President Obama’s healthcare overhall would do a lot of people a lot of good.
Take me for example. I currently have Medicaid, which is government-runned, and if they do approve something then it has to be within this state, or the out-of-state establishment has to enroll in the Arkansas Medicaid program. That is a lot of work, and the out-of-state place usually never gets paid anyway, so they choose not to waste their time.
Medicare is nationwide. Someone on Medicare in New Jersey can go to California or any place that takes Medicare in the country (which almost all places do). If this were the case with Medicaid I wouldn’t be trying to raise these funds for the ABI.
I can not get private insurance either because of NF2 being a pre-existing condition. I would gladly pay a monthly price for coverage if they would let me. But under the current healthcare system, I can’t even do that.
I really have nothing. For all intense and purposes, I might as well be uninsured. Arkansas Medicaid stops covering just about everything when a person turns 21. I am now almost 23.
I had to go to a wheelchair because Arkansas Medicaid would not cover physical therapy for me since I was now 21 or older. I need physical therapy to work on my balance so I don’t fall every time I try to walk.
It is not only me. There are plenty of people in my family and others I know who work hard, but do not get insurance coverage through their work. They are usually struggling to try to make ends meet, and can not afford private insurance. So they go uncovered. My Mom is one of those who is not covered at all.
I don’t think I’ve seen her go to a doctor more than two or three times.
No one should have to go through this life without medical insurance, and no one should die because they can’t afford a treatment. They also should not have to go broke trying.
by John Ling, on 09.11.09 @ 6:20 am
Hi Holly
I have been following the American healthcare debate quite closely, and I am quite sad to see so much opposition to reform.
Over here in New Zealand, we have free universal healthcare. No one is ever discriminated against and everyone has equal access to health services.
Not too long ago, we had a girl who was going deaf. At the time, New Zealand didn’t have the ability to implant an ABI for her, so the government flew her and her family to neighboring Australia so she could receive the ABI. All the expenses were fully paid for.
That’s the kind of healthcare that all Americans deserve. Anything less would be an injustice.
by hollyalonzo, on 09.11.09 @ 12:19 pm
Yes John, I thi is a sad state. Many Americans will bend over backward to provide for other countries, but not for their own. I have a good friend in Canada and was able to coe from Caana to House Ear, get the ABI, and has they medical insurance up there pay for it. She is amazed that people are complaning about Canda’s system, but yet she sees me having to struggle like this to get the surgery I need.
by John Ling, on 09.12.09 @ 12:56 pm
Hi Holly
I’m a friend of Yvonne’s, and I have been reading your blog for a while. I must say that I have been following the American healthcare debate with a lot of interest, and I am very sad to see so much opposition against reform.
Here in New Zealand, we have free universal healthcare, and we all do our bit to take care of each other. Interestingly, we recently had a girl who was going deaf and needed an ABI. At the time, New Zealand didn’t have the ability to implant an ABI, so the government flew the girl and her family to neighbouring Australia to have it done. All expenses were fully paid for.
In our country, if you need help, you are entitled to get it. You are not discriminated against because of your financial status, your age or even what state you happen to live in.
I honestly believe that this is the kind of healthcare you should demand. America is the richest and most powerful country in the world, and it’s just not fair for right-wing fear-mongers to deprive you of what is rightfully yours.
Healthcare is not a privilege. It is a right.
by John Ling, on 09.12.09 @ 12:58 pm
Whoops. I’m sorry. I thought my first comment didn’t go through, so I retype another. =(