The Fibrochondriac

Okay so now not only am I flaring and foggy, I have no computer. It started acting like it was in a computerized exorcism (making very strange noises and making mincemeat out of whatever I was working on) so it was time to take it in. Or buy a new one. I’m still on that campaign trail…

Gotta love geeks. When said geek (yes I took it to Geek Squad, just the easiest thing to do) was filling out the paperwork  he noted the computer’s condition as “dirty”. Seriously? Looked fine to me until I looked inside it and saw what he saw. Whew! Guess it could use a little dusting. I’m supposed to get it back in a day or two…maybe.

So now I’m using my husband’s ancient laptop. He’s attached to it. Hope I don’t break it.

While I was reading my email this morning, I came across these posts in the digest version of the low-Dose Naltrexone yahoo groups email. Our health care system needs to be fixed. But there are people out there that JUST DON’T GET IT.

These emails (one specifically) demonstrate just how poorly some people understand the problem. I’ve pulled names and extraneous info out of the posts but if you’re a member of the LDN yahoo group you can get in there and see the whole thing.

I really just want to make it clear that there is a problem here and the response to the “there are no free rides” email was a thing of beauty. Much better than I could have said it.

I hope your brain is working well enough to process these emails and understand the problem we, as a nation, are facing. Ain’t just the health care folks…it’s the millions of people that just don’t get it. And the marketers and corporations that are enforcing the not getting it…but that’s a whole ‘nother post.

Hoping my brain gets in gear soon…but please read this.

From: lowdosenaltrexone@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 11:42 PM
To: lowdosenaltrexone@ yahoogroups. com
Subject: [lowdosenaltrexone]

… I`ve lived here in the US for 10 years from my native London and as a self employed person, have no health care. I just cant afford it and in the UK I was so used to having access to doctors – I`m still shocked and horrified when I look around at how people struggle here. My husband is also self employed which means we have to work ALL the time without a break in order to make ends meet, just paying rent etc. He is “lucky” in the sense that he gets MediCal here so gets access to his neuro but we pretty much have to prove povety in order for it to continue each year. Without him having MS he wouldnt be in the plan at all. Heaven forbid we make a living wage one year and then we`ll be screwed! It just makes a stressful life more stressful worrying about being able to get care. Until recently I went without seeing a doctor for over 5 years. I probably had thyroid disease for years without being diagnosed due to lack of health insurance.
…

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[AND A RESPONSE TO THIS EMAIL THAT MADE MY BLOOD BOIL]

From: XXX 
To: lowdosenaltrexone@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sun, February 7, 2010 8:11:27 PM
Subject: RE: [lowdosenaltrexone] RE:

It is unfortunate that you cannot afford health insurance. But you went undiagnosed because you didn’t go to a doctor, not because you didn’t have health insurance. Why do so many people think that those who can’t afford health insurance should have it provided by someone else?

And it would be a shame if you increased your income and had to pay for your own coverage like most of the rest of us. Good grief! If you had such a good deal in the U.K, why not go back there and get the “free” coverage?

There is no question that our system of health coverage could use some improvement. I don’t like paying premiums more than anyone else, but I’m adult enough to know that no one owes me a free ride.

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[A FREE RIDE? SERIOUSLY? I WAS STEAMING AND STRUGGLING TO FIND THE WORDS. BUT THIS SAYS IT SO ELOQUENTLY. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL RESPONSE...]

Subject: [lowdosenaltrexone] RE: 

To anyone not interested in health care reform or political discussion, you may want to avoid this email.

Xxx,

I am offended by your response … regarding health insurance. The American health insurance system could use more than “some improvement” .

When I was diagnosed in 2006 with Multiple Sclerosis, I had excellent health insurance and was still physically able to work. Though my MS was subsequently determined to be the Primary Progressive form, I continued to work until the last week of December 2008 (though I was using a rolling walker and rapidly declining).

One week before Christmas 2008, my employer laid off a number of employees including myself. (I won’t express my thoughts on why our economy tanked and why I blame the incompetent oaf of a former president and administration.)

Because I was laid off, I was able to continue insurance coverage through COBRA. Thanks to our enlightened and foresighted new president, I was also able to take advantage of the part of the stimulus package that required my former employer to pay 65% of my monthly premium. Though I would have been able to pay just 35% of my monthly premiums for 9 months, I was only able to take advantage of that assistance for 7 months because my former employer went out of business. Because my former employer went out of business, I lost my COBRA sponsor. Because I lost my COBRA sponsor, I lost my health insurance.

During that time it became apparent that, due to my disability, I would not be able to continue working. I applied for Social Security Disabilityand was approved. I was deemed disabled but still had to wait the mandatory 5 months for my disability payments to begin. I was told that I am not qualified for Medicaid because my disability payments exceed the limit. I was told that I would receive Medicare after waiting the mandatory 2 years after receipt of my 1st disability payment.

I tried but could not get health insurance from another carrier due to my pre-existing condition. My state does have a high-risk pool for people like me, but the cost is prohibitive. To get a policy with a $1,000 annual deductible, I would have to pay over $700 per month. Personally, I don’t know many healthy people or people with chronic conditions like myself who could afford that premium.

Ridiculously, I had people telling me that as long as I could get to an emergency room I have healthcare. People with chronic conditions require regular testing, care, and medications. It is not possible to seek regular emergency care for a chronic condition. And, there are many hospitals that refuse patients without healthcare. Besides, who do those people think is paying for that care? Taxpayers and insured people are paying for that care with ever increasing insurance premiums.

I have been a taxpaying, full-time worker since I was 17 years old. I have paid more money than I want to think about to the Social Security Administration. Due to no fault of my own, I am now unable to work, suffer from a debilitating disease, and am uninsurable. I am now one of millions of Americans who have fallen through the cracks of our flawed healthcare system. 

I also am, “adult enough to know that no one owes me a free ride”. However, should I be denied healthcare because I have a pre-existing condition, am not wealthy, my former employer went out of business, and Medicare has a mandatory 2 year waiting period?

President Obama has money saving, legitimate, and practical solutions to this dilemma. COBRA must be extended to people despite the status of the former employer. People with pre-existing conditions must be able to join an insurance pool. As many options as possible, including a public option, must be available to Americans to choose from. The mandatory 5 month waiting period for disability payments to begin must be abolished. The mandatory 2 year waiting period for Medicare must be abolished. The greed of the insurance and pharmaceutical companies must no longer be tolerated. Preventative and ongoing care must be provided, and would save money in the long run. Preventing a catastrophic outcome due to lack of healthcare would be so much less expensive financially than the cost of emergency or long-term care required because the person could not afford exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses.

I would not wish my situation on anyone. Good for those people in this country who have employer sponsored health insurance, can afford private health insurance, or can pay medical expenses out-of-pocket. But be aware that you can lose your job, your insurance, or your money at any time. You would then become what you apparently have such distain for.

“There, but for the grace of God, go I.”