I could be wrong, I haven't done my homework, but last night after being inspired by "The Speech" and thinking about the public option, I had a light bulb go off in my head. Big deal right? I am not a "Policy Maker" just a retired social worker, collecting Social Security for 2 years. I had never thought that I would be wishing for my 65th birthday. How horrible is that thought?
Not as horrible as paying for my health benefits, while living on a fixed income. I know I am not alone in this. There must be loads of us, that took our benefits at 62, for whatever our reasons might have been. We are all sitting around either without coverage hoping not to get sick, or paying through the nose for private insurance that is unfair in it's practices and can drop us at anytime. I don't personally have any pre-existing condition that would deem me "un-insurable" but I do live in fear that if I get one, I will be most certainly be dropped by my company in a heart beat. It's not a pleasant feeling.
So this is my proposal for health care reform. That those of us who are already in the social security system, and collecting our benefits, should also start receiving Medicare immediately. It's a bit of Public Option, that may have been overlooked. I don't know, but it would be a life saver for many of us who are fearful of going to the doctor.
Just to add, If you are collecting SSD for any disability no matter what your age is, you receive Medicaid as part of your benefits. I am not sure why it doesn't work that way for seniors, but it would be a quick way to cover people that are sliding through the cracks.