As employers review their employee benefit offerings to ensure that they're sufficient and comply with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, health experts say that doctors are reviewing some of their plans as well. Citing reduced compensation rates, doctors are more frequently opting not to accept patients covered through Medicare.
According to the Wall Street Journal, after reviewing government agency information from the Department of Health and Human Services, the number of doctors who decided not to take Medicare patients in 2012 tripled when contrasted with 2009 figures.
While health experts say the dramatic reduction in doctors taking Medicare recipients is substantial, it's not enough to affect the ACA or when it will go into effect. However, it may impact the ease with which patients can secure an appointment.
According to recent analysis from HealthPocket, even access to prescription-based medication is limited through Medicare.
"Consumers will find that even with their medication on a plan's formulary they may still need to pass through hoops in order to get their prescription filled," said Steve Zaleznick, executive director for consumer strategy and development at HealthPocket, who authored the report.
Some of the obstacles, he noted, include limiting how many pills can be received at any one time and prior authorization. This is where the healthcare provider has to get in touch with the insurer directly in order to gain approval before prescribing.
