The response on snopes is generic in nature it merely says it did not take place as stated. So, unless we were there (or ED Herbert) during the conversation, then we really don't know what the conversation involved. I believe this forum is the correct venue to ask a question without being admonished for doing so. My husband operates a funeral home, and he just had a client that passed away. The 70 year-old client was denied chemotherapy medication in pill form for cancer due to the cost. His family and oncologist had to appeal the denial to a special Medicare panel to get the medication approved. This process took several weeks and was finally approved two days before the client's passing. Personally, I know several Medicaid patients who have been denied treatment by physicians and dentists due to the low reimbursement rates. Medicare and Medicaid are continually reducing reimbursement rates to providers for services (currently some reimbursement rates have been temporarily extended). The physicians and dentists who do not treat Medicaid patients, do so due to the reimbursement rate being lower than they can provide the service (employee salary, worker's compensation, employee benefits, taxes, etc.). We operate dme and ground ambulance service companies as well. In our northern state there are now six Managed Care Organizations that manage Medicaid. This is to reduce costs to the taxpayer. A Medicaid client brought her paperwork to our office and asked which MCO she needed to select. She has to select an MCO or one will be selected for her. There were only specific hospitals, doctors, etc. networked with each MCO. I have yet to figure out how this is saving funds to taxpayers since the MCO's are reimbursing services at the Medicaid fee schedule. Who is paying the MCO's, and where are the funds for this being obtained? Along with competitive bidding (Competitive Bidding was implemented in 2003), it appears services are being limited to patients. I have to wonder if reimbursement rates continue to decline and costs increase if Medicare patients will face the same problem in the future as Medicaid patients with providers who cannot afford to supply services.