Health Care in America and Abroad

Hi all.

This discussion is going to tie in a couple other discussions and comments that have been made.

A couple months ago I asked the community "Do You Qualify?"
BIG question, I know. In reality, to keep it short and sweet, any PWD "usually" doesn't. I have coined this "pre-existing chronic liability." It's fun really, the play on words that some Official or Health Insurance Company decided would be a good definition/stipulation for 20.8 million people in America.

With the '08 Election in our face everyday and the two nominees now obvious to the voters, where will America be at this time next year?

First we have the lovely increase in gas prices. ALL Americans are paying a price for this, whether it is traveling to the grocery store or for work. (I know I keep putting American in here, I also know there are people here from other countries, I am coming from my personal POV, as I live in the US).

Second, we get to the grocery store . . . . as a PWD I usually try to get the healthy food, really the fresh stuff: fruits and vegetables. Have you seen the prices? So we are left to fend for ourselves and buy what we can afford: crap (even though it is nice to have the nutritional info so I can bolus correctly, it does Not do a body good).

Third, back to “qualifying”. Most Americans are struggling with health insurance costs. I hear more and more of PWDs "reverting back" (my choice phrase) to syringes and long acting insulin because they cannot afford to be on the pump anymore. I have had discussions with my Endo and Educator and they know me and my body, I would end up in the hospital if I had to do this, my body does not handle change all that well when it comes to my insulin therapy.

So once again, we are left to ask, what is going on America? Why is it so difficult to, um, “get it right?” When will this great land take care of their own? (I am not about, nor ever will, talk politics here). What I mean is, we are the land of the Free yet we all know there is a price to pay for “that” freedom. At what cost? Putting Americans into a state of panic? Into a state of debt?

A comment was made about going to Congress. Well, I recently visited The Capitol via the ADA Call to Congress. The ADA had specific Legislation that us Advocates were to discuss with our State and Local Officials. While most Officials are for the American with Disabilities Act in relation to redefining what a disability is (in regards to Diabetes), the other Legislation was about funding. Much needed funding for NIH and CDC programs to continue research on Diabetes. All of them had the same thing to say. “Our current state of the economy….” blah blah blah, don’t we all know. But the point is, we need to fund this research so the “cost” of PWDs does not bankrupt the Entire US economy, we are well on our way, we already have, we continue to do so.

So why is it that our great America does not get the whole “solve the problem at the root” approach? Seems simple, right. Take care of your own. Help us Help you! If you provide PWDs with what they Need, we will give back, be productive in society and boost the economy. Heck, this goes for every person, chronic illness or healthy person, does not matter.

Everyday we all can write to, contact our elected officials, State and Local, to let them know our concerns. I did hear a great quote the other day, “One honest voice is louder than a crowds.” BUT, how about “A Crowd of Honest Voices…..”

A major lesson I learned at the Call to Congress: Tell Your Story. I was confused and unsure about this but I get it now. Tell Your Official Your story. Why? You are Their Constituent, You vote for Them. They want to hear from Their voters. I get it now, I get it.

Either way, you all can respond however you like. I guess I am in “Advocating” mode today. You can read about my DC experience on my blog: http://wwwitiswhatitis.blogspot.com/