Health Care Reform Part Two: We Need Options

Ain't that the truth? However, I want options which provide REAL choice, not just the less damaging of two choices. Take Virginia as an example. There are two "Blues" in this state, Anthem and Carefirst. Due to the imaginary (almost) dividing line of Route 123 which runs through Fairfax County, each BCBS company has a separate territory and actually abides by differing regulation. Odd, huh? If there were consensus as to the basic requirements of an insurance policy, as the companies who compete to sell those federal employee plans must abide by, then all citizens would benefit. The folks selling those FEHB Plans know that they better make it attractive and affordable because they will have access to the largest employer base in the country ("largest" being my opinion without handy references to quote right now). My tax dollars go to help support all of those federal employees. Why can't I also benefit from the shared support of entire nation? Just my feelings on the matter right now. (Perhaps I need to voice more of my opinion on this matter.)

I was recently approved for social security disability.  I was then STUNNED to learn that I can get Medicare, but not for 24 months.  If I weren't married, I would have to pay my COBRA premiums, which are incredibly expensive, or have no health insurance.  Seems like a dangerous gap to me.