I understand that there are a lot of people in our country who oppose a public option because they are afraid it will lead to government controlled health care. I do not happen to agree with them even though it seems like their voices seem to dominate the entire health care conversation as it is told by Main Stream Media. I hold an opinion that is different from what is normally conveyed and I would really like to be heard for once in my life.
I WILL NOT BE FORCED TO PURCHASE PRIVATIZE HEALTH INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!! It's NOT because I don't want health insurance. I will just not give my hard earned money to these greedy corporate bastards that are the equivalent of death panels. I have seen how privatized health insurance has taken care of my family and/or friends. I have seen how privatized health insurance treated thousands of people effected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Dolly and IKE. There is no way that I trust any of the current health insurance companies to take my money and then pay it out when needed. The reality is they will most likely take my money but then deny me future care for any variety of reasons. So there is no way in hell that I am going to pay for privatized health insurance. WHEN AND IF President Obama signs a bill that does not provide an option other than PRIVATIZED HEALTH INSURANCE, I will the very next day sue in Federal court for a choice which will put the entire bill in LIMBO will under litigation. So I have another idea....A MUCH BETTER IDEA.
Now POTUS Obama says he is open to NEW ideas but apparently NO ONE in Washington is listening to ANYONE except the loonies and the special interests. That's why I need your help.
I want to buy into Medicare. I think that instead of creating another bureaucracy, just let people 55-64 buy into Medicare as an option. They could call it PREMEDICARE. One thing everyone agrees on is that Medicare and Medicaid need new revenues. The only choices ever discussed are cutting benefits and/or raising taxes. So instead of across the board cuts or tax raises, let people like me buy into Medicare. There are a multitude of reasons why this is a great idea. This group is often the first to be laid off as they usually have seniority and make the most money. Also, this is the baby boomers who will be hitting the system soon anyways. By allowing them access to the system before they turn 65, they will be healthier seniors and have a lower overall cost of care after they turn 65. This would be a shot in the arm to Medicare financially and allow us to move on to the tougher job of reforming how Medicare pays doctors in order to eliminate massive systematic fraud.
Likewise you could do the same with Medicaid by allowing families that make $50K GROSS before taxes to buy into Medicaid if they choose. The savings to a family over private insurance could be used to save for college, buy items for the family, etc. which would additionally be helpful to our current economic circumstances.
I have discussed this with friends, business associates, family etc. from all different backgrounds (conservative to liberal) and everyone agrees this is a solution that could work to solve some of the issues we are facing. I mean how the hell could Washington turn down money voluntarily put into the system? I have written every single Dem Senator, some GOP Senators, POTUS OBama, and various members from both sides of the House. I have written the Media on BOTH sides. But no one is listening. That's why I need your help. If more people will let their representatives know about this idea, MAYBE we could start a discussion. If more people talked/blogged about this idea, MAYBE we could get someone whether it is politicians or media to at least consider the idea. Personally, I believe it is a helluva lot better idea than the stupid coop idea that is in the Baucus bill.
Look I turned 55 last week and I calculated that since I turned 18 I have not had health insurance for over 30 years of that time.....NOT BY CHOICE. It really pisses me off when people imply that someone chooses not to have health insurance over paying their rent, or buying food for their children, or paying for the car that gets you to the job that pays those bills. I have raised two sons without health insurance, child support or welfare. I understand what it is like to have to make the choice of going to the doctor or going without food for a week. But a bad health plan may actually be worse than no health plan ESPECIALLY when the people making the plan are not listening to the people who are living these realities.
Please help me be heard by simply forwarding this to your Senator, Congressman and/or favorite news media. It's especially important since the Senate is going to begin debating the PUBLIC OPTION today!