Monday, August 23, 2010

Healthcare Facts vs. Healthcare Opinions: Which is winning?

Knowledge is power, right? How much do you know about the new healthcare law? Have you heard that it will cut Medicare benefits for seniors, decrease payments to doctors and ration healthcare?

You may have, but it’s not true. In a recent poll, high percentages of Americans expressed that they believe the above three actions to be true. Even half of those surveyed believed in the death panel myth, the idea that these panels could make end-of-life decisions.

While some would say that these poll results bring to light the influence some members of the media have in presenting opinions as facts, the larger point is that this current method of information dissemination could lead to people not being able to take full advantage of benefits that exist and could help them.

As marketing communications experts, and in an attempt to aid both the general public and those healthcare organizations that want to provide a true list, we would like to do our part in making clear what new benefits exist. More information on these facts can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
  • Young adults who lack coverage can remain on their parents’ plan until they turn 26.
  • Approximately four million small businesses are eligible for tax credits of up to 35 percent off their health insurance costs.
  • People can get tests such as mammograms or colonoscopies without having to pay a share of the cost.
  • People who have pre-existing conditions or are uninsured for at least six months can get high-risk coverage through a state or federal high-risk pool.
We know that an issue this big will never be apolitical (especially in an election year), nor should it necessarily be in a free society. However, as the September triggers approach, it will be to the benefit of healthcare organizations that have knowledge in this arena to lead (not sway) the public through the complexity of this issue.

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