General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Key to Selling Medicare for All to Voters Is Simple [View all]Hoyt
(54,770 posts)anymore.
Providers charge what they want, but because most have signed a contract with an insurer or Medicare, they get paid what the plan's fee schedule allows and it's not a lot different from what Medicare pays. In fact, one reason so many providers don't accept ACA patients is because the exchange plans' fee schedules are often less than Medicare.
The savings everyone thinks is there, really isn't unless we slash Medicare's rates. That is going to affect nurses, physical therapists, house keeping, and everyone else in the chain. That might be good, but it ain't gonna be seamless. I think we need to shoot for it, but anyone who thinks costs will be a lot less, is going to be disappointed.
I'd also suggest looking at the Urban Institute's analysis last year of Sanders original plan.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/10029596950