Anyone for Health Care?

Yeah, I know. Everyone's got an opinion about health care in the United States, Canada, England, Poland, France, Chine, Japan, etc.

I only have one question: Does anyone know what's going on?

According to some sources, there isn't an Obama health care plan, just talk.

According to others, we're about to start death camps for the elderly.

And, finally, some say that the cost to cover all citizens might actually be more than a) the Iraq War; b) stimulus package #1; stimulus package #2; tobacco subsidies; whatever.

How come no one has come out and printed what is really being proposed by either side? All we get is yelling and shouting about things that may or may not happen. No facts. Just opinions. But where are the facts? Probably buried in the bill everyone is an expert about but hasn't read.

This year our health insurance premiums (there are 3 full time employees covered) will top $24,000. Add to this a deductible of $5,000 (and hidden language in our policy that states that preventative care will not be covered, just diagnostic care) and you can see where we're leaning.

Just think, as a diabetic, none of my routine blood and lab tests are covered by our insurance policy. You see, they will cover diagnostic tests, but since I'm already a certified diabetic, the lab tests are diagnostic. They just show that I'm following my diet and pill regimen and am healthy. So I have to pay for all those tests out of pocket, until I reach the $5,000 deductible. (Of course, with the high prices, that might not take too long.)

Here's two ways we can get reasonably priced health care for all of us:

OPTION 1: Change the compensation of House and Senate members to be the average income of their constituents. Sure, there'll be some fairly well-off legislators, but can you imagine Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-MILW) giving up her $175,000 plus income to live on $30,000 per year. And have her pay for her own insurance since the government shouldn't provide that coverage. It's too expensive for tax payers.

OPTION 2: Give every American citizen the same coverage we give to our federal representatives. Of course, in this case, the government (actually us) would be paying for it so taxes would go up.

Change is needed and soon. As more people lose their insurance due to layoffs, and as companies take away benefits so they can compete with foreign companies, we're heading for more than a crisis. We're heading for disaster.

By the way, smile. It's nice outside.