Disclaimer: This is gonna be controversial. If you don't want to hear it, check back tomorrow and I'll have a warm and fuzzy... and/or funny blog. But, since one reason I started this blog is for somewhere to talk about politics other than on Facebook , I'm gonna throw my opinion out there.
First off, let me just say that I have no health insurance offered through my employer and to add me to my husband's is prohibitively expensive, so I have been forced to purchase individual health coverage. I pay $350/month and that's for basic, in-case-something-catastrophic-happens-to-me, coverage. I do not have maternity coverage, because if I did, it would cost double that. Not to get too personal, but obviously, this situation is putting a hold on some things. I also have what my insurance company deems a "preexisting condition," so, that doesn't help my premium one bit. I wasn't sure they were going to even cover me there for a while. No, I'm not dying or anything, so don't worry.
So here's what I think. I am quite happy that this bill is getting closer to passing. Is it perfect? I'm sure it's not. Does it have a lot of added shit in it? I'm sure it does. But, it's the government... that's going to happen no matter what. I think we can all agree that insurance companies not taking someone because they have a condition, therefor forcing that person to pay out-of-pocket for care, and possibly losing everything they have because of medical bills due to something they can't control is an injustice - or alternatively, losing their life because the can't pay.We can also agree that insurance companies dropping someone because they get sick, there for the above also happens, is again, an injustice. But, we have to remember that the evil insurance company is trying to run a business and to assume that risk is bad business. Unfortunately, the impact those decisions have on people's lives can be enourmous... and detrimental.
It's this simple - if the government forces insurance companies to cover those who are sick or have preexisting conditions, without requiring everyone to carry insurance, the health insurance (and probably the entire system) would collapse because people would only buy insurance if they are sick. The only way to solve this is to require everyone to have insurance, therefor spreading out the risk to insurance companies, so that they are able to cover those who need it. Perhaps this is common sense, but I feel like it needs to be pointed out again.
Yes, if you're healthy, maybe it sucks for you a little. Maybe you don't want the government to spend your tax dollars on this. Maybe you don't have insurance and are willing to take the gamble that nothing will happen to you, or if it does, you'll be able to pay for it. I understand, but, what happens if it doesn't work out that way?
I feel like this is for the greater good - to save lives of our fellow Americans, our friends, family, and maybe even ourselves one day. I'm willing to sacrifice a little for that. Do I think the government is stepping on my rights? Um, no, I really don't. Everyone has the right to affordable medical care - and our current system is not working. It's just like any other law we must follow to live in this society... and this one will save lives.
It's quite possible that I'm being a bit too optimistic about this. The government is inherently evil, after all (hehehe). However, I'd rather see something done than nothing and I'm going to hope and pray that this something makes things better.
I like your post. I think that most of the people that oppose the bill have insurance through work so they don't quite understand the need for it. You on the other hand see what happens when you don't and have to adapt your life(maternity wise) to the insurance instead. Like you said I don't know if this will be the best but something was needed.
ReplyDeleteyes! this makes so much sense. you've given me a good argument to those people (relatives, cough cough) I've seen making nasty remarks about it on Facebook who don't understand why it has to be a mandatory thing. you can't be able to just run out and get it when you get sick, it would make the whole thing fall apart.
ReplyDeleteit's far from perfect. no one is entirely happy. there were far too many concessions made for my liberal taste and I know conservatives would say not enough made for theirs. but it's a START, and I'm VERY happy about THAT.
my insurance is through my work and it covers myself and the jude but it's a high deductible plan (all we could afford to pay, even with my company picking up part of the tab). that means I pay out of pocket for every single doctor's visit, prescription, and emergency until we hit... $5,000!
basically, I'm screwed. if this has even a chance of helping me, I'm all for it. plus getting rid of pre-existing conditions and providing insurance for every single child? whatever it takes.
(I try to never discuss politics but the tone of your post hit just the right spot)
I agree my friend!
ReplyDeleteThere are things I think the Government should keep their paws out of but health care is not one of those things. Health care for ALL Americans is truly important and I am so glad this is happening.
There is never going to be a "perfect" plan or a plan that each individuals feels is best for THEM, but how about we start looking at the big picture and thinking about what is best for everyone. Changes are going to be made to this, revisions made over the years and that is FINE....those revisions should be made. But the fact remains we HAVE to start somewhere and with some sort of steady foundation and then move from there. THIS is our foundation. This is going to help people who NEED the help and I believe after a few years will lower insurance premiums and help EVERYONE out. Here is what is going to happen though. Some people right now are mad and insurance companies know that. Some of these things go into affect right away others will be a few years down the road. Insurance companies are going to use these next few years to really play this game and I fear people who may not understand what this law does may get frustrated at the Government because of the games the insurance companies will play. It is frustrating.
I am happy with this for a starting point and am interested to see what comes of it.
GREAT POST!!!
If only the national conversation on this issue could be so tempered and rational.
ReplyDeleteHa, so true Steve.
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