The Physician’s Weekly #PWChat series continued with another informative discussion focusing on healthcare and, more specifically, medicaid funding. It was co-hosted by Dr. Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP.
You can view our upcoming schedule, or read our other #PWChat recaps here.
Below are the highlights from the chat. You can read the full transcript here.
Question 1
Q1: What do we know about proposals to cut #Medicaid funding, lower coverage, & increase premiums?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A1. The proposed plan aims to cut federal funding to Medicaid significantly. #PWChat https://t.co/PGtwbpnfmL
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
We know that if enacted, any such proposal will kill people. Maybe me. Despite @Avik‘s inability to assess evidence #pwchat https://t.co/GMtzEm73wD
— #MedicaidMatt (@mattbc) July 20, 2017
Question 2
Q2: Why do you think the Senate bill with major cuts to Medicaid appears to have died?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A2. We have already seen increased premiums and less coverage w/ the #ACA. It can be expected to be worse under the new plan. #PWchat https://t.co/PGtwbpnfmL
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A2. It was too draconian in the cuts it was proposing. #PWchat https://t.co/IczO9ins8r
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
This just doesn’t comport with reality. #PWchat See, e.g. https://t.co/QLUGpl09EZ https://t.co/YfDmXRl5qC
— #MedicaidMatt (@mattbc) July 20, 2017
Question 3
Q3: What are the potential benefits of #Medicaid cuts?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A3. Reduces costs and funds can be spent in other places. #PWchat https://t.co/1AIchfEpSc
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A3: .@NRO & @foxnation say 7 states w/ highest #opioid overdose death rates expanded #Medicaid through #ACA https://t.co/0wjOniyfJ2 #PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
Question 4
Q4: What impact could these proposals have on #Medicaid, and other, patients?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A4. Patients will resort to using the ER as their PCP driving up costs down the road. #PWchat https://t.co/mfiueV48Yg
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A4. Patients will ration care leading to worse clinical outcomes. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A4. Many children are covered by Medicaid and this would put their health at risk. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A4: Article in Houston Chronicle says #Medicaid cuts would hurt children in TX https://t.co/2FcR9EGMsu #PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
Question 5
Q5: What would happen to those who lose care following #Medicaid cuts?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A5. They will either not get any care or use the ER as their PCP. #PWchat https://t.co/WqMEAiGikT
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
Question 6
Q6: What factors might lead to clinicians being in favor of #Medicaid cuts?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A6. They don’t treat patients with Medicaid and do not see the direct impact cuts would create. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
Question 7
Q7: What factors might lead to clinicians being against #Medicaid cuts?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A7. They feel it would negatively impact their patients. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A7: Article by @politico & tweeted by @iowahospital says #Medicaid cuts threaten #telehealth https://t.co/jx44HwoYAM #PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
Question 8
Q8: Some say #Medicaid should be temporary as an opportunity to move back to independence. Agree or disagree, and why?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A8. Not everyone can do this. More important, we should find those not eligible for Medicaid who are gaming the system to be on it. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
Question 9
Q9: Does #Medicaid worsen one’s health, as some have claimed?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A9. No, it gives people health care coverage who otherwise might not have any. #PWchat https://t.co/dYIHW0EIBU
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
A9: Article in @nytimes & tweeted by @PolicyLabCHOP says that’s a classic misinterpretation of research https://t.co/XZeB1fOZz9 #PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
Question 10
Q10: Is #Medicaid an entitlement or an #EarnedBenefit?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) July 20, 2017
A10. Neither, it is something offered to help those in need. As a nation, we need to take care of our citizens. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) July 20, 2017
