Every day I read at least one or two diaries about health care reform
Many make the case for a public option, others for single payer, all want the current system to change. I just want some help.
Every day I check my SSA account hoping to find that I qualify for extra help with medications, or that California will once again pay my Part D premiums, or that my Medicaid copayment of $760 a month has been waived so I can afford much needed dental work. To no avail.
Every day I check to see if I have an appointment with one or more of the following: Blood test, CT Scan, Oncologist #1 (for Nerve sheath cancer), Oncologist #2 (for mouth cancer), Cardiologist #1 for Chemo induced heart problems, Cardiologist #2 to check my implanted defibrillator, Neurologist for Chemo induced strokes and seizures, Dermatologist for Chemo induced rashes and skin pain, Primary care doctor for monthly check up, ENT specialist to check mouth cancer, Radiation tech to check my progress after 4 months of radiation on my neck, tongue and mouth. Cool, only have three appointments next week.
Every day I get dunning calls and letters from collection agencies, sometimes polite, mostly insulting "pay the bill or no doctors in this town will see you." I usually offer to send them the other arm (cancer took the left arm 5 years ago).
Every day I sit at my computer and try to budget a way for $1461 a month to pay for rent+utilities ($1050), health care premiums, meds, payment of past bills ($240), food for myself and my son ($200), transportation, public, can't drive ($50). So I don't eat out, don't go to movies. My older kids help make up the shortfall every month. Bless them
Every day I am thankful for great doctors, nurses, techs. My children who help bridge the money gap. And my ex-wife who, with her husband, have become stalwart allies and good friends.
Every day I start on a new diary but run out of energy. Today is different. I am determined to share my story. Health care is not "broken", rather it has been coopted by greedy people who think it's OK to profit on others' pain. The leeches who run the system should go through one week of my life. Wonder how long they would last?
Every day, for me, is an opportunity to affirm my love for life. Besides, I want to find out what happens tomorrow.