The decision this week to allow NHS patients in England to top up their NHS care by paying for additional drugs, provided private treatments take place in private medical facilities, is a monumental one with far-reaching implications. Coming after about four months of consultation, the policy will automatically put an end to the old regime in which resorting to a private facility or drugs outside those authorised by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) would result in one giving up access to NHS care.

Relying heavily on the need to improve access to medicines for NHS patients, Health Secretary Alan Johnson and National Cancer Director Professor Michael Richards made the new decision public.

In the period under which it was debated, various positions were advanced by experts of varying professional backgrounds, including medical practitioners who made clear their position that allowing the policy could weaken the health system rather than serve as a boost. And there were many others who felt it was high time NHS patients were allowed to supplement their care with private fee-paying treatments. In this case too, the need to strengthen the NHS was clearly articulated.

What are the likely implications of NHS top-ups?
One of the very first things that analyst have been clear about is that allowing NHS top-ups could result in many patients, especially those who can conveniently afford it, turn to private medical or health insurance at the expense of the NHS.

Let's not forget that some months ago, when the superbug issue dominated discourses everywhere in the country, many people wanted to opt for what they termed cleaner, superbug-free private medical facilities. Often, people in support of this position argued that the private healthcare attracts fewer people of less diverse backgrounds and are, therefore cleaner. The fact that it could mean paying a lot of money as opposed to the almost entirely free of charge services obtained from the NHS mattered, and still matters, less to these people.

But in fairness to many in this category the decision would allow a wider access to treatments, especially for people suffering such very serious illnesses as cancer. While unveiling it, Mr Johnson noted that: "It is an incredibly thorough report and I am accepting all of his recommendations." The health secretary went on to explain that the policy would lead to "greater clarity, a fairer society and wider access to treatment."

For many that worked round the clock to ensure its approval this is a sweet victory that comes with many advantages. And for those, like insurance companies, who did not make any obvious push towards it but silently prayed for it to see the light of the day, it's a dream come true.

This, perhaps, explains why some pundits were opposed to it from the consultation period up until now. Experts on this side of the argument still believe that the health system would be hugely undermined and the big insurance firms would be the winners.

Whether this will happen or not, the most important thing at the moment, especially for consumers, is to make the most of its advantages and avoid those flaws that would get them into trouble. Often, as in the case of most insurance policies, the essential thing to do is to try shopping and comparing deals as much as possible. With online comparison sites at our disposal all the time, we have no excuse not to find the deals that suit our needs most.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Musa_Aliyu

There are millions and millions of people in our Country who suffer from disabilities on a level that few of us could imagine. With the aging of the baby boomers, who are the largest single age bracket ever in the US, comes the realization that the growth of people with disabilities will continue to increase year by year. Many people with disabilities have one concern and one concern only. And that's the mobility issue. Plainly put, 'how are they going to get around'? Through technology there has been the creation of mobility aids like electric wheelchairs, lift vans, and rollators.

One of the most expensive and popular forms of mobility aids is mobility scooters. This little device has been a godsend to many to be able to get around in a very practical manner. But because of the scooter's technological efficiency it can be rather costly.

So an important question many people with disabilities want to know is will Medicare cover the cost of mobility scooters?

More than likely Medicare will end of covering the expenses of mobility scooters. But it is demanded that you be able to exhibit a very legitimate need for one, medically speaking. And show the main use of the device to be to get around the home. So it can't just be something for your convenience outside the home like a grocery store or a movie theater.

You absolutely need to follow the steps below to ensure that Medicare covers the cost of your scooter.

Your Physician is the only one that can give you a prescription for the equipment. So do not even bother to order the mobility scooter until you have arranged an appointment with your doctor.
The doctor also must document your medical need for the mobility scooter. And put this in your medical records with a signed and dated prescription.

Then, this order must be received by your supplier of the device before Medicare is billed. And he must store it on file.

Now if you happen to receive your Medicare through a Medicare Medical Advantage Plan, like an HMO or PPO, it is likely you will have to follow that particular plan's steps to get approval for the mobility scooter. Be sure to call your plan's customer service to find out these details!!

Hope this information helps you in getting your mobility scooter!



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Medical care as we all know is said to be in a way the undisputable "king of pampering" that our body demands. Medical care if not given due importance will prove to be the mental menace and physical trauma in every sense of the word. It is the uninvited guest that intrudes in our otherwise healthy lives without any warning. It is a well known fact that medical care eats away a significant portion of our hard earned money especially when we are negligent towards healthcare. The more we run away from medical care the sooner we get into a situation of falling sick and seeking medication which usually ends up on the higher side.

So when do we say that we are immune to perils of costly medical care? Is the healthcare plan that we possess enough for keeping our families safe from such threats? Is our healthcare plan rendering enough service for which it is meant to be? Are the healthcare plans apt for our medical needs? These are some of many questions that need to be posed against ourselves before extending the renewal of existing medical care plan or before proceeding for a new one. So why are we talking about healthcare plans and medical care all of a sudden? What's causing us to discuss about healthcare plans than ever before?

This is because of late there has been a great buzz in the healthcare space especially in providing quality supplemental healthcare to the large middle and lower class working population who as per estimates are largely found to be uninsured and under insured. Reasons may be many but the customer or the average citizen of America is definitely feeling the heat of costly medical care which unfortunately never shows signs of moving towards south. Some healthcare companies have succeeded in tapping the market of providing quality supplemental healthcare at lowest of low prices to the working class of America.

It is been possible through a meticulous business plan and agreement between the healthcare service provider and the healthcare company itself. The customized service combined with vast service provider network spread across America has made sure that these companies have a positive affect on every citizen of America. To top it all, the low start up fee and a very low monthly plan stands out among all the service features of these healthcare companies.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Prema_Ananda