I posted this article from Cure magazine on whaddaconcept’s Facebook page, but I think it’s important enough that it should be posted here as well. I am not trying to take sides, but I am trying to explain how crucial it is for EVERYONE to get health care … not access to health care, but actual health care. All access means is that it is available. Even if it’s available, it’s worthless if it’s too expensive to buy.
I shake my head every time I hear someone say, or see someone write, that they shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s health care. Listen clearly, YOU ARE NOT PAYING FOR SOMEONE ELSE’S HEALTH CARE. Just like any other insurance, you are, basically, paying to insure you are okay if something happens. You may be healthy now, so you ask yourself, “Why should I have to get health insurance?” I was healthy — never been admitted to the hospital, never broke a bone, no chronic issues, no medications, relatively young — until I was in my mid to late 40’s. Keep reading
I’ve always been a sentimental person, but as I get older and struggle more and more with my health, traditions have become something of an obsession. This time of year takes me back to my childhood. The last day of school before break, snowball fights with friends, smells of mom’s baking, decorations, opening presents, Christmas Eve service and even the occasional hockey game with some tipsy relatives.
When I was first diagnosed, I thought “Thank God, I have insurance!” This was the first time after years of being a consultant with very spotty insurance coverage that I had solid health insurance. In many ways, I was fortunate … I don’t know what I would have done without it because it opened many doors for me very quickly. However, what I didn’t realize was that I had several thousands of dollars in deductibles and out-of-pocket costs annually (and, believe me, my employer was paying a sizable amount each month for that insurance). I also had a $25.00 co-pay. Again, what I didn’t realize was that the co-pay was for a doctor’s visit only. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from my oncologist’s billing department, just days from my first chemo treatment, informing me that my co-pay was well over $300.00 per treatment AND it was due at the time of treatment! 
This post was originally started prior to Thanksgiving, but unexpected health problems delayed the editing and posting of it.