Note: The opinions expressed here are my own. They don't necessarily reflect the stance or values of this site. And, since we live in a democracy, you have the same right to disagree with my opinions as I do to make them. A simple request: If you disagree, please have the grace to do so agreebly. T...
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with ExpertsSponsored Offer
- Resources
A Breast Cancer Survivor's Fix to the Health Care System
7/25/09 9:29pm
Thanks for a thoughtful analysis of this subject, PJ. I've noticed that people tend to judge this issue (and others) by the best and worst cases in their own experience. One of my best friends was told by her insurance company that they wouldn't pay for a transplant for her leukemia because at age 61, she was too old. By the time she got through all the appeals and the transplant approved, it was too late and she died. So when people talk about how the government would ration health care, I am all too aware of how the insurance companies already do that.
I've known hundreds of women with IBC over the last eleven years that I've been in an on-line support group. It's heart-breaking to hear the stories of women whose insurance won't cover drugs that their doctors think they should try because the drug is not on an approved formulary, so I'm almost amused by the naivete of politicians who worry about a government plan getting between patients and their doctors.
On the best side, my insurance (despite increasing premiums and deductibles) paid for excellent health care that has kept me alive with only occasional denials of service, and most of those were worked out on appeal.
As we look at this issue, I agree with you that it's important that we look at how we can get the best health care for the most people.
7/30/09 6:49pm
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks PJ for the thought provoking editorial on a very difficult subject. My two cents worth is that I am a Canadian, and feel very safe in our universal health care system. I have had two mastectomies, reconstruction, zillions of tests, zoladex and tamoxifen, all free of charge. Of course, cancer brings with it other economic problems (i.e., income, transportation etc.), but I haven't had to worry about my health care. I feel for the 45 million Americans without any assistance. What happens to them when they get sick? It scares me that we are losing the middle class to debt, and that so many people are suffering. I really hope that Obama comes up with a viable system.
Jo-Ann
Thanks so much, Jo-Ann. It's great to hear the Canadian perspective from the source. I'm amazed you don't pay for any of that treatment! For Americans without health coverage, their only resort is the hospital emergency room. And a study done recently in Wisconsin showed that for those who'd been in a severe car accident and were treated in the emergency room (ALL of those treated, whether privately insured, Medicaid, or not insured), those without insurance got about 20% less care, and had a 37% higher death rate - even though the hospital is required, by law, to treat anyone with a life-threatening condition. Chilling, isn't it? I know there are other costs to illness, as you say; but to live under the specter of one calamitous health situation throwing you into bankruptcy just isn't right. And it needs to change. Thanks again - and be well. PJH
am a 44yo divorced women in San Diego. I am currently on Cobra. I am also disabled with a severe genetic immune defect and now a spinal cord tumor. As a married mother of 4 children, I spent the last 26 years at home raising my children. Now, I am faced with being divorced, disabled ,unemployed and Cobra running out.
Where will I go??? I qualify through my Dr as disabled. I would qualify for medical , SSI or SSDI but cant get it . WHY?? Because being home raising children and not working I didn't pay into the fund to collect SSDI from the state of California. Then, I do qualify for SSI except for one problem. They say I have to many ASSETS. I have a small divorce settlement from my 23 year marriage that I try and live on .. About $1000 a month. Cobra costs me $350 and my medications and Dr co pays another $100. The government wont let me help myself. I need to first run out of money in my account and thus be on the streets first. Money for the most part that is paying for Health insurance and to raise my child.
Because I don't have access to affordable health care and the rules for assets are capped at 2k for any assistance, I will be out of money and going to YOU, the government for help years sooner then if I was offered affordable Health care based on being Disabled PERIOD!! You wont let me help myself. I have never taken a penny from the government. My ex husband actually works for the California Highway Patrol and "we" paid taxes for 30 years.
Cobra is almost over and I will then go to Hippa... I guess at a cost of over $650 a month. Frankly, I will be better off if I run out of money and suck off the American tax payers and there is something WRONG with that. SSI provides $800 a month plus I would get full medical benefits. I would also get food stamps. Why should I continue to suffer each day with whether to eat or pay health insurance. Shame on all of you that make rules when some of us qualify but fall through the cracks. Please help me with affordable,available health insurance. Have the premium NOT based on assets or preexisting conditions but yearly income and proper disability.
The people who are the sickest need the health care the most. Also, people who have a small savings in the bank aren't rich they are trying to survive so YOU don't have to support us. HELP ME HELP YOU!
I'm sorry you're in such serious trouble over this. It's simply not right. And there's not a thing I can say to help you - other than, thanks for hanging in there, and for speaking out. There are thousands of people just like you, wanting to pay their way, needing the simplest of helping hands.. and not getting any help. THIS is why our health care system needs to change! I hope things start going your way soon - PJH