I am a 68-year-old woman who has a heart condition and lung cancer. I was self-employed before age 65 and was paying nearly $600 a month for health coverage. I retired from my job but was still paying $600 a month for health insurance.
I had no choice but to pay the providers' fee, whatever it may be because of the "pre-existing condition" thing. When I was able to get Medicare (which I think would be considered "single payer"), it covered me with all my warts.
I cannot begin to express the relief that was to me and my disabled husband. My husband is on VA, which also accepts his pre-existing conditions, and wouldn't VA also be considered single payer?
I know Medicare or the VA is not perfect, but it sure is compared to the choices I had with private insurances even though I paid a huge monthly premium.
I feel so sad for my children and their efforts to provide health insurance for their families. One has insurance provided by her employer, and she has a $2,500 annual deductible! What good is the insurance unless she has a major illness? It eliminates her ability to afford to get medical care for common ailments or to have annual check-ups to stay well, but she has private insurance.
I sure prefer my Medicare and might mention I have the option of any doctor, any hospital and there are no referrals required. Believe me, its a beautiful thing and a real blessing for my life.
This nation owes its citizens the right to affordable health care. Public option or single-payer should be a right for each of us.
Peggy Beckhardt
Monroe
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I think this is a good testament to the idea that the gubbamint, as Lyman would say, can do something right. This woman is not say that Medicare or the VA are horrible ways to provide health care. One argument put to rest.
ReplyDeleteNow, the opponents will say that it is not their job to pay for others' health insurance...
So I guess I shouldn't say it then huh?
ReplyDeleteHow about this... It's not your job to pay my health insurance!