DISQUS

hardaway · 2 months ago

It's incredible that even we, who work so hard trying to raise awareness about the need for health care reform, are not able to get a message to the President and Congress about what is really happening to ordinary people. You and I started this discussion because you were on COBRA and couldn't afford it, and nearly two years later, you are in the same position -- only now Sticks is ill and uninsurable. In the intervening time, Pat has been diagnosed with CML and forced to go on Medicaid. That's just one little corner of the world.
Truthfully, I gratefully pay for the most expensive Medicare supplement policy offered. I WANT to pay my share for as long as I can. The sad part -- it helps me, and the other Medicare recipients, but it doesn't help YOU. I'd gladly pay my share for your health care if you could get on Medicare early.

Karoli · 2 months ago

Seriously. I really do believe the Medicare buy-in is the most practical way to bridge the gap for people like me. It's an established system, it's in need of more cash, and we're not all uninsurable. We're just uninsured. Big difference. High risk pools, if they operate like the auto insurance pools, mean premiums well in excess of what we can afford, particularly without being employed. AND...by continuing to tie insurance to employment, we're stuck with the implicit ageism that comes with higher insurance premiums for age.

The only thing good about it is that some of our representatives truly understand the problem. I have nothing but high praise for Rep. Miller's staff, not only because they looked for a better answer than "I don't know", but because they cared enough to find one and relay my concerns.

victoriahessco7 · 1 month ago

I think we are very lucky that Obama passed health care. I feel for all people that are left over in any type of nation wide change like this, but it happens every time. I fear that if issues like this are pushed right now that we will have a Republican in office next term and any chance to do something like this will be lost. I am very sorry for those who will suffer in the next four years, but not sorry enough to risk what has been gained for those in the future. I wish I did not feel this way and I know you will be offended, but I really bite my nails that this would pass, and hope and pray a Republican does not win the next presidential election. If he does all will be lost much more quickly then it was won.

Karoli · 1 month ago

It's a guarantee that if something isn't done, a Republican will be in
office. The only hope for real change is to just get it done.