I know we agree on some points, Nifster, but it is my belief that if you are over 65, you should have the option to opt out of Medicare and pay out of pocket if you can and wish. But I do NOT agree with you that doctors should have access to a government code that gives them government money for the discussion they have with you concerning the end of one’s life. That is government-sponsored killing. The GOOD doctors have these discussions with patients regardless of “whether there is a code for that.” If practicing medicine is IMPOSSIBLE without some silly government code, we are in a world of hurt.
“But I do NOT agree with you that doctors should have access to a government code that gives them government money for the discussion they have with you concerning the end of one’s life.”
Then pay for the doctor’s time out of your own pocket. I hate medicare because it under pays for what docs do and it limits what patients can have in the way of treatment.
“That is government-sponsored killing.” Not even close.....Don’t be ridiculously over dramatic. Government sponsored killing looks like gas vans and concentration camps and starving populations. Talking with someone about the end of life (which comes to us all) and giving information hardly constitutes KILLING.
Now the panels that decide what care you may and may not have.....that is government sponsored killing