Part of one of my molars broke off and the tooth became infected - hurts like the devil. When I called around to dentists, I discovered that Colorado Medicare/Medicaid no longer covers dental. They never covered that much in the first place, but at least they'd pay for an emergency extraction. Now the only place us po' folk can go is a low income dental clinic 50 miles from here. And they can't get me in for two weeks. Last night I was in so much pain, I had tears in my eyes. I finally broke down, took off my jammies, got dressed, and drove to the ER in a snow storm with tears running down my cheeks.
The ER doc was very kind and gave me a miracle shot in my cheek which burned like crazy for about 4 or 5 seconds. Then all the pain vanished for about 6 hours which allowed me to get some sleep. This morning, the pain is back, but I have an appointment with my regular doc who will most likely give me pain killers and antibiotics to see me through until the clinic can patch me up.
I'm having to miss work today - money which I really need. I don't get along with pain killers, either. They make me nauseated even when I take them with food.
Out of curiosity, I did some price checking on the Web. A visit to the ER averaged about $922 in 2008 (most recent I could find in my quick search). A trip to an office based physician costs around $199. The cost of a tooth extraction varies - anywhere from $150 to $600 if oral surgery is required. So, the Colorado State Republican Legislature is saving the people of Colorado anywhere from negative $972 to negative $522, plus potential lost wages and productivity.
The Republicans - the party of fiscal responsibility.
This is just one more example of the government (state) saving pennies and throwing away dollars. Its my understanding that a visit to the ER is just about the most expensive place you can go for health care. Plus, I have the lost wages from my job. I am grateful that at least I had the ER to go to. But is this going to be an example of the "cost cuts" in medical and other social services if a Republican majority gets elected this time? I hope not.
