Marietta, Georgia (PR) August 26, 2008 – Barack Obama has introduced Senator Joe Biden to the nation as his running mate, telling supporters that he is “a leader who is ready to step in and be president.”
While both the Democratic and Republican campaigns gear up for the general election season it is important that we look at all of the candidates health care beliefs, policies and plans for America.
A quick visit to Biden’s web site (http://www.biden.senate.gov/) and you’ll find, “The Biden Plan: A Prescription For A Healthier America.” His plan indicates that he is committed to reducing the number of uninsured American’s and improving American’s access to essential health care services. He also talks about giving uninsured Americans 55 and older the chance to buy into early coverage under Medicare.
Interesting idea considering that the cost of health care in the U.S. is expected to continue to outpace inflation and gobble up more of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to an analyst by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Spending in 2006 surpassed $2.1 trillion for the first time, can you image where it is headed?
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) economist Sean Keehan, one of the authors of the government’s annual health care projection report said, “Health care is expected to consume an expanding share of the U.S. economy over the next decade, meaning policymakers, insurers, and the public collectively face some difficult decisions about the way health care is delivered and paid for.”
Medicaid spending in 2008 is projected to grow 6.8 percent and reach $361.2 billion. For the next decade, it is expected to grow at an average of 7.9 percent per year, reaching $717.3 billion, or 16.8 percent of national health spending, by 2017.
By 2015, spending on the elderly will consume nearly half the federal budget, through Medicare and Medicaid, pensions for federal workers and military retirees, veterans’ health care and pensions, coal miners’ benefits, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, heating and housing assistance, and other programs for the elderly, according to the Brookings Institution.
Why should health care be a big issue during the elections? Because according to U.S. Census Bureau, a substantial increase in the number of seniors will occur during the 2010 to 2030 as the nation’s baby boomers age. By the year 2020, 12 million older Americans will require long-term care services. By 2030, 72 million Americans will be over the age of 65 or one out of every five Americans.
As the U.S. population continues to age about 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition and 50 percent have at least two. Arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders are some of the leading health struggles they will face.
Someone recently said that baby boomers; especial the tail end boomers could live to see 100 plus years; health care demands will continue to dramatically increase and put pressure on our health care services. So the health care beliefs policies and plans of the candidates are very important.
While the cost of health care is out of the ordinary American’s hands we can take control of our own personal medical history assuring us better medical care especially in an emergency. Knowing, tracking and recording your personal medical history is a critical must and truly becoming more your responsibility.
Did you know most states only require your doctors to keep patient records for an average of 5 to 7 years? What happens to your records when you really need them? What if your doctor retires, changes practices or moves to another state? Do you really want to fight to rebuild your medical and drug history in an emergency? Wouldn’t it be more sensible to prepare now and keep a running record of your medical and drug history, contact numbers for doctors, family and ICE, pharmacies, insurance companies, personal inventory, directives and much more.
The MedicMinder believes all America’s should that’s why we provide peace of mind for users – the knowledge that all pertinent medical and drug history is documented in one comprehensive, easy to use system. No second-guessing in an emergency – having this vital information in immediate reach reduces guesswork and stress so often felt during times of medical crisis.
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Diane Carter, PR Contact, media@themedicminder.com, http://www.themedicminder.com, Post Office Box 333, Marietta, Georgia 30061, 770-499-0127
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