Medicare patients trapped

My husband and I retired and moved to Spokane three years ago. We both have good health insurance through our retirement. He was turned down at every clinic we called because he is on Medicare while I had no trouble finding a doctor. Finally, he found a clinic near our home. Fortunately, he is in good health, having no chronic conditions and no medications.

Last week he called his doctor and found out that his office was closed and would be relocating mid-March. I called the clinic I use and asked if they would allow my spouse to see a doctor there. No way. “We don’t take Medicare patients.” What is that all about? Our insurance requires us to take Medicare when we become eligible for it.

I hate to see people use the emergency room for a hangnail or the common cold. But now I guess I understand why that happens. Socialized medicine scares us both. However, it’s beginning to look like the direction America is headed. I’d like to hear from the medical community. Can you explain why you feel you have the right to say no to Medicare patients? Is money the answer? What about ethics?

Annalie M. Evans

Spokane