Yesterday, I went with my daughter to her doctor, a gastroenterologist, and as I was sitting in the waiting room with her, I saw a couple walk in. The woman wore a large straw hat, and was really thin, and I figured she was there for an appointment--this practice takes care of lots of cancer patients. Her partner, a thin man, was so sweet to her, patting her hand calling her sweet names. They were in their late 50's to early 60's as far as I could tell. What struck me was how sweet they were to each other, which has maybe nothing to do with this story at all, but....
it may have had something to do with what I did. I heard the receptionist call the man to her window and ask for his co-payment of $40. So, he must have had some kind of insurance plan. Well, he didn't have the $40 and told her he was on disability and things were bad. She told him he would have to RESCHEDULE his appointment because he could not be seen without the co-payment--it was clear then that he was there to see the doctor. I don't really know why my blood started to boil. Maybe it's because I'm following this healthcare debate closly, and I'm aware of the terrible state of our healthcare system. Maybe it was because this was so unfair I couldn't let it stand. So without really thinking of it beyond my rage and sadness at the situation, I went up to the couple who were seated and not knowing what to do and I said, "Don't worry, I'll pay your co-payment for you." They were stunned. He told me he wanted my name and I said that it wasn't neccessary, and that if he did something good for someone else that day, it was enough. Sort of a pay it forward thing, I guess. The receptionist was also stunned and I said very loudly, "This should not be happening. These people should not be shut out of an appointment over $40." I hoped everyone in that room heard me. I also turned to the gentleman and told him that America needs to reform this healthcare system so that his situation could be avoided. I paid the money, the receptionist told me I was doing a wonderful thing, and we went on with my daughter's appointment.
I was livid about what had happened to these people. And I suppose an administrator could have been called to the desk and maybe the co-payment could have been waived or postponed, maybe. These poor people just sat there looking so beaten---I couldn't let that stand. And my loud lobbying for healthcare reform in that office may have changed some people's minds? I don't know. All I know is the guy was seen by the doctor--that day.