The Cellar - View Single Post - Impeding changes to our Health Care system

SamIam · 01-10-2010, 07:15 PM

OK, this is anecdotal, but it makes me mad as hell, and it shows what's wrong with our medical system yet one more time.

I have two wonderful friends in their late 50's. They are far from wealthy, but they were getting by. Jobs are hard to get in this rural, end of the world part of Colorado. The husband, "Joe," managed to land work with the forest service but he ends up getting laid off every winter for a few months - he does get unemployment from them. He also works odd jobs where he can. His wife, "Judy" was a prep cook at a restaurant here in town. They help other peope all they can, even though their budget is limited and their home is just a small trailer.

Well, Judy just got diagnosed with emphysema. Since Joe is only seasonal at the Forest Service, it doesn't give him health insurance. Judy had limited insurance at her job, but she had to quit because she must now use a portable oxygen tank and can't be near a stove. The cost of an oxygen tank is prohibitive for them in their situation. The O2 company offered them a "deal" - a used tank which they can have for only $300.00. Never mind how they are going to pay for Judy's other treatment for her illness.

I told Judy to apply for disability. To me that looks like the only solution to her problem. Disability isn't wonderful, but it will give her a small income each month, and most importantly, access to medicare.

There is something dreadfully wrong with a system that chews people like these two up and spits them out. They deserve so much more. They have worked hard all their lives, and this is what they get? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

I don't know if the new health care reform will help people like Joe and Judy or not, but dammit, it should.

01-10-2010, 07:15 PM	#3
SamIam Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Not here Posts: 2,655	OK, this is anecdotal, but it makes me mad as hell, and it shows what's wrong with our medical system yet one more time. I have two wonderful friends in their late 50's. They are far from wealthy, but they were getting by. Jobs are hard to get in this rural, end of the world part of Colorado. The husband, "Joe," managed to land work with the forest service but he ends up getting laid off every winter for a few months - he does get unemployment from them. He also works odd jobs where he can. His wife, "Judy" was a prep cook at a restaurant here in town. They help other peope all they can, even though their budget is limited and their home is just a small trailer. Well, Judy just got diagnosed with emphysema. Since Joe is only seasonal at the Forest Service, it doesn't give him health insurance. Judy had limited insurance at her job, but she had to quit because she must now use a portable oxygen tank and can't be near a stove. The cost of an oxygen tank is prohibitive for them in their situation. The O2 company offered them a "deal" - a used tank which they can have for only $300.00. Never mind how they are going to pay for Judy's other treatment for her illness. I told Judy to apply for disability. To me that looks like the only solution to her problem. Disability isn't wonderful, but it will give her a small income each month, and most importantly, access to medicare. There is something dreadfully wrong with a system that chews people like these two up and spits them out. They deserve so much more. They have worked hard all their lives, and this is what they get? GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I don't know if the new health care reform will help people like Joe and Judy or not, but dammit, it should.