Do you have medical insurance for yourself and your family? Are you middle income and do not have medical coverage? What do you do? What are your choices?
I am furious with this wonderful country we live in the United States of America which has turned its back on the very people who support it.
I believe that every person should be entitled to medical care.
Why is that not happening?
The rich can purchase medical insurance for themselves and their families, no problem. It will become a problem if there is a pre-existing condition of one or more of their family members. Maybe, all they have to do is pay higher premiums and that problem is solved.
If you are employed and have to pay a portion of your premiums consider yourself lucky.
If you are employed and have to pay a portion of your premiums that are outrageous, then there is a big problem.
If employees had to choose between paying for medical insurance for themselves and food on the table, food would win hands down.
So where is the medical coverage?
What about the millions of people who are employed and not insured. These people are part time workers or their employer can’t afford medical coverage.
What about the employers that feel if their employees spouse is covered through their employment, they should receive coverage on that plan.
But what if you don’t have a spouse or your spouse doesn’t have medical coverage? What are your options?
LOW INCOME FAMILIES:
(1) MEDO-CAL
Is restricted to income and diagnosis.
It covers pregnant women.
(2) COUNTY MEDICAL SERVICES (CMS)
This also is considered by income and diagnosis. There are many restrictions on this insurance. CMS is also difficult to obtain.
(3) FREE CLINICS ON A SLIDING SCALE:
There are a few free clinics that work on a sliding scale by income. If your need is greater than a fast trip to the doctor for a prescription, you will have to pay for that additional care.
For Example: I am an adult and I have worked most of my adult life but recently I have not been working. I needed to see a doctor. I called 211 (the new information line) and received the phone number for this free clinic which charged on a sliding scale. My visit cost me $35.00 which I felt was very reasonable. The doctor wanted me to start a program of physical therapy. I could not afford it. I took a prescription instead. The bottom line is I need the physical therapy.
I took my prescription to Sam’s Club. I was told it is the cheapest place to fill a prescription when you do not have medical insurance. I did not need a membership for a pharmacy visit.
I was so spoiled. I had wonderful medical insurance for forty years. Now without coverage, I feel like my arms have been amputated.
WE MUST CHANGE THE SYSTEM. LETS JUST SAY IT DOESN’T WORK AND MOVE ON.
(4) HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOMS:
The emergency rooms have taken over medical care. Instead of treating trauma patients, the majority of people can’t afford to see a private doctor. They still receive outrageous bills from the hospital but it is up to the individuals to pay them. If they are home owners they could lose their homes.
MIDDLE CLASS:
For the middle class just barely hanging on by their fingertips, NOTHING, a big fat ZERO. Unless you have coverage through your employment or spouse.
Have you noticed that many popular television shows are now creating shows about medical insurance. I just watched Desperate Housewives for the very first time.
The story line was one of the housewives was divorced and didn’t have any medical coverage. She needed surgery to save her life.
The plot was she marry somebody that could provide insurance coverage and then later get divorced.
What do you think about that?
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
We start at the local, state and then onto the federal government level. I could be dead before an adequate change has been made.
WE NEED CHANGE NOW!
We could all move to Canada. They have free health care for everybody. But what about the good old USA. The system in place right now is a joke.
We need change now! IF THE SYSTEM DOESN’T WORK CHANGE IT. EVERYBODY NEEDS MEDICAL CARE NOT JUST A FEW!
I wonder what kind of medical coverage the president and his family have, plus all the other government officials? Aren’t we entitled to the same?
One thing I can do as an individual to fight back is to write articles and to blog. I have already written several articles on varies aspects of medical insurance, maybe somebody will stand up and take notice.
I hope you enjoyed my article. Please feel free to check out my other articles.
Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler
Linda does not have any medical insurance at this time. Now she has published her first book “Ghost Kids Trilogy,” a children’s adventure book for ages 8-14 to adult. It is 3 books in 1 book. Love, Family Values, and Charity burst off the pages. (Book 1)Ghost Kids: Two children and two Ghost Kids team up to send the Ghost Kids back to their parents. (Book 2) Blue Vase Mystery: Uncle Charlie the villain of the book lives in a magical blue vase. He wants out of the vase in exchange he will tell the children where Pirates’ Treasure is hidden. (Book 3) Pirates’ Treasure-the hunt. Go on a treasure hunt with the children. Check out my website http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. With an order of 5 books=40%discount. With an order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7474-2273-5
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