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I wish we would quit calling this the American Health Care System when in reality what we have are many business making a profit from illness.  The hallmark of an organizational system is the systems primacy to the interrelationships, not to the elements of the system. These dynamic interrelationships flourish through communication.  That is not my experience with health care.

As a breast cancer survivor of 10 years, I feel fortunate to have employer group insurance that won't allow me to be dropped because of a pre-existing condition. I want all Americans to have this protection. In the past 10 years, my insurance has covered less and cost more. I liked President's Obama's assurance that I can keep my insurance but with more protection.  

My brother who is a self-employed filmmaker pays exorbitant premiums with a huge deductible which means he pays for insurance that pays for nothing.  He only keeps it as a hedge against catastrophic illness or accident.  Having affordable group options would be a godsend to him.

As a college counselor, I witnessed many students who were unable to seek medical assistance because they had no insurance and ended up the Emergency Room.  The Oregon Health Plan was a boon to them when it was adequately funded. Prevention and early treatment saves us all money.

In short, I am encouraged by the main points of President Obama's plan.  My doubts lie in the ability of our congress to agree on a plan that will actually benefit the American people. 

Ann Clark

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
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