I don't know the answer to the health care crisis in the United States. But I know there is a crisis and something needs to be done. I was just about to turn off the TV on a recent Sunday when I came across a PBS special report. I was intrigued simply because I had never seen a PBS "Special Report." I quickly realized it was about health care, and the stories I heard were unbelievable.
A husband and wife were talking about how they don't have health care. Coming in well after the start of the program, I'm not sure how they got to that point, but that isn't what stood out about their story. The Oklahoma couple has two children, and the older one, a girl, has a chronic respiratory disease. She had bouts of being very sick, in and out of the hospital. At some point, she was denied health coverage because of her "pre-existing condition."
These two words have come up a lot in the recent health care debate going on in Washington, with Obama pushing for a plan that would not allow companies to deny coverage to anyone with a "pre-existing condition."
This innocent little girl, not even 10 years old, put her parents in a compromising position. They couldn't afford the medical bills piling up due to their daughter's chronic illness. But they couldn't deny her the medical care she undoubtedly needed. Or could they?
The insurance company told the couple their daughter would be covered if she went one year without going to the doctor. Fearful of losing their house because of the mounting medical expenses, they knew this health insurance coverage was crucial. They prayed their daughter's condition would not flair up, that she would be healthy for a whole year. But one morning, she woke up very sick. Her parents put off taking her to the doctor. If they did, she would again be denied coverage, putting her family back to square one.
The couple thought maybe the illness would get better on its own. But it didn't. The little girl was barely alert. They had no choice but to take her to the hospital.
If they had waited any longer, they could have been accused of medical negligence. She was not only admitted to the hospital but spent days in the intensive care unit. All because of money.
Fast forward to the end of the show, and viewers learn the girl and her brother qualified for children's Medicaid in the state of Oklahoma. But their parents had to earn a limited income, so they worked less and made less money just to get their children health insurance. Still, neither of the parents had health insurance themselves. Instead, they just crossed their fingers hoping neither of them got sick or injured.
I turned off the TV just astonished at how messed up our system really is. Like I said, I don't know the answer, but I know something needs to change.
Anyone who wants health care to stay the same is a sick person.
Responsible, hardworking people raising children born with "pre-existing conditions" should not be punished.
I offer insurance services so this really turns my stomach. Please call me (404) 729-6485 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any comments or questions.
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