Life since the Affordable Care Act is an interesting environment. Everything is changing at such a rapid pace, no one knows how to keep up. Hospitals are in the same boat, too!
In a recent study, 75% of hospitals have reported an increase of emergency room traffic since the ACA started. Not only that, but there’s a huge increase in the number of people in Medicaid (in CA it’s Medi-Cal). BUT doctors don’t want to take new Medicaid patients because Medicaid pays doctors so poorly.
So just because more people have access to health insurance, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have access to timely medical care. And that, my friends, is true no matter what health insurance you have or whenever you try to see a doctor!
My assistant was sick a few weeks back, and she had the WORST time getting an appointment to see her doctor! I think doctors offices may be feeling strapped for time too!
Some food for thought while we peel back the many layers of this onion. And keep in mind to plan ahead when you can, keep ahead of illness so you’re not scrambling when you really need help. Check out the article with more info from the President of the American College of Emergency Physicians:
https://www.benefitspro.com/2015/05/04/er-visits-keep-climbing-under-ppaca.
