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Recently I overheard someone remark that the idea of the government forcing people to have health care made them so mad it made them want to cancel their company subsedized health care plan. It seems this person didn't like the government telling them that they HAD to have health insurance.
Of course, my first thought was to tell them to march right down to HR and drop their coverage. It's amazing to me how easily people who have always had good coverage from their employer take that for granted. They don't want the government telling them they "have to" do what they are already doing. It makes me wonder, have this people ever been without health care? Do they know what it's like to have a medical condition and being unable to go to the doctor because you can't afford the office visit much less any medication or treatment required?
According to an article by ABC in October 2007, the overall cost for treatment of a typical breast cancer can top $50,000 or even $100,000. Imagine facing that when you don't have medical coverage. Also, according to the same report, one in five cancer patients WITH insurance will use up most if not all of their savings during the course of the treatment.
This doesn't even touch on the topic of perscription drug costs. A few years ago when I underwent a 6 month course of chemo for a non-cancerous disease, the retail cost for the drugs I took were > $600 month for a daily medication and > $1500 per month for a weekly self administered injection. Those were the self pay costs. Fortunately, I had prescription drug coverage. So for the daily medication I paid $300 for 3 months supply, the injection copay was $300 per month. Total cost to me $2400 over a 6 month period. As a single mother making $16/hr, you know I had that much cash laying around - NOT. I financed the treatment via credit cards with an ungodly interest rate.
For those who believe that we do not need some sort of health care plan that requires coverage for everyone, I challenge you to cancel your own and your family's health care plan for one year and pray that none of you have any serious illnesses during that time. If at the end of that year you still believe that mandatory health care is not a necessity for American, so be it. However, I believe you will change your mind long before the year is over.
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What correlation is there between disliking government mandates and doing something stupid?
ReplyDeleteI doubt there's a single soul that doesn't like the idea of free, top quality health care for all. It's not realistic, but it is an awesome dream.
Rather than complain about people complaining about government mandates, how about coming up with a workable plan that you think keeps the USA as a top quality health care provider and doesn't break the backs of those who have worked hard to make some money.
The point is that someone who has not been without medical insurance or quality healthy care often has a difficult time understanding the position of those who do not. The idea is to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.
ReplyDeleteI am not suggesting "free, top quality health care for all" I am agreeing with the parties that are supporting accessible quality health care for all. There is a difference.
And I do support individuals and organization that are working to come up with a workable solution.