Medicare costs the federal government a very large chunk of money. States also contribute part of the cost of the program. The federal government, in 2010, spent over $452 billion on Medicare. The federal government is attempting to cut these costs with a $100 million program. Post resource - Federal grant would pay Medicare recipients for losing weight by Newsytype.com. $100 million brings in a lot$100 million was set aside for specialty Medicare programs as part of the health care reform bill that was passed around a year ago. This health care incentive system is designed to be used to create rewards for Medicare recipients to lose weight and quit smoking. You may see these financial awards come in through cash, coupons, or gift certificates. Programs can be tailored to each state so-long-as they "demonstrate a commitment to improving their health."Weight and smoking targeted by rewardsBasically those that have unhealthy habits are given incentive to change their ways. On average, those on Medicare are 10% more likely to be smokers than those who are not. The federal health care guidelines will likely be formatted in ways similar to Idaho's or Florida's programs. In Idaho, a doctor is able to proscribe a gym membership up to $200 if a patient is intending to lose weight. You can get $125 for quitting a bad behavior alone.Medicare incentives and the way they functionMost states do not have formal plans set up on how to proceed with the money, but several questions how much that will work. Several companies have provided health incentive programs, some reporting as much as 38 percent savings from the move. States like Alabama are considering the impact of making legislation that impacts smokers and those who are obese. There will be no impact from these rewards if individuals don't both learn about them and want to use them. For instance, an obese person has no incentive to lose weight if they don't also have an incentive to eat healthier.CitationsLA Timeslatimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-obesity-20110411,0,3157293.storyKaiser Health Newskaiserhealthnews.org/
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Medicare costs the federal government a very large chunk of funds. States also contribute part of the cost of the system.
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