Is it just me? Both the ACA (Affordable Care Act or Obamacare) was designed to make sure that people get preventative health care at little or no cost. Medicare was designed to help seniors with their medical needs.
OK...
It is true, according to health experts, that problems people have with their teeth can directly affect health, up to and including, death from infection.
Sounds pretty damn serious to me. Lately, being on Medicare, my doctor has gone into overdrive to ensure that I have all the new immunizations from Shingles, Pneumonia, Hepatitis B, Influenza, etc. I also have had a complete blood workup and bone density testing.
I ain't fit as a fiddle, but at least I am still kicking dust at this point in time. However, my teeth have finally decided to revolt. Really bad problem with recurring infections, teeth breaking, etc.
Yet, because I am poor, I can't afford dental work to improve my general health. Our government programs won't pay for dental work, but they will pay for you to be able to have your teeth pulled so you can gum your food to death. Then again, a person with missing teeth feel a lot of shame and our country loses another person to a life of never sharing a smile.
Something is really wrong with our ACA and Medicare. All we hear is how great it is that everyone has good health insurance, except if your teeth are failing or your hearing. Did I mention that Medicare won't pay for hearing aids?
Imagine having life-saving immunizations, etc., but it is OK to die from infection of the teeth. This just don't make a bit of sense to me and I am sure to many of you reading this rant.
So, imagine my surprise when a friend came to see me. When we were young, I took the path of low pay jobs to assist the poor. For the last thirty years I have taken care of a developmentally disabled young man. The pay is really bad, but my friend took the path of monetary success. She did, however, avoid being a snob and still has a generous heart.
Where government failed in regard to ACA and Medicare, my friend didn't. She took me to a dentist and paid for me to have some teeth extracted (7) and new partials for my upper and lower teeth. If it wasn't for her caring and generosity, I would still be an antibiotic junkie trying to stave off death.
So, I hope when President Obama wins re-election, that he check into this really deplorable hole in both the ACA and Medicare. If not, no matter how much health propaganda is spread to the populace, be forewarned: The ACA and Medicare are only a shell game regarding health. Without dental, audiology or optical services, you may be kept only half healthy.
It's like this: You may be cured of cancer, given new knees, heart valves, etc., but all of it is a waste of time and resources if you can't afford dental work. Doctors may have you covered if you have a serious health condition, but won't fix the one thing that causes a lot of health issues and can kill you.
Damned if you do and damned if you don't! This is a huge issue that isn't addressed in the ACA or Medicare. But, it SHOULD BE! Seems health care is still only a half-assed attempt.
I am lucky for a good friend full of compassion and money. But, I cry thinking of those who don't have such friends.
President Obama, I really want the Cap raised on FICA and the money used to give those on Medicare and under the ACA, a chance for complete health, not just a band-aid attempt.
Post Script: For what it may be worth, I gave my first smile in ten years yesterday, without any shame. Felt good. Damn good!