gateslacker

So, I'm not one to wax all political because I have seen how folks become apoplectic during such debates, so much so that I have considered putting 911 on speed dial. Typically, I don't tend to veer radically toward one end or the other and can often see valid points on both sides, even if the debate is only within my own mind

I'm a bit of a waffler like that.

However, as I was waiting for my D*C vid to upload to Youtube, I happened across this story that has made me feel a wee bit apoplectic, myself.

Maybe it's because I am on the front lines of this whole health care thing and see first hand every single day what it is like to be among the poor, the working poor, and the uninsured. Probably because I'm the one trying to figure out what to do when they cannot afford that expensive medication/specialist/test.

There are always going to be folks who know how to milk the system. There are always going to be those folks with altered priorities who come in sporting expensively manicured nails and/or who are texting on their expensive cell phones with a pack of cigarettes peeking out of their pocket and/or bag who tell me that they just don't have enough money for a $4 prescription. Then there's the previously healthy 30 year old male who works at Burger King or the 52 year old woman who works as a waitress 12-hrs a day/6 days a week. Neither have any health insurance because, what did they call it again? Personal choice? Freedom to take your own risks? Riiiiiigghhht. Let's see. What should I pay this month? The rent/mortgage, utility bills, groceries, or that fat health insurance premium?

And there are way more of the second example than "the haves" would ever allow themselves to believe. Yeah, I say "the haves" because health care coverage, or lack thereof, have become a class system.

Now, it seems, you don't even deserve to live should you "decide" to live so "recklessly".

Now, I firmly believe in taking personal responsibility but have any of these idiots ever priced health insurance? Have any of them ever been dropped or denied coverage? As long as you are healthy and young, the insurance companies will be more than willing to take your money. Try not to have any health problems, though, or you might just become "uninsurable"

Sure, the Emergency Room cannot turn emergent patients away, but I suspect he is a bit out of touch with regard to what the hospital is going to be able to "fix". They are only going to admit and fix urgent or emergent things when there's no insurance to pay for it. That crap gallbladder you've got. You're just gonna have to deal with it unless it becomes infected or gall stones block the common bile duct resulting in pancreatitis. You need to see an orthopedist/rheumatologist/gastroenterologist/oncologist/urologist? You better hope you have a few generous providers in your area and not those who "will not see uninsured or self pay patients". Need imaging or preventative stuff not covered by a special program? Sorry about your luck.

The mind. It boggles!!! Or, as someone at work said the other day. Whisky Tango Foxtrot!!!