Rand Paul 2010 | U.S. Senate

By Tim Hulsey, MD

Just when I think that election politics can’t get any more ridiculous, Jack Conway wants Kentucky voters to believe that Rand Paul shouldn’t be elected Senator because he received payment from Medicare and Medicaid for treatment of patients. First, most voters recognize that many eye problems occur in elderly patients who comprise a large percentage of most ophthalmologist’s practice, despite the ever decreasing re-imbursement. Federal law, in fact, forbids physicians even discounting services to Medicare patients, let alone doing it for free.

Second, whether a physician can afford to see Medicaid patients is a personal decision. Dr. Paul has elected to give Medicaid patients access to eye care in his office, despite the low re-imbursement. As physicians, we have to be concerned about getting some re-imbursement for our services in order keep our offices open and our staff employed. Most Kentucky voters know that the government is the only entity that can run a perpetual budget deficit without closing its doors. Since physicians cannot print money or borrow from China, what little we get from Medicaid is still important. I know that Dr. Paul has also treated patients and received NO payment for his services.

I’m sure there are laws on the books with which Jack Conway doesn’t agree. He still accepts his salary to uphold them. Is that hypocrisy? No, that’s his job!

The fact that Dr. Rand Paul has opened access to care for Medicare and Medicaid patients is a testament to his character, not a flaw in it. Jack Conway has never provided free or discounted medical care to anyone, but he would try to fool Kentucky voters with this issue to keep attention off his very liberal views. Rand Paul is the only candidate in this race with whom the liberal Democrats will be uncomfortable!

Tim Hulsey, MD

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1. Obamacare is Destroying Medicare: Where Is Jack?
2. A letter to the editor - Dr. Paul helps those in need
3. Letter to editor - “Paul helped son”
4. Bowling Green Daily News: Attacks By Conway Show Desperation
5. Medicaid reform needed