What would you say?

MOMocrats friend Kyla is back today with an update about her ongoing struggle to insure her child and has a question for all of us.

A couple weeks ago, I had a phone interview with someone from the Children's Defense Fund regarding our insurance woes. You can follow that link for handy little factoids, such as MY state has the highest rate of uninsured kiddos in the nation! Go Texas!

This was the only conversation I've had with anyone about this situation that gave me any hope at all. It was a quick phone call, mainly exchanging of information, but it was the first phone call that didn't end in some variation of "I'm sorry, there is nothing more you can do". It was the first phone call that left me with the smallest glimmer of hope.

She said that their outreach teams would be contacting various insurance agencies in our state, sharing our story with them, and trying to get somewhere. They will also be contacting legislators to that same end. At the end of our conversation, she asked if I would be willing to share our story with a larger audience, allow them to share it with the media, especially as they push for changes to be made to the current system. I said yes.

Tomorrow someone is coming to our house to interview me and take photographs for the story. This is a whole new world for me. I've never been THIS person. I've always been the person who politely declines and is much happier to stay silently in the background. But that KayTar, she got to me, and for her I'll shout it from the rooftops. But it isn't only that. I live in the state with the highest rate of uninsured children in this nation, and not all of those parents have the opportunity or voice to speak out. If I do have that ability, I have to take it...not just for KayTar, but for all the children like her, and all the families like ours. It's time for a change.

The interviewer sent me questions to ponder in the meantime and I'd like to leave you with one. What would YOU tell lawmakers about the need for SCHIP and Medicaid? I know my answer already, but I'd love to hear yours as well.

Comments

[Glennia]

I would tell them that if they don't understand the need for medical care coverage for children, they don't deserve to be in Congress. That goes for Democrats and Republicans alike. The SCHIP veto override vote should have been a no-brainer, but they decided to put politics before their constituents in that case and anyone who voted against it needs to lose their jobs (and their medical care coverage).

[Julie Pippert]

As you know I called my representative and laid it out bare: get coverage for kids. Period.

Yes, I'd like to see these politicians do without health care, these who voted against it.

GL with the interview!!! Give me details, okay?

[Melissa]

Unfortunately, SCHIP isn't a battle on the Hill at the moment. Rep. Frank Pallone, who chair the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is a big supporter and has called some hearings.

But, after Bush's 2d veto of SCHIP (yes, he vetoed it TWICE), the House passed an extension until 3/09 (P.L. 110-173).

My biggest concern right now is the battle over the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid regulations. You can read a post I wrote on the issue here: http://www.freestatepolitics.us/showDiary.do?diaryId=532

[Frank S]

I would wonder why there is $30B to bail out Bear Stearns but no $$ for kid's health care.

[John J.]

The best way to convince the pro-life Senators/Congressmen is to explain that adequate medical care for mothers and children, including an expansion to medicaid, SCHIP, and WIC, is one of the best ways to reduce abortions.

As for the Bear Stearns thing, unfortunately, the Federal Reserve is an independent organization, not directly beholden to any branch of government. This means they can play with currency all they want, including giving out loans from the government, with only a little oversight...