Information on Affordable Health Care Act

mandyc · Aug 6, 2010

Oh, the days when health insurance was used for "catastrophes" only! My parents, my grandparents, were part of that generation. If you were not bleeding to death or a bone wasn't popping out of your skin, it was left to be treated at home; butter on burns, ice for bumps and bruises and Vicks in the mouth for chest congestion. (If you have ever read the bottle it says do not ingest...lol) I did manage to grow up safe and sound. However, in these trying times, many children are STILL going without simple immunization, not because parents are against it, but because they cannot afford it. Many children have NEVER even seen a doctor. People are going without prescription medication that will cure/prevent a simple illness, not because they are being non-compliant, but again, because they cannot afford it. They are going without any measure of preventative care. They do not have the resources to "Budget" for their health care, simply because they do not have the income. Everything these days are unique, unemployment rates are up, cost of living has increased, and minimum wage still stays the same. If 2 parents are working full time on minimum wage, they still will not be able to afford or budget for many of these unforeseen medical expenses. Negotiating costs for medical, while very SMART and thrifty, would be non-existent when living pay-check to pay-check . Foods that we eat and products that we ingest are causing different ailments, and more sever disease then in my "grandparent's days". Personal responsibility for those that are capable and/or educated on how to manage their OWN health care effectively, would be ideal. But, if EVERYONE acted "personally responsible" or even had the financial means to do so, I doubt we would be having a conversation on health Insurance/care today? If we do not provide some type of care AND education for those that cannot afford it at prices they can afford, then we will still be eating costs (so to speak) for those that are not insured and/or underinsured . Medical care should have never even be debated as an "entitlement", but rather expressed as a true human need. There are many things that are debatable in the "Affordable" health care act and now It should be about correctly implementing insurance affordability cost to the GENERAL public without bankrupting this already financially unstable country. I know on the front lines of nursing care we see many things and experience many emotions towards those patients/persons/individuals that perceive benefits as "entitlements" and they make sure to express their opinion LOUD and CLEAR. However, for every rare patient that expresses this negativity, there are thousands more that are true and sincere in their plight to just make it through another day and provide the best they know how for their families. I truly love the profession and believe that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status is DESERVING of sound, quality, unbiased and compassionate care.(Especially through nursing!) I hope soon, Issues in health care will have a resolution!