healthinsurancerelated

Real Reform

November 9, 2009

Real reform

I understand why insurance companies are fighting hard against any real health care reform in our country. The fundamental purpose of a health insurance company is to make a profit. Is it any wonder that they deny care and coverage, rescind coverage and charge high premiums? They don't want to see any kind of reform, such as a single payer system, which would put them out of the picture.

What baffles me is why ordinary citizens aren't en masse asking for real changes. We don't seem to get that we are pawns of the insurance companies in this profit-driven health care system. People worry that they won't have a choice in providers. Do we really have that choice now? How many of us have insurance that will only cover services provided by the insurance company's “preferred providers”? People worry that care will be rationed. Health care is already rationed based on job status, income level and even health status. How many of us have lost a job and therefore lost the insurance that went with that job. When we go searching for independent insurance coverage, we discover that there is nothing affordable. And if you have a “pre-existing condition” most insurance companies won't cover you, even if you can afford the premiums.

There is an answer to all of this: a single payer, not-for-profit system. For the first time ever, single payer legislation will be debated and voted on by Congress. However, most of us have not heard about this because insurance companies are a huge lobby in Washington.

Under a single-payer system, everyone would be covered, regardless of income, job status, age or health status. You could go to any physician you want without having to worry about co-payments, deductibles or premiums. All health related services are covered, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, long-term care, dental care, and mental health care.

The U.S. is the only prominent country in the world that does not have universal health care. The pay for the CEO of United Health Group in 2005 was $122.7 million. His salary that year could insure 34,000 people. That just makes me sick. I'd much rather have my hard earned money going towards providing access to health care for all people than going towards making huge profits for some CEO.

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