I won't be able to afford Health Care if rates keep going up.

[berni_mccoy]

I have two children with type-1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. There is no cure. The only treatment is a life-long dependency on insulin and strict monitoring of diet and blood sugar. To get an idea of what life is like with type-1 you can watch the video in my sig line. There are many complications that can arise and their medical care is very expensive. If there was ever a gap in our coverage, they would not be insurable. And we could not afford the direct costs of their care. The only thing that has kept them covered is the fact that I was able to afford it. I am a small business and last year was the toughest year I've had in the 12 years my business has run. And while many months were tight financially last year, I always made sure the premium was paid first, above all other bills. And that premium costs more than all our other bills combined, even our house. In fact, I pay more in insurance premiums a year than I do in state taxes.

Yes, I see the insurance companies as evil. They deal in profit over life.

There are as many children diagnosed with type-1 as there are people who go uninsured every year. And type-1 is only one kind of chronic disease that is very expensive to live with and an insurance company would drop you for almost immediately.

So here is the thing. The key to health care reform is this: cover everybody and make it as affordable as possible.

By all standards, the current HCR bill in the House does this. The one in the Senate does as well, but is not as good. Every analysis of costs, done by independent, not partisan groups, has shown that both HCR bills will make health care more affordable and provide care for more than 30 million more people. Some of these people are healthy people who don't buy insurance because they aren't sick. Some of these people are people with chronic diseases like type-1 who weren't lucky enough to get insurance through a job or who were late with payment or who had their coverage rescinded because their care had simply become too expensive.

With either bill, or the merged bill, the evil practice of denying people coverage will end.

But will we be able to afford it? By all accounts, yes, the rates will go down according to the CBO (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/ezra-klein/2009/11/congressional_budget_office_re.html )? Why? Because the influx of healthy people into the market, the competition from the exchange, subsidies for those who need it and the fact that the plans would be regulated by the OBM as they do with the current plans for federal employees, will all work toward lowering costs and providing more benefits to more people.

As someone whose life and and the lives of my children are directly impacted by HCR, I have a direct and vested interest in understanding as much about the legislation as I can. And from my perspective, and from the perspective of many like me, I can tell you directly that as long as the goals are accomplished, I could care less how they are achieved. Would I like to see the insurance companies go away? Yes. Is it necessary to make them go away in order to cover everyone with a chronic illness and make health care more affordable? No. Do the current HCR bills achieve the goals? Yes. Are they perfect? No. I believe more will need to be done to ensure the Insurance companies abide by the law. I believe more regulation will be needed. I believe there will be problems that will have to be worked out.

But doing nothing is not acceptable. It means more people like my children will not be able to afford their medical care. It means many many people who live with chronic disease will have to continue living in fear that they will miss a payment or reach a life-time maximum and have their coverage rescinded. It means many many people like us will have to live with the Republican health care plan: we'll just have to get sick and die.

[NNN0LHI]

1. I am getting squeezed too

Co-payments and deductibles are to the point its like I don't even have insurance for the first 10 months of the years unless I am hospitalized.

Wish I had the same insurance I had when I retired. If I would have known this stuff was all going to go up as my income stayed the same I might not have retired?

Don

[Marr]

2. Health care and health insurance are not the same things.

I might be able to afford proper health care if I weren't paying for health *insurance*.

I have health insurance. I'm in my thirties, and I've been paying into it for years. I can't afford to go to the doctor every three months to properly check up on a potentially life-threatening condition I have, because my deductible is very high, and the insurance company refused to pay even a single item from the initial round of visits that discovered my condition.

The problem here is foundational. Health care is not a commodity, and as long as you allow it to be treated as one, these problems are going to persist. Requiring people to buy invisible, unusable health *insurance* won't fix anything. Giving people tax dollars to assist in buying this phony product is nothing but a way to transfer tax dollars to insurance companies and drive up the costs even more.

[berni_mccoy]

5. They are to people with chronic disease. If I can't afford insurance, I can't affor health care.

Unless we switch to a single payer system, which isn't going to happen, they are effectively, the same thing.

[BzaDem]

6. Health insurance is necessary to have health care in this country.

And while some people live on a desert island and missed the fact that the war for single payer is long, long over, and that we have lost, the fact that insurance is required for care in this country is not going to change.

[Marr]

12. There never was a war. That's the point.

Your idol didn't just fail to fight for it-- he actively worked to bury it. In a cowardly way, of course-- all through kabuki theater and "moderate" Senators.

[berni_mccoy]

17. Yes, there was. Kennedy had fought for it for many years.

And when he saw a real chance to get HCR, he didn't include Single Payer as an option because he new it wouldn't work.

[Fumesucker]

3. California basically gave up on holding big health insurance companies to the law..

I doubt it's going to be any different nationally, which is why I think the current health insurance reform is going to end up a disaster.

http://cbs5.com/business/anthem.blue.cross.2.763636.html

California regulators admitted Thursday that for more than a year they didn't even try to enforce a million-dollar fine against health insurer Anthem Blue Cross because it feared they would be outgunned in court.

In early 2007, the Department of Managed Health Care pledged to fine the state's largest insurer for "routinely rescinding health insurance policies in violation of state law." But they never did.

The department's director, Cindy Ehnes, told The Associated Press on Thursday that, when it comes to rescissions, the agency has had success in forcing smaller insurers to reinstate illegally canceled policies and pay fines, but Blue Cross is too powerful to take on.

"In each and every one of those rescissions, (Blue Cross has) the right to contest each, and that could tie us up in court forever," Ehnes said of the approximately 1,770 Blue Cross rescissions between Jan. 1, 2004, and now.

[berni_mccoy]

7. California has hardly been the best example of regulatory enforcement

Education? Energy?

Thanks Gov. Schwarzenegger.

He's basically stopped enforcing the law. Could this happen with another Bush in office? Certainly, look at what Bush did to FEMA. But let's make it so that doesn't happen, and that if it does, that the Executive can't screw it up.

[Fumesucker]

9. It is impossible to make anything foolproof..

Fools are so ingenious..

As David Brin points out on his blog though, if it was simple random screwing up then Bush would have left some aspect of American life better than it was when he came into office, since that is not the case then it was clearly deliberate misfeasance rather than simple incompetence.

[Hello_Kitty]

54. And to whom does the Senate Bill leave enforcement? Oh yeah, the states. eom

[nevergiveup]

4. I have a small business with a medical plan

for me, my wife and two employees. Blue Cross has raised premiums 50% over the last two years. The business of 35 yrs is struggling. We have managed to survive so far but are down to 4 employees. The two employees that are on our medical plan have prior medical conditions and would not be able to get insurance if we scrap the plan. They are loyal long time employees. I am being put in a terrible predicament. Even though this bill is far from what I would have liked it is a start and it must be passed. Can we please oh please get this thing done.

[KittyWampus]

10. See if your state has a plan for your employees and if they'd qualify. NY has a plan but I don't

qualify cause my elderly father has me on his bank accounts as of last year. And I have a miniscule 401K.

Our small family business (50+ years) is looking at the 17% rate hike from BlueCross/Shield and it's scary.

When I was younger and on my own, I just went without insurance and footed medical bills as they came along. I'm a little older now.

[KittyWampus]

8. We are contemplating what to do about the 17% monthly increase in rates.

[Better Today]

11. I haven't been able to afford it since 1994, so unless these

plans bring HI costs back down to where they were when wages began stagnating (which I believe was actually in the 80's somewhere), then this HCR plan is useless to me. Haven't seen a doc since 1991, except for the optomistrist for glasses.

[berni_mccoy]

18. Well, depending on your income,

you may be eligible for the subsidies in the new bill.

[alarimer]

13. Nothing in the bill will keep the rates from going up.

Yes, it may force the insurance companies to cover you but there is nothing to keep them from charging you way more than you can afford.

Forcing people to buy insurance without a true public option will actually do nothing to help the system; it will likely make your situation worse.

[berni_mccoy]

15. The CBO's facts disagree with your opinion.

[jwirr]

14. We are being pushed between the lack of a health care bill and the

insurance companies that want the prices as high as possible before any bill is passed. My suggestion to everyone who is in need of health care is to go immediately to the Social Services office in your county and apply for Medicaid. They do keep a record of the number of applicants and if this rises they realize they have a problem. It is a way of lobbying.

[berni_mccoy]

16. Unfortunately, I wouldn't qualify for medicare.

And I've looked into it.

[jwirr]

19. Not Medicare - Medicaid. My suggestion was meant to give the

local office a heads up on the problem. They have to process all applications and that guarantees they cannot ignore the problem. Many people just assume they are not eligible but they only way you know is try. I want people to do this if they are in trouble EVEN if they know they make too much money. It gives the country some idea of the numbers of people in trouble.

[berni_mccoy]

21. Sorry, that's what I meant.

[eShirl]

22. dupe

[flyarm]

20. and you won't get an iota of help for the next four years even if this plan is passed tommorrow!

in fact there is little in this plan to cut your costs!..ever.

[berni_mccoy]

23. That's absolutely 100% incorrect and you know it.

http://kagen.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=476:new-health-care-reform-act-will-provide-immediate-benefits&catid=78:press-releases&Itemid=194

Begin to close the Donut Hole in Medicare Part D
The bill reduces the Donut Hole by $500 and institutes a 50% discount on brand-name drugs, on January 1, 2010.

Increase number of primary care physicians
Provide new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care physicians, nurses, and public health professionals.

Continued Coverage for displaced workers
Allow citizens to keep their COBRA coverage until the Exchange is in place and they can access affordable coverage.

Provide immediate help for the uninsured
Create a temporary insurance program for individuals who have been uninsured for several months or have been denied a policy because of pre-existing conditions.

Eliminate deductable and co-pays for preventive services in Medicare
Eliminate co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.

Expand community health centers
Increase funding for Community Health Centers like those in Green Bay, Menasha and Lakewood to allow for a doubling of the number of patients seen by these centers over the next 5 years.

[flyarm]

26. Then Kathleen Sebelius is a liar ..is that what you are saying? because she was on TV this morn

and said most of this bill will not take effect until 2014!

[berni_mccoy]

28. I didn't see her talk, but "Most" does not equal "All" or even "Most Important"

The most important point is to cover the sick who are being discriminated against. Yes, some of the bill won't come into affect until 2013, but important parts like no more PEC and subsidies for the poor will.

[SlingBlade]

24. A $70 Billion Dollar Give away to the Health Insur. Monopoly or

Nothing, is the offer now being paraded around the W.H.

BullShit

Single Payer has the backing of the people, No matter how much they lie about it.
Now, "knowing" Progressives and Liberals are being sold the next round of Bull Shit
in order to get their votes.

Vote for it their told, And we'll all sit around singing 'Kumbaya' while we then fix it
Not right away of course, But latter. We Promise.

The Push is ON, Big Time by the W.H, Blue Dogs, Lieberman Liberals and the Insur.Lobby.
Push Back or FOREVER hold your peace.

Call, Write, Fax and E-mail OUR Representatives
Now, Today and tomorrow and everyday that remains
Tell them that we demand a Public Option with Single Payer NOW, Not ten years from now.

Contact the White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Call the White House
[phone]

Call, Write, Fax and E-mail your Representatives, House and Senate
http://www.contactingthecongress.org /

[berni_mccoy]

25. Thanks for telling the sick to die. It's Single-Payer-Or-Die right?

Cause the single-payer battle is over, like it or not. And it isn't going to be single payer.

[SlingBlade]

30. Those are NOT my terms Berni. Pay Attention. Please.

Contact the White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Call the White House
[phone]

Call, Write, Fax and E-mail your Representatives, House and Senate
http://www.contactingthecongress.org /

[berni_mccoy]

32. Sorry, there are far too many people here calling for "Kill-The-Bill". This is simply unacceptable.

It's even on the front page of this website. I just can't stand it anymore. People who don't live with PEC have no fucking clue as to what life is like.

[Vinnie From Indy]

33. Two points Bernie

First, you HAVE health insurance. Millions of Americans don't.
Second, as I see it, there is nothing in this bill that will actually help you.

Please share what about this bill is worth supporting in your view.

[berni_mccoy]

34. If you don't understand how this bill will help me from reading this post

then there is nothing I can say to convince you.

Millions of Americans with PEC who have been denied health care because they are sick will be able to get it with this bill. Millions who cannot afford health care will be subsidized and covered. It really is this simple.

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

39. getting the same coverage choices as federal employees

that is a giant step,

[SlingBlade]

35. I have medical problems too Bernie. But I will NEVER accept

passing a Bill that even it's supporters say is flawed with the
promise that

"Hey, We'll Fix it Latter"

No, They will fix it now, or it should be killed. Its that simple.
Now is the Time, To accept a flawed corporate giveaway is criminal and immoral.

The REASON I will never accept it ?
I have Children.

W e'er not on opposite ends here Bernie, Trust me,
I follow your post, Your a fighter. Fight for this.

Single Payer Medicare for all

Contact the White House
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Call the White House
[phone]

Call, Write, Fax and E-mail your Representatives, House and Senate
http://www.contactingthecongress.org /

[berni_mccoy]

36. How are you paying for your insurance? Employer provided? Federal plan? Medicare?

I'd be curious if you have to worry about a lapse of coverage.

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

40. so then you choose to have nothing VS a GOOD START

[SlingBlade]

45. First off, What is a good start ?

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

46. getting the same choices as a federal employee at group rates

no pre existing conditions and on and on

[SlingBlade]

47. Couldn't agree more, But that is not on the table, Is it ?

With a plan like that, How's a slack jawed corporatist gonna make it ?

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

48. that is the senate plan as i read it

[chowder66]

31. As citizens we need to come up with ideas....

I am not thinking it through just yet... but anyone not insured or who loses ins. coverage should maybe call Obama's doctor for an appointment. Flood him. Send a message in a different way OR maybe citizens can start their own collective or build upon a model of the micro banks in some sort of way that applies to health coverage. I don't know but I am getting so damn frustrated with this crap!

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

41. well you could try to start a MUTUAL fund

but it would not be easy

[eridani]

52. Where on earth did you come up with the delusion that you will get your claims paid?

Just because you have insurance doesn't mean that they pay. Ask the Sarkisians.

[riderinthestorm]

55. Posting here to amplify your point. Who says they'll pay?

While still anecdotal, I'm hearing this story more and more from friends and on places like DU. Long time patients with long term health insurance suddenly getting their claims denied.

My husband's lymphoma means the next step for treatment is stem cell transplant, a procedure that's been in place for more than 20 years for this condition but is still labelled "experimental" which means the insurance companies only pay out on it... sometimes.

He's by no means alone in facing an uncertain payout on his claims as we've discovered in support groups and in discussions with others.

This is my biggest gripe with the health insurance "reform". The enforcement for insurance companies is non-existent but the extraction of our cash for the mandates and penalties is ironclad (garnishment).

[Feron]

27. Just a heads up--The video you linked is blocked.

But I hear you about the insurance cost.

Fortunately I rarely need to see a doctor, but even then health insurance is quickly becoming unaffordable.

[berni_mccoy]

29. Are you at work? Link works for me.

[inna]

38. It does't work for me either, and I'm at home.

This is the message that I get when I click on the link in your sig (I had not seen it before):

"This video contains content from WMG and Sony Music Entertainment, one or more of whom have blocked it in your country on copyright grounds."


BTW, thank you for a great, heart-felt post. :hi: I feel a lot of empathy for what you have to go through; it's beyond tragic that human illness is used as fodder for corporate profits.

[Feron]

44. I'm at home and I've tried two different browsers.

Is it the video with the two diabetic brothers? I know that's not terribly specific, but I remember seeing it a few months ago.

[berni_mccoy]

50. It looks like it's been blocked, even though I asked permission to use the song

I've got some tracking down to do. Thanks.

[NJmaverick]

37. K&R

[mmonk]

42. It's better than nothing but structurally flawed for the long term.

My fear is it will change with elections in the wrong direction, not the other direction due to the power the insurance industry wields with elected repesentatives. That's why I was for single payer. They couldn't control the system anymore with their money.

[ipaint]

43. 23 million people will be left uninsured.

I'm sure many with chronic and devastating illnesses. If it's not ok to settle for less for you and yours why is it ok to settle for nothing for these folks.

Are you going to tell them their children are being left to suffer and die prematurely. I'm sure it will be cold comfort to know that the folks who are willing to settle for so much less on their behalf are now promising vague improvements somewhere down the road that might include their families.

[berni_mccoy]

49. Of that 23 million...

it's been noted previously that the majority are those who do not want to be insured and who would rather pay the penalty of being uninsured and illegal immigrants.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/01/AR2010010101837.html?wprss=rss_print/asection

But those who would be left uninsured have drawn little attention. This is in part because their ranks would include many who choose not to get health insurance, even though they can afford it -- such as some healthy people under 30, who have little effect on rising health-care costs because they rarely go to the doctor. Though starting in 2014, individuals would face fines if they do not buy coverage, some may still refuse.

About a third of the uninsured would be illegal immigrants. Neither party supports expanding insurance to cover them, even though states spend millions caring for them at hospitals, where emergency rooms accept patients regardless of coverage.

They are not people who have PEC as you falsely claim.

[ipaint]

53. The lower classes are in a depression. Folks 50 and above who are

unemployed will now be paying 3x more than regular people. Subsidies will not be enough to offset the cost of care for the working class when including deductibles and co-pays. Medicaid is overburdened now, 30% of physicians don't take it, a real let them eat cake moment for the poor. Money is being siphoned off of medicare, the only true public program we have which will be seeing a huge increase in patients as the baby boomers age, to pay for this mess. There are loopholes you can drive a truck through in the regulations. And most importantly the comfortable classes good give two shits about those who are left behind as evidenced by their tolerance for the mass murder of working class uninsured americans by ins. companies in the last two decades and their absolute willful ignorance to state that 23 million uninsured will consist of illegal aliens and "ins. deadbeats".

Enough is enough. If it's good enough for you and you're children it is good enough for everyone. Either that or what's good enough for the poor is good enough for you, medicaid for all.

[dysfunctional press]

57. that would make for one hell of a march on washington.

i'm ready.

[eridani]

51. Anyone who thinks this bill is going to help anyone before 2014 (fi then)

--is delusional.

[dysfunctional press]

58. it's going to help the insurance company executives right away.

and no, i'm not delusinal.

[eridani]

60. Guess I should have specified normal people who aren't sociopaths n/t

[JoeyT]

56. +1

Even though I'm not terribly fond of the bill.

My biggest concern is that the insurance companies will take the money people are mandated to hand them then just deny all their claims or cancel your plan over a trivial error the second you get sick. Both of which they're perfectly willing to do because they're doing them right now.

[girl gone mad]

59. I'd like to think it will work out, for your sake.

However, every single person who I respect on this issue has said flat out that it will be another disaster for the middle class, cause rates to increase and further diminish access to care - except for the very wealthy.