Sunday, November 21, 2010

Senior Health Care

From Diane:



Funny.

9 comments:

Mike Dawson said...

Funny? It's sad and pathetic. We obviously define "humor" differently too.

Mary said...

Come on.

I don't mean others' suffering is funny. I find no humor in that.

I think it exposes how screwed up our system is in a clever fashion.

Mike Dawson said...

That is assuming the initial premise were true. The only senior citizen that is denied care in an assisted living or nursing home today are those who haven't the funds to pay for it. Live within your means. Are you saying the "system" needs to expand so that government pays for 100% (to avoid the need to break laws in order to obtain housing and food)? Somehow I doubt that is the case given the tenor of your other postings.

Mary said...

You're wrong. Do some research on Medicare and nursing home coverage.

I'm not going to parse this "Maxine" item. Obviously, it simplifies and distorts. Specifically, what I found worth noting was its commentary on government spending.

One way to get the government to provide for you, ALL expenses paid, is to commit a crime and go to prison. Being rewarded for bad behavior -- get it?

Mike Dawson said...

Thank you - based on other topics on this blog it appears you're quite informed and well read. However, in this case you are the one who is wrong. Both my wife and I are fortunate that our mothers are both still living, essentially healthy - both in upper 80's...their health care coverage (paid by Medicare and private insurance) has been top-of-mind. I'm comfortable that I'm equally well-informed, & well-read. The cartoon is part of the rehensible "deathers" campaign by radical right wing-nuts who charged during health care debate the legislation was designed to "kill granny".

Mary said...

I'm not wrong about Medicare coverage for nursing home care.

You must find Paul Krugman to be reprehensible. He talks about death panels and rationing.

Mike Dawson said...

Hard to say if you're right or wrong ('I'm not wrong about Medicare coverage for nursing home care') because you haven't said anything here one way or the other. To stay on point, my critique was of a silly comic trying to make fun of someone shooting politicians simply to get into a prison and be cared for by others. I said I didn't think there was anything funny about that. But I also realize humor is a matter of taste. It would seem the debate about Medicare or other such programs requires far more discussion - and not just some drive-by back-handed critique - and no, I don't find Paul Krugman to be reprehensible. Don't you love it when others tell you what you think or like? (Well, it drives me nuts when I hear folks like Rush Limbaugh speaking with total, complete confidence about "what progressives think".) People...you, me, Rush....heck, maybe even Maxine...we're all individuals. Please 'don't fence me in' as they say out west.

Mary said...

1. Nursing home costs are covered by Medicare. Clear?

2. I didn't say you DO find Krugman reprehensible, though if you're consistent, you must. Not putting words in your mouth.

Mike Dawson said...

1. No it's not clear...and here I was assuming you knew what you were talking about. Silly me. Sounds like you need to follow your own advise and do some reading. (Cliff Notes-style summary: "About Medicare Coverage
Generally, Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care. Long-term care can be provided at home, in the community, or in various types of facilities, including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most long-term care is considered "custodial care". Custodial care is nonskilled, personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, eating, getting in or out of bed or chair, moving around, and using the bathroom.
Medicare pays for medically-necessary care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for people with Medicare who require skilled nursing or rehabilitation services. Skilled care is given for a short period of time when you need skilled nursing or rehabilitation staff to manage, observe, and evaluate your care. Examples of skilled care are intravenous injections and physical therapy.") source: http://www.medicare.gov

2. no comment - you're the one who hauled Krugman into the discusion...not really sure why.