Physicians refusing Medicare Patients

[Tuckamore]

Hi All,

I don't often post but today my pain and frustrations are high. I had to share them. As many of you know I am spending six months in Florida. Thankfully I have found a good PMP although it took more time then I would have liked. He provided me with several names of PCP for my medical needs.

In January I became eligible for Medicare as I am on SSDI due to this horrid chronic pain. In my home state of WI that is not a huge issue. So today after weeks on not feeling well I decided I had not choice but to consult a PCP. I took the list that my PMP provided me. Well in this state the first questioned asked when you call to make an appointment is, "What is your insurance." When I respond, "Medicare with a supplement" I have been told by everyone on that list that they do not take Medicare patients.  WHAT??? When I ask if they had any suggestions I am told, "Just keep calling around."

I am fortunate to have always been insured.....and I pay dearly for the supplement. I am a responsible adult and know the value of medical insurance.  I can't find a physician that will take a sick patient because they don't have the "right insurance." My eyes have been opened. My parents have been on Medicare for years. I have never had this issue with this fact in WI. No physician has turned them away because they were on Medicare. Is it because my home state has a different philosophy on patient care...or is this state (FL) an exception? Is the refusal to see Medicare Patients happening across the USA with the exception of my area of WI?

I have finally gone to Medicare's Site to seek a physician's name that may see me. I am truly sick....and getting sicker. If this fails I will be forced to go to Urgent Care. The Urgent Cares I have found in this area will only take Medicare patients IF they PAY UP-FRONT. They won't even bill Medicare!  We discovered that when my husband had an Urgent Ear problem a few months ago. In my state you are not refused care based on your ability to pay....and you never have to pay up front....unless it's a co-pay and then they'll ask if you are able to pay all or at least part of the co-pay.

I am fuming!!! What's wrong with this system and is there any fixing it?

Sorry for venting. I had to let some of this steam off before I continue these calls. I don't want to display a bad attitude. Who would want to see an ornery disabled person??

Thanks for listening. :o)

Blessings,
~Tuck    

[Tuckamore]

Hi Shinty,

You said it well. I agree when all the BabyBoomers are on Medicare...that they kept that contributing to for so many, many year along with other benefit  programs....what will happen when they all need it. Frightening!

Now they are being treated like second class citizens....along with those us us that have disabilities. Shameful in my opinion!

Thanks for your comment.
~Tuck

[shinty]

My spine surgeon has operated on me 9 times, when I had the "right" insurance- (Blue Cross/ Blue shield Master Health Plus). I now have Medicare, as I get SSDI disability also. I need yet another procedure, but he won't help me due to the "insurance issue". I did a little research, and found out that it's totally legal for the doctor to refuse me (I'm in Massachusetts). I personally think that it's a disgrace to make an established patient look elswhere for needed care. Medicare is going to be ALOT of peoples only insurance, and it should be considered the gold standard, and not the pariah that it seems to be in many doctors eyes. I feel for you tuck!