Ok, this is a gripe and somewhat political; fair warning.
My son has a VSD, a ventricular septal defect. It’s a tiny hole in his heart wall, not growing, so the doctors say “don’t operate”, and he’s perfectly (almost obnoxiously :) healthy. Our insurance provider, however, says that unless we cut into his healthy body, they won’t cover him. They have to, actually, because of HIPAA (thankfully). BUT, they won’t cover him under our family plan (which has gone up 400% in the past 4 years), and we have to have a second, separate, and much less coverage policy for him.
This makes him, effectively, a second class citizen.
As an independent consultant, I can’t get small business insurance where a plan would have to cover the whole family (and can’t just employ my wife to qualify). So let me be clear that I’m for the US to move to a one not-for-profit medical insurance system, nationally. Don’t tell me it doesn’t work, because I lived in Australia for seven years where they have it and it works. It’s not perfect, but it’s bloody well better than our system here in terms of coverage for everyone. And of course you should’ve seen the results that show the US system is worst and most expensive of the major countries. Scandalous.
I’m a bit dismayed that the major candidates’ plans aren’t willing to go this far. And, by and large, their plans won’t help my health care costs. Given that the forecasts are for more independent workers, this should be of more concern.
The alternative would be a regular job, but so far no one’s come through with an offer that affords me the level of contribution I can and want to make. So, anyone want an ‘on call’ elearning expert for the cost of health, disability, and retirement benefits for me and my family?
Maybe it’s time to move to Canada? New Brunswick is trying to position itself as a leader in “Gaming, Animation & Simulation” and may be able to fast-track immigration. Come to the Great White North! [this has been a blatant, promotional nationalistic message].
Ugh. Near and not so dear to my heart. I can relate. With new 2008 rates, I now pay more for health insurance premiums than the mortgage on my home. And no dental…Oh, Canada.
It’s pretty bad when the best the democrats are willing to propose is a system where everyone will have to buy into the corrupt and inefficent health insurance industry that’s much more interested in profit than health. As for the republicans…if you can’t afford insurance you don’t deserve it.
I hear British Columbia is beautiful this time of year!