HealthReform (Blog Assignment #4)

Trying to stay current with health care issues and the government’s desire for reform causes my head to spin around. Perhaps for some people more closely involved or influenced by the debates, it seems simple and necessary. From what I am feebly able to gather, this reform has more to do with medical insurers and coverage for the poor, lower-class citizens without insurance. Is this incorrect? I hear about the fluctuating costs of reform as well as the continuance of our deficit-spending budget.

I know that medical and dental services are costly. It causes a turning in my stomach just thinking about it. Fortunately, my family has been able to weather the storms. My mother worked at HealthEast for about 8 years. Her primary goal was to acquire benefits for the family. Currently, we have switched providers. I know little about the new coverage. The one thing that I do understand is that coverage is important. Not only for routine check-ups, but coverage is important for the unforeseen mishaps.

I hope health care coverage for all people. Of course, I am not sure how best to provide that. However, I do know that it is important to have help when you need it the most. I have been taken to an emergency room in 5 different states (at least one time). I am an insurance company’s worst nightmare. Whether I have had stitches in my hand, a surgery to remove a cyst the size of my head from out of my chest, or reattaching a piece of my ear after I accidentally ripped my earring out while playing hockey, without insurance it would have been impossible. Keep in my mind that those clumsy accolades are only a few of mine. It has no mention of the routine visits, and unscheduled appointments of my 3 siblings.

I sympathize with those people who struggle to pay their bills. It can be overwhelming, and it piles up quickly. In the United States it costs a large amount of money for health care services. Even for those with medical insurance, the yearly premium costs and co-pays can be unbearable. My mother’s parents are retired. Even in spite of there limited income, they have to pay a $250 deductible every January. This price does not include the cost of diabetes testing strips, or $100 prescription price. My father’s parents are also retired and struggling with similarly high prices of treatment. Being set on a fixed, low income how are they supposed to keep up their health?

The prevention of illness should be a person’s priority. The best health care is for people to care for themselves. Exercise and fresh foods go a long way to help a person deal with a lot of physical ailments. They are cheaper and can be more effective. Never underestimate the power of daily self-care.