Organizing for America | My Journey for Hope: Thoughts on Healthcare Reform

Thoughts on Healthcare Reform

By Sharon - Sep 2nd, 2009 at 3:48 pm EDT

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I wish that our country would embrace a single payor system, but it won't. The financial influence of the insurance industry over our legislators is mind boggling and frankly, depressing. I thought that the Public Option would be a meaningful compromise, but the greed of the insurance and big pharm industries appear to be having an impact. In addition to owning some of our own democratic senators, they have succeeded in terrifying some of our most vulnerable citizens (seniors). It's disgraceful and heartbreaking.

The hate that I have witnessed in this country over the past month is beyond distressing. I barely recognize this country anymore. We have seen some of the ugliest displays during this past month than I have seen in my lifetime. I can't imagine what it feels like to be President Obama at this moment.

I think it's time we face some difficult decisions. There are many who are saying that without the public option, they will not support any reform. But, if you were starving in the desert, would you refuse just half a sandwich? Would you insist on the whole sandwich before you would eat? Those of us who have good insurance can't do that to those who do not have any.

Here's what the President wants, and here's what we need to help him achieve:

1. No discrimination for pre-existing conditions.
2. No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays.
3. No cost-sharing for preventive care.
4. No dropping of coverage for seriously ill.
5. No gender discrimination.
6. No annual lifetime caps on coverage.
7. Extended coverage for young adults.
8. Guaranteed insurance renewal.

If we achieve this, and take the $177 billion saved with the elimination of Medicare-Advantage to expand Medicare, call it Medicare Under 65 and cover some of the under 65 uninsured who are most in need, we are in a far better place than we are right now.

It's not perfect, but it's a far cry better than what we have. I think that Ted Kennedy would take this over doing nothing, and would be pleased to have his name associated with it.

We can continue to work toward single payor, but if we can't do it with a leader like President Obama and a super majority in the house and senate, I can't imagine when we can do it.

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