We got a great discussion going yesterday regarding spirituality. I thought we focus on health insurance today. With over 46 million Americans getting by without health insurance - hoping against hope that they & their family stay healthy and safe - I'd imagine there are quite a few of us here at dailyKos who fall into that category.
I know our community is a small sampling of America overall, but this poll should give us an idea as to what we're up against financially and health-wise. And please - use the comments section to elaborate. I've seen some pretty scary stories here - this might be a good place to collect them and maybe we could all send a link to this diary to our CongressCritters and Senators when we're done.
I'll get the ball rolling after the flip...
My family & I are lucky - my office job has always provided us with access to health insurance. Although since I moved to a smaller law firm, we can no longer afford dental or vision coverage for the rest of the family - the firm doesn't subsidize those so I'm the only one who gets dental coverage. We have to pay out of pocket whenever hubby or the kids go for a dental check-up.
Our monthly premium for health insurance is nearly $400. If we got family dental coverage it would cost us another $100 a month - about what it costs for me to take my daughter in for a check-up and cleaning. Not worth it really although we definitely get out money's worth out of the medical coverage with all the specialists I've taken my son to over the last 3 years.
Are you still battling with Medicare part D?
Covered? Not?
Are medications eating up your family budget?
Does your state provide coverage for all children?
Do you work a construction job where health coverage isn't provided?
Self-employed?
So what's your story then? Vote in the poll and then leave a comment or three.
UPDATE
Insurance is a must-have in our society but it's tough to keep sometimes. My dad was on a COBRA plan after going on disability from his job. After a few months they changed his monthly premium by a few bucks to include the dental. He confused the amount one month when paying his bills, and was off by 2 cents. He missed the 30-day window to make up the shortfall so his insurance company cancelled his policy over 2 cents
It took a partner at my former firm 7 or 8 months to get that coverage reinstated. In the meantime, my dad couldn't afford to pay for his weekly shots to keep a chronic problem - Crohn's Disease - in check. So he got seriously ill and had to go to the ER to get an infusion that cost $10,000 (!!!!) for each treatment.
A bill that the state of Florida must have picked up.
Another argument for universal health coverage. If he'd had access to medical care he would have stayed relatively healthy and the state wouldn't be hit with several $10,000 medical bills because he got sick.
Dad died of heart failure at the age of 61 three & a half years ago. He'd probably still be with us if he'd had decent coverage. But to BushCo - guys like him are disposable. So are so many other Americans.
Rant over.