[Paleopsych] health care

[Val Geist]

Become Canadians! Sincerely, Val Geist
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: JV Kohl 
  To: The new improved paleopsych list 
  Sent: Friday, May 27, 2005 8:21 PM
  Subject: Re: [Paleopsych] health care


  http://www.mercola.com/2005/feb/16/medical_costs.htm

  "About half of all bankruptcies in 2001 were the result of medical problems and, surprisingly, most of those (more than three-quarters) who went bankrupt were covered by health insurance at the start of the illness."

  "On average, out-of-pocket medical costs reached $13,460 for those with private insurance and $10,893 for those with no insurance. Ironically, those with the highest costs, on average about $18,000, were people who initially had private health insurance but lost it after becoming ill."

  Even those who don't go bankrupt tend to lose whatever savings they have. I can't imagine much worse than seeing everything I've worked for my entire life be spent on medical costs--and in many cases that's what happens. 

  I've worked in the medical laboratory for many years and have seen test costs escalate far beyond most people's ability to pay. A co-worker recently was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and has estimated she will be out of pocket more than $15,000 by the time she finishes chemotherapy. One of the worst things about this is that we work at a hospital, and have a group policy through Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Even though she has seen only participating providers, the number of charges not covered is enlightening. Most of us would be better off being illegal immigrants, who get their medical care for free. About 4 non-English speaking patients with no insurance deliver babies here (in Northern Georgia) compared to each non-Hispanic White. Cancer and disability supplements with set payments are expensive jokes, that will only stay the bankruptcy for a short time..

  Meanwhile, the Veteran's administration (the last place anyone wants to go for medical treatment) no longer accepts honorably discharged Veterans into their program, unless the Vet is earning less than $18,000 per year.  Until two years ago, the program was open to all Vets. Now that there will be more injured vets coming home,  I'd need to be half dead and competely broke before seeking help from the Veterans administration.

  I wish you all good health, you need it.

  Jim Kohl


  Euterpel66 at aol.com wrote:

    In a message dated 5/26/2005 11:01:07 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, shovland at mindspring.com writes:
      --Only if you actually call it "health care". But not
      when you call it "socialist tyranny". It's all in the
      framing : )

      Michael
    I imagine that you are one of the lucky ones whose employer provides yours. Mine costs me $468 a month, one third of my monthly income.  My daughter has no healthcare insurance at all. 

    Lorraine Rice

    Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it. 
    ---Andre Gide 

    http://hometown.aol.com/euterpel66/myhomepage/poetry.html
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