When we opted out of Medicare, we did have these discussions with our patients. Universally, they were understanding and sympathetic.
BUT....
The fact is, a lot of medical care is hugely expensive. And you and I know that when push comes to shove, we are going to take care of people. So does Blue Cross, and so does CMS.
In opting out of Medicare, we are now free to use private contracts without fear of being charged with fraud if we reduce charges. It is really quite freeing. Now, if I get paid $15 for an office visit, I at least know I did so voluntarily and feel good about it. It's having some officious jerk in an office in Seattle tell me I'm not worth any more that made me crazy.
