"[E]xcellent monograph . . . . It reflects an extraordinary grasp of the problems facing dual eligibles in states that, like Louisiana, do not pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance amounts. . . . Part of its value lies in a review of the published literature . . . and part in your experience as a geriatrician . . . . "

"Louisiana has elected not to pay Medicare deductibles and coinsurance for dual eligibles, which has the unfortunate effect of discouraging physicians like yourself from treating this group of patients in the community. . . . [This places] these patients at risk of avoidable institutionalization in a nursing home at Medicaid expense -- an expense substantially greater than the state would incur in paying Medicare deductibles and coinsurance for this population."

"As a physician who makes house calls for the elderly poor, you will have high credibility with most readers . . . ."

--- Andy Schneider, Medicaid Policy, LLC, Washington, DC

"I applaud your concerns about trying to get better health care coverage for poor seniors. . . . I do agree that the source [of the problem] is the wrong-headed 1997 Congressional budgeting statute. . . . [T]his is something that Congress can address since they created the problem in the 1997 Balanced Budget Act. . . . I salute you for your efforts to educate the public about this. I can certainly see that you have the facts and figures to illustrate the problem."

--- William Quigley, Law Clinic,
Loyola University School of Law, New Orleans, LA

"Thanks for your dedication and passion for this issue. . . . [A]ll of the physicians . . . who care for Medicare patients here in Louisiana and the U.S. appreciate immensely your efforts. . . . I really like how you emphasize alternative care over nursing home care. I also admire your diligence and detail in which you so expertly and exactly commented on the financial figures and the huge potential cost savings to the state [of Louisiana]."

---Charles Cefalu, MD, President, Louisiana Geriatrics Society, Professor of Medicine and Director for Geriatric Program Development, LSU School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA