I commented on my cousin's facebook this morning and here's what that thread and it's comments has lead me to say:
I have a lot of thoughts (and questions) about healthcare, and I don't have the answers either. I know there are exceptions to what i have to say, so when you read this, know that I am speaking generally, and not including every person or every situation...
When I hear people say that they can't afford healthcare, I think they choose not to afford it, by affording other luxuries in their lives. Health insurance is not a right, it is a privilege (as is the luxury in our lives). When we add up our "bill" for luxury in our lives, what does it equal? Car payments, mani/pedi, shopping, entertainment, eating out - would that be $300-$1,000 a month for most people? I think that would be a fair guess. that said... could you find coverage for that much? More than likely.
We pay over $350 monthly, through an employer, and don't have great coverage. Health insurance isn't cheap through an employer either. It's cheaper than buying it independently, but let's not be confused and think that it's not a significant cost. - It's just a little different because we never "see" the money.
I also think the medical providers should do better at helping people and giving discounts and that insurance companies drive up the price of medical care by the requirements they create. I also don't think there is one answer to any of this. I do, however, think a lot of it is a personal responsibility. I think that we (self included) get used to a lifestyle and then feel entitled to that lifestyle, even when our situation changes. (ex: income changes, job changes, location changes, having kids, paying tuition, living on your own again or the first time)
That thought leads me to believe that the healthcare "crisis" is not such a crisis. I know that there are those out there who are denied coverage because of their health. I know people have lost their job, and therefore their health insurance. I wish that this wasn't reality for some, and I don't have the solution to those problems either. However, I am certain that a lot more people can afford things they claim they can't - I just look at their lifestyle.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, and since I know that healthcare is a heated topic, please be respectful in your comments. This was not posted as a platform for attack, but as something to think about ...
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Hey Feslie!
ReplyDeleteAs someone who worked for an insurance broker for several years, I can tell you that a lot of people choose to not take healthcare because they have other things they would rather spend money on. Recently there was a man in the news who was involved in an accident while he was on his motorcycle. Someone smashed into him and then just took off. Dude on the motorcycle didn't have insurance because he claimed he couldn't afford it. He would rather take care of his $40,000 HOG than pay for health insurance. Don't get me wrong, I feel horrible for the man that he was in an accident; but, I don't feel sorry for his mound of debt that he as accrued as a result.
Congress operates no differently than this man and his motorcycle. They spend and spend and spend some more without taking the time to acknowledge where the money will come from. Quite frankly, the whole thing disgusts me. We have many "socialized" programs (yeah, I said the "s" word!!) that are headed toward the crapper because THE GOVERNMENT CAN'T MANAGE MONEY!! Why do people think now will be any different? Just like you do debt coaching, let me be the one to coach individuals on the perils of history. The sad thing is, these dolts in Congress (and our "president") don't believe history's lessons apply to them. And that is a shame. That attitude is the reason that history tends to repeat itself, and this time around will be no different. We are slowly returning to a land of bondage.
Yeah, we need some kind of reform. Its not right for someone who has migraines to not be covered because of said migraines. We DO NOT however need ANYTHING government controlled. The travesty that is SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, and Part D should be explaination enough as to why it would be a bad idea.