health care reform

Posts: 2
1/7/10 2:03 P

I, like most, don't think that our health care system is without flaws. Certainly, reform needs to happen, and your aunt is an example of why. In fact, my mother has been in a somewhat similar possition of not qualifying for medicare or medicade and not being able to afford to purchase insurance while in need of screenings. On the other hand, the proposed reform thus far is harmful to the quality of care in the U.S. not to mention destructive and rediculously expensive for ALL of us (especially our kids). There are other ways to reform. If this proposed legislation is "good" for the country, why won't they put debates on CSPAN? Why is it fraught with bribes to buy votes of senators on the fence? Why isn't it posted for citizens to read?

Edited by: JUSTASIMPLEGIRL at: 1/7/2010 (14:05)

Posts: 747
12/21/09 5:35 P

As someone who has good insurance, I hear that side of the argument.
On the other hand, I have an aunt that had cancer 2 years ago and has since had to stop working. She is on disability, but does not qualify for medicare because she is too young and her husband makes barely too much money. So, their only option is to BUY an insurance policy, but that is impossible as well, because of her cancer history. So, she goes without. It's terrible. She hasn't been screened in over a year and a half.

Posts: 747
12/21/09 5:35 P

As someone who has good insurance, I hear that side of the argument.
On the other hand, I have an aunt that had cancer 2 years ago and has since had to stop working. She is on disability, but does not qualify for medicare because she is too young and her husband makes barely too much money. So, their only option is to BUY an insurance policy, but that is impossible as well, because of her cancer history. So, she goes without. It's terrible. She hasn't been screened in over a year and a half.

Posts: 747
12/21/09 5:35 P

As someone who has good insurance, I hear that side of the argument.
On the other hand, I have an aunt that had cancer 2 years ago and has since had to stop working. She is on disability, but does not qualify for medicare because she is too young and her husband makes barely too much money. So, their only option is to BUY an insurance policy, but that is impossible as well, because of her cancer history. So, she goes without. It's terrible. She hasn't been screened in over a year and a half.

Posts: 2
12/17/09 10:12 A

There are so many things that anger me about the way this "health care" reform is going. As a mother, I am completely offended by the fact that my tax dollars will pay for abortions, yet infertility treatments will not be covered. I have fantastic coverage for which we pay (btw I choose to drive an old used car and not have cable and budget strictly, etc so that I can have a child). I don't ask anyone to pay for the baby I choose to have, and I should not have to pay for the one they choose not to have. This is something that paticularly offends me...thats not to mention other MAJOR problems with the bill. The government is THE most inefficient machine out there...what makes anyone think they can manage healthcare well? NO THANK YOU!!!

Posts: 330
11/9/09 3:38 P

I also can't wait for the day that America sees real change with health care. It should be a right and not a privilige. I'm glad it passed through the House but its gonna have a hard time in the Senate. I hope it flies and I hope it's not burdened with a bunch of useless things that will make it fail when implemented :(

Posts: 632
11/9/09 9:58 A

I got all excited when I first heard the vote...but I know better than to think that the battle is over. Our president had better put some muscle behind this if it's ever going to work!
p.s. I'm so glad you started this post:)

Posts: 908
11/8/09 11:02 A

Wooohoo!! I'm really happy that things are moving along.. I hope soon nobody will have to complain about not gonig to the doctor because of finances, or because your insurance doesn't cover etc.. I have heard these types of stories too many times on babyfit....

I just hope that the devil is not in the details...

Posts: 908
10/27/09 5:02 P

I hear you.

I listen to people on the forum who talk about only being allowed to go to one doctor because of their insurance, and then I listen to other people who complain that the public option will not allow them to choose the doctor they want. Does not make sense.

Health care needs the insurance industry like a fish needs a bicycle.

Posts: 632
10/27/09 11:42 A

I must admit this topic makes my blood boil. Whenever the topic of having a Public Option gets brought up people jump up and down about how they don't want to lose their current benefits, etc, etc. What about those that don't have any benefits?! We NEED a public option. I am tired of my husband and I being tied to jobs that we HATE just so we can have health insurance. Or my current fear of losing our coverage-(my huband just suffered a career-ending injury @ work due and is on Workers Comp-so who knows how long his employer will continue to cover us).
I agree that alot needs to change in our Health Care system in general. People should be able to choose but right now it doesn't seem like most people have that luxury. And health care should not be considered a "luxury".

Posts: 908
10/15/09 3:55 P

Look, our system is not perfect, not one system is.

I hear that yes, there are problems waiting for operations such as hip replacements and knee operations.

They are using a triage system which basically frees the resources for the more dangerous conditions.

I can tell you only from my own experience.

My father was diagnosed with Prostrate cancer in nov. 2006. Prostrate cancer is a very slow advancing cancer. He was operated on in January and has been cancer free since (knock on wood!)

My brother had a tumour found in his pancreas during a routine CT scan because of a kidney stone. He was given an MRI the next day, and operated soon after. He is also doing really well (it was miraculously benign) (again knock on wood).

My husband had nausea and headache. After showing up to emerg (waited there 12 hrs - for sure a pain) was given a neurology appointment within 4 days. There, a CT scan the same day. MRI a few days after. Another MRI with contrast the next day. He was given treatment within a month (after conservative methods failed). He also is thankfully!!!! headache free since. (knock on wood)

All this was timely treatment that my family received, for zero, absolutely zero money. Nobody asked us anything about our insurance. All we have to do is show our health card and walk in the office.

I have no words to explain how much this system has been a pillar of humanity and sanity for me.


As for the wait in the emerg. rooms. They're triage rooms. When someone comes in who has a serious condition, he or she immediately jumps in the front of the queue. As it should be.


Edited by: AABCA345 at: 10/15/2009 (15:57)

Posts: 3222
10/15/09 9:20 A

I like my health insurance right now too, so of course, I'm worried about that changing. I've also heard horror stories about waiting months for simple procedures or not being able to see the doctor of your choice...

Posts: 790
10/15/09 8:58 A

I'm trying to educate myself on it as I see it now there are a lot of flaws that need to be worked out before it goes through. I know I will never have as good of insurance as we have now.

Posts: 908
10/14/09 10:45 A

Hi there.

I'm probably starting a big discussion here, but just wanted to get your opinion on the health care reform.

I've been reading all the problems people have with coverage and insurance and I'm terrified.. I'm from Canada and I cherish our system. Yes the emergency rooms can be a bit of a pain but the system itself is IMHO very efficient and seamless.

I love it and I honestly can say I wish for the U.S. to get to see what it means to not have to worry about finances while having a medical problem. I can see the Obama administration battling the huge insurance corporations, going against some very powerful interests... and I wonder if it will ever happen..