It’s been three years since I had a mammogram.
I don’t want one.
Because if there is a problem I can not afford the treatments associated with that diagnosis.
Recently, a private insurance company in Oregon would not apply a $125.00 doctor visit to my $10,000 annual deductible per person (the least expensive way a self-employed person can afford health care insurance). Then they increased my premium by 33%.
So, I made a business decision not to pay for a service that will not honor my claims, which causes me to remain undiagnosed.
I will not pay or agree to pay for a service that will not provide a return.
After 52 years and working all my adult life it would be a humiliation to become a ward of the state and a burden to society.
So, when some complain about paying extra taxes charged on cigarettes and beer - I laugh.
At least the taxes collected help children get medical care and their claims are paid under a single payer plan managed by the state of Oregon.
Maybe when these kids are my age preventive health care and its consequences will be a right and not a privilege.
It depends on our values.