John Rother
John Rother
benefit hoped partisan people program
This was a program enacted as part of a very high-profile, partisan controversy, ... And the other thing is, the benefit is not what people had hoped to see.
benefits generation investment pay paying private retired saving shifting themselves twice
Shifting to private investment wouldn't be easy. A whole generation would have to pay twice -- saving for themselves while paying benefits to those retired under the old system.
access afford aging assisted based benefits care changes choice choices community extend future good growing health highly homes improved increased issues large left limited living news nursing points population restricted term thus wealthy
The report, while being good news for many, also points out that if the issues of the growing and aging population's future long term care needs, are not addressed today, the choices will be limited to the wealthy and highly educated. Access to choices for the population at large will be restricted to those who can afford alternatives to nursing homes such as assisted living or home and community based services. Any changes must extend the benefits of improved health and increased choice to those who have been left out thus far.
makers true wish
We just wish the same kind of self-restraint could be true for the makers of brand-name drugs.
care costs finance keeping per successful
Even if we're extraordinarily successful ... at keeping the per capita costs limited, there has to be some way to finance care for that many people.
debate early ground happened middle opportunity polarized
What happened was the debate got polarized very early and the opportunity to find the middle ground was missed.
far price putting spotlight
We're putting a spotlight on what manufacturers are charging, which is by far the most significant part of the price equation.
believe coverage save
We really believe this coverage is going to save lives.
across changes playing state timely trends wave
Of course, these trends are playing out differently across the states. Florida, for example, has already experienced a demographic wave that illustrates the need for timely changes in state programs.
people relatively seems
Right now, it seems to be relatively quiet. For people (who are enrolled in the program), it's actually working.
job likely mostly moving point seem
It doesn't seem at this point that there's likely to be legislation moving on to the president. I think our job is mostly done.
afforded care changes essential federal health opportunity positive rare seize state term trends
State and federal policymakers should seize the rare opportunity afforded by positive demographic, socioeconomic, and health trends to make essential changes in the nation's long term care programs.
certainly compared consumers explain generic good kept news previous prices reason sure switch
That was a real surprise. Generic drug prices have been kept down substantially compared to previous years. I'm not sure I can explain that, but it's certainly good news for consumers and more reason than ever to switch to a generic drug if you have that option.
concerned industry patients
I think the industry is more concerned about shareholders than they are about the patients who take the pills.