent changes to health care I wanted to answer some questions many patients have had regarding insurance and chiropractic care. The details of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also known as ObamaCare are slowly being revealed but the full ramifications of the law will not take effect for another few years.
There are pros and cons of the new law. People will have greater protection from cancellation and dependents can stay on a plan with their parents. For those of you who have insurance coverage keep it. Because I have already seen that some people are having trouble getting new policies. Also be prepared for premium increases if you have not already seen them. Some employers will cancel or reduce benefits because the costs will go up.
The experts are not sure if the new insurance plans will cover Chiropractic care. They believe that if allowed chiropractic treatments will be very limited. I have already seen this with many insurance plans. Deductibles and co-pays are increasing and allowable services are being cut. Medicare does not pay for maintenance or well care, they only pay for injuries and that coverage is limited. Medi-Cal is even more restrictive.
So what does all this mean for you the health care consumer? Well… be prepared to spend more money for your health care and expect to get less coverage. Now some good news! I still accept most insurance plans. Including Kaiser, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, ASHP, United Healthcare and union plans. I also have reasonable fees for patients without insurance.
Now days everyone is being forced to make hard financial decisions. If you are in need of chiropractic care and for some reason you can’t afford it, please let me know. We can work something out. I want everyone to get the care they need. Oops… now I sound like a politician!
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris
August 2012
Hi Everybody Dr. Norris Here.
With the recent changes to health care I wanted to answer some questions many patients have had regarding insurance and chiropractic care. The details of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act also known as ObamaCare are slowly being revealed but the full ramifications of the law will not take effect for another few years.
There are pros and cons of the new law. People will have greater protection from cancellation and dependents can stay on a plan with their parents. For those of you who have insurance coverage keep it. Because I have already seen that some people are having trouble getting new policies. Also be prepared for premium increases if you have not already seen them. Some employers will cancel or reduce benefits because the costs will go up.
The experts are not sure if the new insurance plans will cover Chiropractic care. They believe that if allowed chiropractic treatments will be very limited. I have already seen this with many insurance plans. Deductibles and co-pays are increasing and allowable services are being cut. Medicare does not pay for maintenance or well care, they only pay for injuries and that coverage is limited. Medi-Cal is even more restrictive.
So what does all this mean for you the health care consumer? Well… be prepared to spend more money for your health care and expect to get less coverage. Now some good news! I still accept most insurance plans. Including Kaiser, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, ASHP, United Healthcare and union plans. I also have reasonable fees for patients without insurance.
Now days everyone is being forced to make hard financial decisions. If you are in need of chiropractic care and for some reason you can’t afford it, please let me know. We can work something out. I want everyone to get the care they need. Oops… now I sound like a politician!
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Norris
HEALTH UPDATE
Exercise: Pick an Activity You Enjoy.
A huge mistake people make when exercising is forcing themselves into an activity they do not care for. If you are a swimmer then swim. If you are not, then it is probably best to stay out of the pool. People are most successful starting an exercise program if they get to participate in an activity they like and choose. Of course, it is okay to try something different but if you do not enjoy it, then it will not be long until you quit your new exercise program. So have fun with your exercise!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well."
~Marcus Valerius Martial
