Reform and Development of Health Services Medicare Services

Question: Discuss about theReform and Development of Health Services for Medicare Services. Answer: Introduction: I would like to thank you all for your response to my post and extra information provided on Ambulances services I agree with your responses on cosmetic surgery. Medicare covers only cosmetic surgeries, which is medically necessary such as cases of accidental injury or restoration or enhancement of function of a malformed body part. There are wide range of cosmetic surgeries covered by Medicare such as breast reconstruction for patients with mastectomy, body reduction, brow lift, laser resurfacing, breast reduction, skin tag removal, acne removal, and many others. The surgeries that are excluded from the Medicare coverage are those that are not considered to impair functioning in daily activities. They are thus not recognised as medically necessary. For example, Medicare does not cover surgeries of moon face developed as an effect of cortisone therapy as it does not cause any functional impairment in the body (1). It is justified from the medical point of view. However, these people may feel inferior to others in society. It severely impacts their mental health although they can normally perform their daily activities without any medical intervention. Yes, from a psychological perspective what may be a cosmetic necessary to one may be a medical necessary to others. Conclusively, all types of cosmetic surgeries should be included in Medicare coverage. In regards to ambulance services, I found that demand for medical services increases when it is made freely accessible for the public. Hence, such services may be rationed. To meet such vast supply of health services means allowing an individual to avoid the risks against which the health care is insured. It leads to moral hazard and information asymmetry (2). It may not be if managed properly. However, nationwide free ambulance services may lead to moral hazard due to people who cannot save even rainy day fund. References Richards MR, Marti J. A Tale of Two Medicare Transitions: Can Moral Hazard Influence Health Behaviors after a Health Shock?. Available at SSRN 2267575. 2013 May 20. Vyas KS, Snapp WK, Rinker BD, Vasconez HC. A Critical Analysis of the 2012 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Use and Payment Database. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2016 Feb 1;137(2):462e-73e.