My kids and I are uninsured. I am frustrated, angry and feel utterly helpless because some insurance company gets to decide if I get to back in the club - the "people who have insurance club".
Last month, I has the huge privilege of meeting the venerable Valerie Jarrett with a few other MOMocrats. I left inspired to do more, but wasn't quite sure until I chatted with the fine folks at People Acting in Community Together.
Yesterday my kids and I had the opportunity to give testimony on health insurance reform at a rally outside Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren's office. About 175 clergy and community leaders gathered to add our stories to the health care insurance reform debate. Representative Lofgren spoke briefly and complimented the group on the peaceful demonstration. She relayed that the night before she had attended a meeting expecting 40 people. Instead she was greeted by more than 300 rowdy protesters, and most were not ready to debate civilly. Oy vey! WTF people - aren't there more important things we need to talk about - like how we should pay for this and the details of a plan?
The afternoon's gathering was hosted by a Rabbi, blessing shared by a Baptist minister and the crowd sang, "This little light of mine". It was a far cry from the events seen all over the news featuring town halls shut down by angry protestors. I was proud to be amongst this group of smart and compassionate people.
When my friends asked me to speak last week, I did not hesitate to volunteer. But as I watched the news and read online accounts of what was happening at rallies around the country, I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. Moreover, when the head organizer mentioned that agitators were seen at other rallies around the country and that a large group off Teabaggers assembled at an event the night before I began to worry about what I had gotten my kids involved with. But as I stood in a circle surrounded by preachers, community activists and friends, I knew there was no other place I would rather have been.
Valerie Jarrett challenged us to take to streets and get our stories told. I did just that and so have many others. Now it is up to us all to make sure our elected officials stand up too and roll up their sleeves to get it done. We need access to affordable health are. My kids can't wait.
Check out other stories from people around the country who shared their stories yesterday through PACT and the PICO network.
Insurance denial is definitely an important issue. For many opposed to health care reform, it's not a question of whether or not it's needed. The push to pass legislation that is so overwhelmingly complex is, for me if not others, a very frightening thought. For instance, many are unaware of all the fine print in the document. Others are unaware that some of the legislation has already been pushed through. And, to my understanding, not to the betterment of those who don't have it. Hospitals (I cannot verify the number) have received federal grant money for healthcare employees who come from "disadvanted backgrounds". Now to me, that's a whole separate issue from providing an opportunity for care to those to whom it is currently being deprived.I know it's hard to tell you, please wait...I do not believe that you and your family will benefit from being hoodwinked now on what appears to be immediate relief.
Shouldn't we know what we're signing up for and getting into rather than suffer the unforseen consequences? Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Posted by: susan blatt | August 12, 2009 at 05:15 PM
I feel saddened that those of us (yes, I am one) without healthcare currently are being used; yes, certainly it seems as if we are being thrown a life vest in sinking waters, but what effect will this have once we're out of those waters.
There's too much more to this bill that we don't know about...I get uncomfortable when things are hidden.
Thanks again.
Posted by: susan blatt | August 12, 2009 at 05:26 PM
With all due respect Susan, I am tired of waiting for reform. We need to get this done, now. No more excuses and fear. Nothing is hidden. You can read the bill yourself. The idea that someone is trying to "hoodwink" Americans makes no sense. I understand your cynicism, since Americans were "hoodwinked" into believing Sadam Hussein had something to do with 911, and we were "hoodwinked" into believing the war in Iraq was just. But make no mistake that doing nothing in the health care debacle will sink us as a nation. There is nothing to fear but fear itself, sister.
Posted by: Reality Rounds | August 12, 2009 at 08:22 PM
U.S. which claims itself to be the first world, still dosen't have a govt supported healthcare system for the people, is really a shame!!!!!! Most of the major european countries like U.k.,France,Germany and the socalled thirdworld countries(i ,myself come from one) has healthcare system supported by the govt so that everybody can have access, it's the peoples right to have a good healthcare system to take care of them when necessary....i don't know why people who donot support this reform are scared of what????? terrorism ion health care!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: sumana | August 13, 2009 at 09:08 AM
As someone who didn't have health insurance for years, I applaud your post. As a child, I recall not being able to go to the doctor for years, and, being forced to pay for overpriced insurance in college that didn't cover squat.
I do think however, that congress shouldn't rush through legislation without hashing everything out. It's unfortunate that the media chooses to only focus on the far-right wackos out there. Whatever headline grabs public interest and sells stories, I guess. BTW, I'm all for medical reform, especially the out of control costs from pharmaceutical companies.
It also saddens and disgusts me how much people have been bashing each other online--from BOTH political parties.
Posted by: Lisa | August 13, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Lisa, I am all for reasoned, thoughtful, fact-based debate about important legislation. That sort of conversation almost always makes laws better.
But that is not what is happening right now with the health care legislation.
It is not just "far-right wackos" spreading false rumors about the health care bill and encouraging people to disrupt town hall meetings. It's the RNC. They are celebrating the disruptive protests on their website. It's Senator Chuck Grassley, and former Governor Sarah Palin, who have validated a ridiculous rumor about "death panels" that both of them MUST know to be false.
If reasonable conservatives are interested in a reasonable, intellectual debate, they need to disavow the MAINSTREAM members of their party who are pandering to the hard-right fringe. Because right now conservatives are letting their leadership get away with unethical tactics that are STOPPING US ALL from being able to have a reasonable conversation.
If you are a conservative who wants real debate, write the RNC and tell them to STOP SUPPORTING fearmongering and disruption.
Posted by: Jaelithe | August 14, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Thank you for your response, Reality Rounds. If I am not mistaken, we agree that Americans have a fundamental right to think, including analysis and disagreement.
Lisa's point is excellent and well made. It is truly unfortunate that there is so much heat and name calling. Once again, I never said that health care reform is unnecessary nor that my concerns are related to what we were told about Sadam Hussein or Iraq. As a nation I believe we would benefit from recognizing shades of gray and applauding our ability to discuss and choose. I understand that you believe that the healthcare legislation currently proposed is what is needed. Unfortunately I will continue to believe the ramifications of all portions of the legislation need discussion. Our legislators aren't perfect; our children shouldn't handle our mistakes. We can agree to disagree, I hope.
Posted by: susan blatt | August 15, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Please do everything you can about that ear infection! I lost most of my hearing already from one and am rapidly losing the rest of it. I had an ear infection from a head cold in my early 20's. I am now 50. At the time I did go to the Doc. But I was on the States Title 19, so the Doc didn't get reimbursed as well as even Medicare. My own Doc was on vacation and the Doc I was sent to obviously didn't like people without regular insurance or cash. He gave me some samples home to take. They didn't work. So, having had many head colds and ear infections in the past, I just figured it would eventually go away. Then after a few years, I noticed that my hearing wasn't as good as it used to be. I chalked it up to loud music. Then, about 10 years or maybe longer, my hearing was so bad I wasn't hearing right. People have a misconception that when you lose you're hearing, you either hear or you don't. NOT TRUE! When it's going, depending on the tone, bass, etc, you can hear some people but misunderstand everything they say. Some, you just can't hear. Others, you can hear them but not understand them. There is a lot of grey areas. It is not black and white. I don't care if you have to go to the E.R. until you can get it treated, do not let it go! You can not believe the people in society who are total a**holes when they are asked to speak up and speak clearly. Because my hearing was never treated until I was in my mid 30's, it is now nerve damage. If I live much longer, I will be completely deaf. I am not telling you this to scare you, well, maybe I am. Because an ear infection is not a small thing that will go away.
Good Luck! I really wouldn't wish this predicament on my worst enemy. If I can help you in any way, you've got my email address. Don't hesitate to use it.
Posted by: mary b | August 15, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Sorry. I know I went nuts in my previous comment but when I saw ear infection, it just made me soo angry about these so-called protesters.
Since my family and I moved south, we can't even get the states medical assistance even though we are below poverty level. I hope to God, that President Obama signs a decent bill that helps people like us.
Thank you for the good work that you are doing and for keeping people informed. I have a lot of other physical ailments and just to go to one doctor, with prescriptions, costs us nearly half of our monthly income. The prescriptions cost the most. Mind you, that's only 5 prescriptions.
It is sickening that these tea-bagging, AstroTurf mo fo's don't care about anyone but themselves. What happened to Christianity? Oh, that's right. They have warped it so freakin much that it doesn't even resemble what it's supposed to be anymore.
Posted by: mary b | August 15, 2009 at 08:02 AM
All we can hope to do is raise awareness. And the best way to spread the word is with humor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqd0XiNvtI0
And sarcasm, of course.
sp
Posted by: sp | August 16, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Oops, just to clarify, I was NOT referring to politicians. I was referring to the general public. I do not agree with Palin or the other conservative tactics of some. Yuck. And, just for the record, I am not a far right conservative :-) (not that there is anything wrong with that).
I do not believe a family here should pay $2,000 a month for Cobra. And be turned down at whim by insurance companies. Or go bankrupt because they have premature babies (these things have happened to people I know). I wish for everyone to have access to affordable health care. My husband is from France, so I hear the good stories (along with the bad) from a country that grants health care coverage for all.
I guess I was referring to how people have been conducting themselves online, especially Twitter. I witness people bashing each other--claiming that if anyone doesn't 100% support the health care plan, then they are nuts. Yelling back and preaching on and on, doesn't make anyone listen either. Guess I just like to keep an open mind, politically. If people like to unfollow me based on that, then so be it.
Anyhow, thanks for an interesting and civil post.
Posted by: lisa | August 17, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Ladies,
Thanks so much for all the comments and support. It has been a frustrating experience to say the least. I have spent so much time angry at politicians, health insurance companies and myself for getting my family in this predicament in the first place.
It is places like MOMocrats that make me feel like there are sane people in the country looking to make a difference and debate the issues.
I too with that the conversation was not about "should we have a plan", but rather "what type makes sense for us all". Sigh.
Posted by: xiaolinmama | August 17, 2009 at 11:36 PM
I agree with reality rounds, I'm tired of waiting for reform. We need to get this done as soon as possible because health issue is what we are talking about here.
-Luke
Posted by: ENT doctor | October 30, 2009 at 11:56 AM
It really has been a frustrating experience.
James
Posted by: Reduction of Hospital Acquired Infections | March 19, 2010 at 07:46 AM
This must have been a very bad experience for you. I am with you in this. Hopefully, there will be improvement one day.
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