Check in if you-or loved one-have previously existing condition-will be helped by Health Care Reform

[HamdenRice]

I wouldn't have written this, but I was inspired by the courage and honesty of TZ and vaberella in writing about their previously existing conditions.

We've been told that we are "selfish" for wanting a first installment on a health care overhaul that would help us and millions like us in our situation as presented in Michael Moore's, "Sicko."

My condition is cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a fancy way of saying I'm going paralyzed from the neck down because arthritic spurs are compressing my spinal cord. I had a very successful operation about 12 years ago to relieve the pressure, but it's coming back and I'm already losing function in my right arm.

If you would be helped by a bill that banishes previously existing condition clauses to the dust bin of history, check in.

If you think only a perfect bill will do while you carry out world wide revolution from the computer in the basement rumpus room while mom sends down hot pockets for lunch and carries you on her employee health plan -- no need to check in.

On edit: Added, "or loved one" because people are posting stories about family members.

[uponit7771]

1. k&r

[phantom power]

2. My wife has spinal chord damage from neurofibromas.

And just had a basal cell carcinoma removed.

She's insured via work, but if her insurance ever lapses, I assume we might have a big problem on our hands, under the current system.

[HamdenRice]

3. In this employment environment, that's a big concern. Good luck!

Spinal cord damage sucks.

[phantom power]

15. It does suck. She can't control the pain w/out expensive specialized drugs.

If we ever lost insurance coverage, I genuinely don't know what the hell we'd do. I've seen her writhing in pain without those drugs, and I don't think she'd be able to endure that long term. It would straight up kill her, one way or another.

But you know, we have health insurance, which means we're better off than a lot of people, at least for now.

I will never forgive those fuck-ups in Congress for not fighting for HR676. They could have just ended this problem for everybody, clean and simple. Now we're going to have to defend each and every consumer protection item from the insurance lobbies from now until the end of time. Hope that works out.

[prolesunited]

6. Don't need to assume.

Your wife is uninsurable. People can't get coverage for less serious conditions and cancer is a definite deal breaker.

[juajen]

4. If I weren't on medicare, I would not be able to obtain health insurance

due to pre-existing conditions. Stupid restrictions, such as, a c-section in my late thirties, chron's disease, diabetes and heart attack and two small strokes. That's about the size of it. Believe me, I breathed a sigh of relief when my medicare kicked in.

[HamdenRice]

5. I've got about 15 years to go to Medicare without comprehensive health care reform.

Hopefully, I won't be in a wheelchair by then. I figure I just double the amount of loss of function over the last 12 years to figure out how I'll be when Medicare kicks in.

[Lugnut]

17. I wouldn't either.

Nobody would insure someone with spinal cord injury.

[Gman2]

7. Any chronic condition thank God.

[frazzled]

8. Your last line is priceless!

If you think only a perfect bill will do while you carry out world wide revolution from the computer in the basement rumpus room while mom sends down hot pockets for lunch and carries you on her employee health plan -- no need to check in.

[HamdenRice]

24. It was meant for one suspected 14 year old world wide revolutionary in particular! nt

[ebayfool]

9. Hirschsprung's Disease (grandson)

Colostomy at 5 days old. Iliostomy at 6 months old. Pulldown surgery reattached at 2 1/2 yrs old.

As it stands now, insurers won't come close to covering this kid.

Call me selfish.

[HamdenRice]

10. I'm so sorry. It's like a lifetime without health care. nt

[andym]

11. Wife was denied for having a miscarriage

Fortunately was able to continue Cobra bt borrowing money until I found a new job with insurance.

[HamdenRice]

13. Un-fucking-believable. nt

[Odin2005]

83. That's INSANE!

:grr:

[tblue]

12. Turned down by Blue Cross because I use a drug -- that's available as a generic!

This rejection was about two months ago.

Edited to say: I hope you heal and soon.

[HamdenRice]

14. What's next? Being turned down for using aspirin? nt

[ej510]

16. I have myasthenia gravis an autoimmune disease, but this health care

bill sucks. It doesn't control cost so it won't help.

[SpartanDem]

22. The CBO and independent analysis from MIT says it will

MIT Analysis Confirms That H.R. 3962 Will Deliver Substantial Savings

According to a new analysis by MIT Professor and CBO health advisor Dr. Jonathan Gruber, the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) will lower premiums and improve coverage for individuals and families purchasing in the non-group market. The MIT study estimates that an individual and a family of four would save from $470 and from $1,260, respectively, in health insurance premiums, even without subsidies. The savings would be even greater for low- and middle- income individuals and families who qualify for affordability credits that can amount to thousands of dollars per year

http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1804:mit-analysis-confirms-that-hr-3962-will-deliver-substantial-savings&catid=122:media-advisories&Itemid=55


CBO Affirms H.R. 3962 Will Control Costs, Lower Premiums
Publications
Tuesday, 03 November 2009 10:11
Today the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released estimates confirming that H.R. 3962 - the Democratic health reform bill - will succeed in controlling costs that will be reflected in individual and family premiums. CBO found that by 2016, premiums will be $5,300 for an individual and $15,000 for a family of four in the Exchange. This is well below the $24,000 family premium expected if Congress fails to act and premiums grow as projected under current law.

http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1801:cbo-affirms-hr-3962-will-control-costs-lower-premiums&catid=122:media-advisories&Itemid=55

[ej510]

32. When this become affordable?

CBO found that by 2016, premiums will be $5,300 for an individual and $15,000 for a family of four in the Exchange.

[SpartanDem]

35. That's an average and I see you didn't read the actual report

which is at links provided, because you would've seen for instance that someone say 150-200% of poverty level would on average pay a total(premiums deductibles) of $1,500 health care cost.

[sohndrsmith]

77. wait... what?

You remind me that the pharmaceutical industry is being very, awfully quiet throughout this whole thing... I imagine them lying in wait (and in bed with the "health insurance" providers - which I put in quotes because they neither provide nor insure anything but their own profits) if we end up with decent HR.

I'm exaggerating (I hope) but I wouldn't be surprised to hear something like this in the near future, "Oh... we can't gouge you with premiums or refuse coverage anymore, huh? Well, guess what: that'll be $4,000 to fill the prescription you used to pay four bucks for... "

(maybe I'm just having a bad day... ) : )

I hope any and everyone gets better soon. Hugs and good wishes all around...

[flamingdem]

18. YES! The public option will help me! nt

[Jennicut]

19. I think I have it pretty easy being only a diabetic and having insurance through my husband's plan

at his work.
I think there are many, many more much worse off then me. I only worry about my husband losing his job. Covering pre-existing conditions would help a lot of people here worry a lot less.

[agentS]

20. I had a brother denied coverage for a pre-existing condition he DID NOT HAVE!

He's young, skinny, likes weed, a little underweight b/c he's poor, and they thought he had AIDS so they denied his coverage thru my stepmom's provider. Ain't that some bullshit? I bet they thought he was gay, too...

[geek tragedy]

21. My wife has an autoimmune disease.

Without treatment, she has crippling joint pain and her liver doesn't work. She'll die from it without constant treatment and medication.

Fortunately, her employer's insurance covers it. But, if her employer goes out of business, well, I don't want to think about it. And changing jobs? Fugheddaboutit.

[HamdenRice]

23. I was locked into a job over health insurance for my ex's auto immune disease in the early 90s nt

[supernova]

25. I have congenital heart defects

Not disease, DEFECTS. I was born with heart abnormalities.

I had surgery when I was five to patch up a hole in between my ventricles. That patch is still going strong now that I am 47. The archaic form of BCBS paid for everything. They were wonderful when they truely were nonprofit. However, I still have a leaky mitral valve, and a leaky aortic valve. In the future, I'm fairly certain I will have either or both valves repaired (my hope) or replaced.

When I was in high school I had a bout of endocarditis (infection of the heart) brought on by garden variety strep bacteria. I also had surgery to straighten my spine which was begining to twist with scoliosis. BSBC paid for that, again everything.

I have to take antibiotics for dental work or any procedure which might cause bleeding.

I live a good life and can do most things, but I do have less stamina than other with out this condition. I tire more easily.

Suffice it to say that when I have been able to see a doc and have a healthcare plan, my GP has been a cardiologist who specializes in CHD. Not a joke; most regular cards who treat older people for heart attacks and too much cholesterol don't know diddly squat about people like me and what is "normal" for us. I am tied to Duke in this way. No one else around hear practices medicine at a sufficient level for people like me.

Whenever I have changed jobs, I have fallen into the "preexisting condition" exclusion zone. I have to wait for anywhere from 6- 18 months for my full benefits to become active.

In my 40s, I've had problems staying employed, frequent layoffs. My occupation in in turmoil from outsourcing for one thing. I might as well have had no insurance at all all this time. I'm not certain, but I would not be surprised if at least one of those layoffs was about insurance and my health profile, figuring I'd cost the company too much money.

I haven't seen a CHD Card in over 10 years. I really need a checkup. I've seen other docs at emergent care places, but they wouldn't touch my CHD with a 10 ft pole.

People who don't suffer don't understand. At all.

This isn't a perfect bill, but we need to start somewhere. Anywhere. We need to establish a beach head. That's what this bill does.

[HamdenRice]

28. You remind me. One of the things that sucks is even if you can pay cash for a checkup sometimes ...

you don't want to because you'll find out about a condition that won't be covered if you get insurance again.

I've avoided going to a doctor so that I have a reasonably good "cover story" for not knowing about what I'm pretty sure is happening.

If I got it diagnosed it would definitely be a p.e.c. next time I'm covered again.

[supernova]

30. Yep, ingrown toenails can be a p.e.c.

It is definitely maddening.

[RayOfHope]

26. My mother (several conditions), my stepfather, and my father in law.

[FLyellowdog]

27. Yes. n/t

[jberryhill]

29. Hello!

I made the mistake of getting regular physicals and paying for them, when I left my former employer to start my own business, but before buying health insurance.

Word to the wise - don't do that.

If you don't have health insurance, don't go looking for trouble.

[HamdenRice]

31. Yeah -- see post 28

You have to stay in the dark to get covered.

But according to the most stringent policies -- as explained in Sicko -- if you knew or reasonably should have known of a previously existing condition (and as a lawyer you'll know that the italicized language gets at -- imputed knowledge of the condition), you will be denied coverage.

[jberryhill]

82. I didn't know my cholesterol count...

What really burns me up is that I knew I'd be going without insurance for a while in order to start my business - so I wanted a very thorough physical and bloodwork just to make sure I'd be able to make it through not being covered.

I feel like such an idiot for having done that.

[msallied]

49. Seriously??

Gawd, I learn more and more every day. :(

[jberryhill]

81. Oh HELL yeah...

I earn a fairly substantial income, and cannot be insured for anything in any way related to having elevated cholesterol.

My guess is that if I eventually have a heart attack, the rip-off cover-nothing insurance which I do have, probably won't cover it.

[cabluedem]

114. Same here. Take Zocor for cholesterol. It doesnt do anything and no heart troubles in family. nt

[dave29]

33. Count me in.

Debilitating tinnitus/hyperacusis. Ended my composing career. No cures, lots of snake oil out there. Very hard for me to be in noisy environments for more than a few minutes, although I have learned to adapt.

[Peacetrain]

34. I am an ovarian cancer survivor and my brother was denied because of sleep apnea

You bet..I have posted my brothers story before, http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8590485


And for the grace of God that my husband has the same job, and I was on his plan I am still covered. He cannot retire even though he is eligible until I become eligible for medicare.

[vaberella]

37. Lots of love, hugs, and prayers Peacetrain. Ovarian cancer runs in my family too.

I read about your brother's sleep apnea before. And did a quick search on google. Dear God. Everything in me goes out to you and yours. :hug: :pals:

[Peacetrain]

39. Thank you vaberella. and Love and Hugs to you and yours also

:hug:.. I read your op this morning and was so touched by everything that you are dealing with. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[HamdenRice]

48. Stay well, and hope hubby keeps his coverage

Btw, I always thought you were a guy!

[Peacetrain]

55. Thank you for the good wishes.. It was 23 years ago and I am still

uninsurable. (see gotta read those profiles ;)

[HamdenRice]

57. "23 years ago and ..."

makes my blood boil. Yet the perfectionists think that situation is a minor glitch.

[Peacetrain]

62. I know.. my husband has been a prisoner of the same job because of it.

And I count myself so lucky, to have someone who was willing to put his own ambitions and wants on hold forever to make sure I was covered.

So many do not have that. So many, including my brother Mike, cannot afford to buy the high end emergency insurance, so he goes without and prays he stays healthy.

It is a real catch 22.

And to even begin to try and explain that.. just impossible.

[vaberella]

36. My sister, myself, and 2 of my friends currently. I'm sure several relatives in Boston as well.

I'm not at liberty to disclose my friends.

My sister and I both have PCOS, this includes needing regular MRI's because of ovarian cysts. I also have severe migraines and my mum fears a brain tumor so I need regular CatScans which I havn't gotten since I was 21. I'm on diabetic medication and my sister gets Bluelight treatment (it's listed as chemotherpy) for, I forget the name, but she has a sweat gland infection in her arm---they get so bad she can't move her arm and when the puss comes out, it's like a river of liquid.

[msallied]

53. Health problems like this are a good reminder that...

the health care problems in this country go beyond the typical "it was something you could have prevented" argument that conservatives love to use in their arguments against insuring everyone. The reduce thousands of health issues down to cheeseburgers and heart disease. Sigh. I'm really sorry for what you're going through. :(

[msallied]

38. I currently have no insurance (husband just lost his job) and autoimmune disorders and asthma.

We temporarily can qualify for Medicaid because until his unemployment benefits start, we have no income. Just spent the afternoon down at the DSHS office yesterday getting food stamps, TANF, and medical. It was a really difficult day. :(

I'm very sorry for what you're going through. Your condition sounds similar to my mom's, only it's severe psoriatic arthritis (same thing I have, only in the early stages) that has damaged her shoulder and arms to the point to where she can barely use them. She's insured through my dad's company. I only hope that holds out for another 10 years, when her Medicare will kick in.

[vaberella]

51. Sorry to hear this, this is becoming difficult for me.

Under this bill you'd get covered under the PO right msallied? If not that,you'd be subsidized, right?

[msallied]

56. I think so. I haven't checked out to see for sure.

I think because part of me is still just hoping that we won't have to worry about it, that my husband will find another job really soon and we'll have insurance again before too long. But then again, even if he got new insurance soon, it might not pick me up because of my medical history. I'm scared to death right now. There are other symptoms that are popping up for me right now health-wise that are concerning me, but I'm holding off on seeing a doctor until I know it can be paid for. They told me yesterday that it will be a couple of weeks before we can start receiving Medicaid.

[mcar]

40. My son has chronic fatigue syndrome

He's doing very well now but is about to graduate from college and hopes to attend grad school. The HCR clause upping the age that kids can be on their parent's policy will be an enormous help to him, as will the pre-existing condition aspect.

[HamdenRice]

43. There was just a long article about that in the NY Times (iirc)

Wow -- much more serious than anyone understood for a long time.

Hope he recovers.

[mcar]

50. It's a complicated illness

We saw that article: One of his doctors actually treated him last year with retrovirals and they did seem to help. They were very expensive, but fortunately he's covered by my insurance and they were at least partially covered.

Thanks for your good wishes. He's done amazingly well. Not only attends a highly academically competitive college but founded the school's "Students for Obama" group, was president of the College Democrats and was a field coordinator for the Obama campaign. :toast:

[vaberella]

44. Isn't that great?! My sister gets to get back on my dad's plan with Cigna.

They paid for her bluelight treatment---its listed as chemo.

[mcar]

52. It was such a relief to see that in HCR

I've been really worried about it. Great for your sister too.

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[msallied]

42. "Personally, I would rather die from the plague, AIDS, swine flu..."

Then by all means. Sorry if the rest of us would rather not join you tilting at windmills.

[vaberella]

47. Ugh, his post pisses me off. Moving on. n/t

[HamdenRice]

45. "Personally, I would rather die from the plague, AIDS, swine flu,"

Go ahead. Be my guest. I decline.

You're a perfect example of the problem.

Btw, do you have any previously existing condition? Do you have insurance? Is this just a hypothetical issue for you, or are you uninsured while having a p.e.c.

If you aren't, and don't face the prospect of getting sicker and sicker without covered treatment, then I think you should take your perfect principles along and probably STFU.

[Ikonoklast]

54. You stand on your principles, then. Good on ya.

I choose to live.

[geek tragedy]

59. You're awfully brave with other human beings' lives.

Kinda like Richard Perle.

[redwitch]

75. Your children too?

And other loved ones? If you are willing for them to die you are a pretty hard case.

[jberryhill]

85. I CAN'T BUY a decent private insurance product right now...

I'm glad you are willing to brave all sorts of things, but I have two children to support, pay for overpriced insurance, and it won't cover diddly if I really need it.

I'd LOVE to be "forced" to buy health insurance that was worth something.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

88. I'm pissed as hell about them pawning off women's health

and forwarding the christofascist agenda with this bill...

yet, I am offended by this post.

Easy hyperbole to say "I'd rather die!!", when you actually aren't anywhere near that.

[uponit7771]

46. kick

[babylonsister]

58. That would be me, too. I'm going to lose my insurance, take

several medications, and I've had cancer. The rates I've researched are way out of my reach at the moment. :(

[HamdenRice]

60. Oh, no, not you?

It's amazing when we share and find out we're in the same boat.

[CreekDog]

61. Yes, even by the current House and Senate legislation

warts and all, with or without a public option, it would be like night and day compared to now.

[firedupdem]

63. My husband has high blood pressure and our insurance is through

the roof with a 7500 dollar deductible. So, we basically are denied, because until we reach that amount we really have no coverage. When I did have "good" insurance with Cigna, I thought we were okay. My son dislocated his finger in football practice and was taken to emergency. I am still fighting the denial for that visit! These insurance companies are sickening. This reform is definitely needed.

[Prism]

64. Nice attitude

For the record, my brother and I are the primary care-givers for two elderly parents who have a slew of pre-existing conditions. From bypass surgeries, to diabetes, to breast cancer, and on and on. My parents' prescription bills are astronomical, their coverage anemic, their bills staggering. The two of us bear a not minor financial burden for their medical care.

Even so, I oppose the bill as currently written because it would unnecessarily burden the middle and working classes. The mandate, as currently written, is unacceptable. I will continue being financially responsible for my parents' care while hoping for far better for the American people.

Sometimes, people really do sacrifice because they want something better. From the tone of your post, you don't much seem to believe in that, and that, of course, is the difference between people who are willing to settle for anything shat out by politicians and those who are willing to fight for what the American people deserve.

[HamdenRice]

67. My guess is you are angry over issues that have nothing to do with health care reform. nt

[Prism]

70. My guess is you're advocating "I got mine-ism"

Which is very much par for that particular course.

[sohndrsmith]

74. perfect description of the overriding (growing) problem: "I got mine-ism"

Clearly we have more than one pandemic sweeping the country... (sigh)

[Prism]

78. The subtext is relevant as well

The OP's response to my post should be translated as "You're mad at the President over LGBT equality, so your opinion on health care reform doesn't count."

When someone's speaking from a place of such hostile, breath-taking privilege, it's sound to consider the source.

[geek tragedy]

87. No, I believe she is noting your grotesque comment

that people who want health care reform to succeed and also want to, you know, walk and live are being really selfish.

It's quite amazingly devoid of any human empathy or decency.

[Prism]

90. I find propagandists and bigots cruel

I think selling false hope is really, very, incredibly cruel. Especially when people do so knowingly, especially when people do so knowing that the people who are hoping most will be let down in an incredibly crushing way in the future, especially when people do so in order to guard the powerful and the wealthy in this country, especially when people do so in the name of leaving billion dollar profits intact.

That is cruel. This mandate is cruel. Telling people with pre-existing conditions this will be their miracle without explaining to them the sky high premiums, the extra costs, and the inadequacy of the subsidies is inhumanly cruel.

The continued framing of opposition as "So, how long have you been beating your wife?" is the cruelest of all as it allows the continued crucifixion of the American people, the poor, and the sick while attempting to beat down those who wish to help them most and procure for themselves the health and care they are entitled to under a constitution that guarantees human rights.

So you can spare me your propagandistic theater. Not interested.

And Hamden and I have tangled before. I know exactly what he was saying to me, and so does he. It's merely a reflection of his continued hostility and indifference to people who are not him or like him.

[geek tragedy]

91. In other words, you think because you're so much smarter

than everyone else that entitles you to make inhuman comments to them.

Sorry, but your toxins are leaking.

[Prism]

96. Is it fun serving corporations?

I have to ask, because I can't much rummage up a better phrase for actively colluding with corporations and government to protect the health insurance industry while simultaneously misrepresenting and dishonestly describing legislation to sick, needy Americans in terms that leave them ignorant of the actual details of the bill. Worse than ignorant, they believe it to be a miracle cure instead of snake oil, as they pin their hopes, votes, and money on something that will actively thwart what they most desire and need.

If there's a better description for that behavior, one not generally reserved for Republicans, I'm all ears.

Otherwise, I will continue to oppose this orgy of corporate welfare and instead support legislation that will get Americans the care they need regardless of their ability to pay.

This bill is nowhere close to being anything that will do that, which I'm sure you know. It's all about the political win, baby.

It's vile, inhuman, and illiberal.

[geek tragedy]

97. Yawn. Pretentious garbage from someone

who probably hasn't read the bill, but just likes to act like they're some kind of moral authority.

[Prism]

98. I have, actually

I've also gone through the subsidy calculations (you can find them in an old grantcart thread) and looked at studies involving the costs of premiums for pre-existings.

Have you done any exploration of how much this will cost individuals and families? Doesn't sound like it, because you've only managed rhetoric, appeals to emotion, and invective in defense of your position. An actual policy detail or defense has, so far, been nowhere in evidence in your rantings.

Some of us start from a position of "What will this bill do, what will it cost, who will it benefit?" Others, like yourself I'm guessing, start from a place of "How comes all this makes the President and the party totally awesome?!" That's a springboard for nitwittery, my friend.

[geek tragedy]

101. Yes, I've looked at the costs.

http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/106xx/doc10691/hr3962SubsidiesRangelLtr.pdf

Considering that the alternative is to have no coverage or no subsidies, I find your concern on their behalf odd.

[Name removed]

118. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[HamdenRice]

122. Do you have health insurance and/or a previously existing condition?

It seems to me that "I got mine-ism" applies much more to people with insurance who want those of us with previously existing conditions to hold out for pie in the sky single payer (or die waiting).

So, to put us on a level playing field in this debate, if you're accusing those of us with p.e.c.'s of selfishness for supporting the bill that will eliminate these clauses, please first let us know whether "you got yours."

If you do have health insurance that is not compromised by a p.e.c., can you see why it might be a tad hypocritical to accuse those of us unable to get insured of being guilty of "I got mine-ism" because we support the bill that will give us relief?

[Prism]

124. I don't have health insurance

I'm actually between jobs at the moment, and my previous employment was strictly commission with no benefits. I'm currently living on savings as I get ready to return to school to pursue a teaching degree and fill my idle time with volunteer work. I spent the last several years socking away while living very frugally, so I'm better able than many to weather the current job market. At this point in time, about a third of the income-from-savings I had previously set aside for monthly expenses while pursuing a certification goes to my parents so they do not lose their home.

If you want a history, both my parents have had open-heart surgery. It was during that period that they nearly lost everything and were forced into bankruptcy. Since that time, my father has been diagnosed with diabetes that has grown worse by the year, my mom has had breast cancer, and just about every little illness and expense I can think of has appeared between them. From the relatively simple, like glaucoma and osteoporosis, to the truly terrifying like deep vein blood clots, emergency surgeries, and minor stroke.

Their medical expenses and lack of adequate coverage not only tap them out, they put a very heavy strain on my brother and I as we do our very best to ensure my parents keep their home, have food, and can pay for the prescriptions they need. In fact, after I'm done posting this and having my coffee, I have to go over to the bank and withdraw money to wire to my parents to pay for their medications this month. I will then spend the rest of the week more or less eating ramen.

So yes, I do have to deal with medical expenses every day. Those expenses are a hardship in my life. I would absolutely love it if my parents had the kind of coverage that wouldn't necessitate four grown adults pouring in every cent they can spare to pay for basic care and medication.

And that's without me being sick. I have no insurance. If something happens to me, god help my family. I have absolutely no idea what would happen or how we'd manage.

Your post intimated that anyone who has "something to gain" by this legislation could not possibly oppose it. You're wrong. I personally would benefit from the legislation, but I'm not about to grab "what's mine" when I know this whole bill is a corporate welfare clusterfuck that is about to place a massive burden on an already struggling middle and working class. It's horrible, horrible policy, and we will be paying for it and paying for it and paying for it down the road. Many people who believe this will help them are going to find out, oh, they'll get coverage. Maybe. If they can afford it. Which many of them will not, even with the subsidy. Because there is a whole shitstorm of regulations, exemptions, out-of-pockets, and qualifications that are awaiting them which they have not been made aware of.

We can pour trillions of our dollars all over Wall Street, and yet health care reform's fundamental approach from day one was to protect and leave intact a profit motive and bloated insurance industry, to place as much of the burden on average Americans, and then work backwards from that position and see how they could stretch coverage to make the numbers seem like they work without having to admit that the American people were not the top priority when this legislation was written.

We deserve better. A pile of crumbs does not a loaf make. It is this blithe, repeated acceptance and praising of scraps that enables and encourages our politicians to serve the corporations first. I get your attitude, as you plaster it everywhere possible. As long as you've got yours. It enables your hostility towards the poor, LGBTers, etc. That other people have needs they can set aside, that other people can actually do things that do not directly benefit themselves, that people can put away ego and make their efforts truly about other people. It's totally incomprehensible to you. I get that.

But people like us do exist, in spite of the people like you.

[HamdenRice]

127. Sounds like you will be dramatically helped by this bill, even if you don't realize it

Just because we are part of some tens of millions of people whose lives are about to be dramatically improved by this bill, and support the bill, doesn't mean that we are somehow selfish; it means that our politics of electing the Democrats worked. We are part of a collective effort that got our party elected, and our party is delivering the "change we can believe in."

If you'd rather hold off for single payer -- that's your prerogative, but it hardly makes the rest of us participants in "I got mine-ism."

The bill means everybody is in, which is hardly a question of "I got mine"!

I hope you enjoy your universal health care while you go back to school!

[geek tragedy]

86. I really question the humanity of some

posters here.

[Cha]

65. And, who are the ones

that are selfish?

[Bluerthanblue]

66. i'd be surprised if i live to see the benefit, but i

sure hope that others will have the added burden of no access to health care eased
and find some relief from the financial burdens, that can destroy hope, and make everything even more difficult.

It's been kind of discouraging to listen to some people proudly proclaim (from their position of good health and access to quality care) that they don't want to have to "pay for others"....

[tishaLA]

68. congestive heart failure

diagnosed 6 years ago, when I was 26. A virus attacked my heart, I was misdiagnosed for months, and when I got a proper diagnosis, doctors thought I needed a transplant. Thankfully, the Drs at UCLA are great--and I'm stubborn and lucky--so that never came to pass. My heart recovered to normal functioning, but I will have to take meds for the rest of my life.

[Silver Gaia]

69. Checking in. For my daughter.

No details, just checking in. She has no coverage at all, is suffering from several currently undiagnosed and some "previously existing" conditions, and would be greatly helped by this.

[sohndrsmith]

71. Yep, several. Thanks.... good thread. Another disturbing aspect I'd like to add:

How many *phantom* pre-existing conditions (i.e. misdiagnoses) have prevented people from qualifying for affordable (or ANY) insurance coverage - even after proven inaccurate? If it's on record...

I also wonder how flawless the elimination of the pre-existing restrictions will actually be. Heck, it seems as though they're adding an extra one *into* the bill right now: if one is of child-bearing age and female, you may have a certain _potential_possible_perhaps_maybe_someday_ pre-existing condition that will make things very difficult in certain _potential_possible_what if_could be_ - situation? A situation NO ONE plans on or wants or chooses just for fun... and remember, ladies - DON'T work for overseas contractors... ever.

I wish this was a nightmare of being in the Dark Ages and I could wake up to sanity and integrity of community.

Sorry, everybody...
I'm a little grumpy today.

[proud patriot]

72. My son has Bi Polar Disorder

He's 13

[OKNancy]

73. pre-existing knee problems and no insurance

Self-employed and had to drop insurance several years ago when it reached 1200.00 a month.
Since I'm at 400% of the poverty level, the public option will help me out too.
However at the rate things are going, I'll get Medicare before it gets settled.

[POAS]

76. Prostate cancer---

excised 3 years ago but now back for an encore performance!

Still have employer funded health care but cannot retire even though it gets harder to make it through each day because I need that health insurance that I could not get or afford on my own.

[Odin2005]

79. My cousin, breast cancer survivor.

I'm fortunate that I get medical coverage my the state of Minnesota, other wise I would not be able to afford the medication and therapy to cope with my Asperger's Syndrome, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, and PTSD.

My dad has Type 2 Diabetes and only has good health coverage because of his union job, if he ever loses it he is screwed, even though he is the healthiest diabetic I know.

[greymattermom]

80. yes

[ClarkUSA]

84. Yes. nt

[sohndrsmith]

89. Okay... now I'm going nuts. Usually, I have fairly competent researching skills,

but for the life of me, I cannot find the current, formal, legal, actual definition of a: preexisting condition, a pre-existing condition or a pre existing condition. All I'm able to find is this term as it relates to "the exclusion of... (as
defined in subsection (b)(1)(A) of section 2701)"

I have Googled the Public Health Service Act, section 2701(b)(1)(A). I have Googled everything I can think of. I have searched Thomas. Cornell. And so on.

Can **anyone** find a link to the actual legal, federal, current definition of a preexisting condition?

I want to know specifically what it is before I can really figure out how it may or may not be excluded, included, etc. in a meaningful, understandable way.

Seriously - I think my brain is broken. Wait could that be a...? Agghh!

. . help . . please . . ?

[noiretextatique]

92. hate my current job...this bill would give me some options

since i had breast cancer. no insurer would touch me now, so i need a job to keep my coverage. i would like to do some consulting eventually, and i would have to buy my own insurance. at least that might be a possibility in the future, but there is no way in hell i could afford private insurance now. a friend had to wait six months to have surgery for uterine cancer because she was diagnosed before she found a job. no one should have to wait six months to have cancer removed from her body.

[Number23]

93. I had no idea!

since i had breast cancer. no insurer would touch me now

Sending you my most fervent and heartfelt love and hugs, noire. Prayers for continued blessings and good health.

[HamdenRice]

119. I'm so sorry. I had not idea also.

Best wishes for you to stay cancer free!

[Number23]

94. I'm bawling reading this thread

You never, EVER know how good you've got something until you hear a little bit of what others are going through.

Thank you so much for posting this.

[Kaleva]

95. It's recurring blood clots in my legs for me.

[mentalsolstice]

99. I'm uninsurable because I survived birth

I have mild cerebral palsy due to a complicated birth and lack of oxygen. I've only had insurance through work (all large employers, no small employer would touch me) or through my husband's employment. I'm on SSDI now, and eligible for Medicare (I'm 48 y.o.), but I'm still covered through my husband, his premium is cheaper than Medicare's. It's nice knowing I have a safety net...his job has had layoffs, and although he can retire he's still not Medicare age.

[Garam_Masala]

100. Inspite of my "pre-exiting condition" I am against the Public Option

Mine is mild hypertension. I think that qualifies as pre-existing
condition if I had to apply for a new health insurance policy.

So, yes I am ecstatic the HCR bill will most likely contain a clause
prohibiting insurers to reject your application or drop you from current.

My main objection is I do not like this half ass Public Option. The private
insurers will find a way to harass people with expensive health problems,
such as delaying and denying payments using superfluous methods. They have
honed these skills to perfection already.

Result will be these "expensive" patients will gravitate to PO. And that will
certainly raise premiums for PO.

The only REAL HCR is SINGLE PAYER. Because then EVERY SINGLE person is in the pool.
What is going through congress is a bonanza to private insurance via mandates,

[CitizenLeft]

102. me.

I have 3 pre-existing conditions... and while I have excellent coverage - only recently, since I started this job in August - it's meaningless with my medical history. I couldn't get squat done to fix anything or to address a single one of these situations, it will all have to come out of my pocket. On my pitiful salary, that's not going to happen. These 3 conditions are not, alone, life-threatening. But together, unchecked, I could die.

I need this bill. Guess I'm just selfish that way.

[quiller4]

103. I have a pre-existing condition (Graves Disease), my younger sister is a cancer survivor

her husband is a diabetic. One niece has kidney disease, another niece is a cancer survivor. The list of family members helped by the elimination of pre-existing conditions exclusions is long.

[seemunkee]

104. Cancer survivor, high cholesterol, high BP

Thankfully my wife's job is stable and our insurance is safe.

[PSzymeczek]

105. Both of us

Hubster is diabetic. I have clinical depression, arthritis, chronic pain, nerve compression, hiatal hernia with GERD, and migraine. We're sick of being sick and not being able to get help.

[HamdenRice]

120. "nerve compression" is surreal. That's my problem - phantom pain, and a hand that sometimes has

a mind of its own.

[jenmito]

106. If my husband loses his job, I have no idea what we'd do. I have MS-paralyzed from

the waist down. My husband's insurance covers everything I need, including about $40,000 of prescriptions per year. So hopefully, he won't be let go.

[HamdenRice]

121. I had no idea you had such health challenges. Stay well!

[nickinSTL]

107. fortunately, the jobs I've had...

have had health coverage that didn't recognize "pre-existing conditions" as exclusionary.

I know I've been lucky with that. While I haven't needed this in the past, the law should prevent this sort of discrimination.

I also have pre-existing conditions that would be an issue if I had to move to a plan that did exclude on pre-existing conditions.

I have high blood-pressure (well-controlled on medication), low HDL cholesterol, which is marginally better than before I started treatment, but it's mostly a hereditary condition that doesn't respond well to medication (my total and LDL are fine, and medication has brought my triglycerides well under control).

And the BIG one I have is phenylketonuria (PKU) - a metabolic disorder requiring a low protein diet, amino acid supplementation and medication to control. The amino acid supplement costs $150+ a month if you have to pay out-of-pocket (fortunately the state of Illinois provides it free) and the medication is insanely expensive, due to the rarity of the condition (PKU affects about 1 in 12000, and the medication only works for a subset of those with the condition). I believe that the actual cost of the medication is around $100,000 a year - fortunately my current insurance covers it and I have only a $35 co-pay.

[LWolf]

108. Not that I know of.

I have a few issues that need care. I don't think my insurance would consider them "pre-existing" conditions, but I don't really know.

I haven't tried to see a doctor about them for years. I can't afford the deductibles and copays after I've paid the premium, so I just don't go.

[donheld]

109. Brother has heart problems, Sister has had cancer

My mother's entire family had some sort of cancer. That's a start.

[csziggy]

110. I was denied insurance in 1993 because of pre-existing conditions

Shortly after, I had to get extensive surgery on my left shoulder due to an injury. It cost us over $15,000 out of pocket. Between my history of conditions and of injuries, I am uninsurable. We pretty much closed down our horse boarding business after my back went bad, and in 2001 my husband got a job in town - just in time for me to blow out a knee.

Fortunately his insurance started the day he started work. He found out at his work related physical that day he has adult onset diabetes. While he has controlled it by losing weight, watching what he eats and exercise, that would make him uninsurable if he ever has a lapse in insurance.

Since then his insurance has paid for my hysterectomy, surgery on the other knee and surgery on the other shoulder as well as other treatments and a whole lot of medications. It will be a race whether his employer insurance or Medicare will pay for knee replacement on both knees - inevitable, but I'm delaying as long as I can stand it. We'll be eligible for Medicare in a little over seven years.

His insurance pays for a nurse line that keeps in touch with people like me with ongoing health problems. Every time the nurse calls, the first thing she asks is about his employment. A lot of the people she has talked to have lost their jobs and are losing their insurance and will lose their contact with the nurse and her advice.

[SKKY]

111. My son has Down's Syndrome, and was operated on at 6 months...

...for Hirschsprung's disease. If not for his health care benefits with the VA due to my service in the military, I don't think there is any way in hell we'd be able to get him coverage otherwise. Luckily though, I don't need those money hoarding bitches.

[quakerboy]

112. Yes but No.

I have no insurance. Most of my loved ones have preexisting conditions. Ive never bothered to apply for HC, for $ reasons, but I am sure they would find some for me if I did.That side of the bill appears to be a good thing.

But as far as I can tell this bill does nothing to actually put me in the market for getting health insurance. It gives me a theoretical ability to get it, without a practical ability to do so. I hope I am wrong, but that's my read so far.

So, have the pre-existing and I lack the insurance, but I don't think that the "reform" offered will help me or mine. And I am pessimistic that what is being proposed will survive to actually be enacted. A more immediate bill might make it into the public consciousness, where this one will start being nibbled away at by the next few congresses.

[SeattleGirl]

113. I haven't be I am happy that pre-existing conditions cannot be a basis

for denying coverage to someone.

Here in Washington, that's been on the books for quite some time, so it doesn't matter if you change jobs, or get insurance on your own, you cannot be denied.

'bout time that applied to everyone in this country.

[Hekate]

115. Adult son now has a seizure disorder; hubby has ulcerative colitis; I have fibromyalgia...

... high cholesterol, and sleep apnea. All are well-controlled with appropriate medication and medical attention. Yet god forbid any of us should have to try to find health insurance by ourselves, without cover of an employer's group plan. We are all very productive people.

Just because we have coverage and employment doesn't mean that we are unaware of the reality that millions of others live with every day. We are all aware that what we are is lucky -- when it should be our right as human beings and Americans to have access to health care, and not a matter of luck.

Hekate

[Withywindle]

116. Single female, worked for a newspaper for 14 years, laid off, couldn't afford COBRA

I have endometriosis and depression. Had surgery for the former 20 years ago, am taking meds for the latter now.


also add: At no point in my life has my take-home salary ever exceeded 36K. But when I was making that, had a partner to share living expenses with, and health insurance and paid vacation, I thought I was doing OK.

[Egnever]

117. Diabetic son here

We just had a baby recently. My wife carries our insurance. While she was on FML we had to cover the premiums. The week she went to work I went to go pick up my sons insulin and the pharmacy told me our insurance was no longer valid.

It was one of the most frightening days of my life. Visons of pre existing condition and never being able to get him covered again ran wild though my head. It would bankrupt us and prety quickly if he werent covered. that one pick up at the pharmacy alone was $537.

Fortunately it turned out to be a clerical error on the ins companies fault and they restored it immediately but it terrified me.

Thankfully he is young yet and we have years before he isnt covered under our insurance and my wife loves her job so we will likely never lose it. The clock is ticking though.

This bill will help us. Or at least put us at ease.

[trayfoot]

123. Yes..Both my husband and I have pre-existing conditions.

[RepublicanElephant]

125. k&r nt

[Jim Lane]

126. I would probably be helped but I still have grave doubts about the bill

I'm a cancer survivor, and self-employed, so not covered by any employer plan. The cancer is mainly what bothers insurance companies, but I also have asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

From what I've read about the bill, I think it would improve my personal situation.

Nevertheless, I'm inclined to think it would be bad public policy and bad politics. The "public option" has been so constrained as to be worthless for most Americans. This bill would not produce any great improvement, and its failure would then be cited as a reason to reject calls for real reform.

I don't insist on a perfect bill. I accept the strategy of getting what we can now and coming back for more later. The problem is that I don't see this bill as a first step toward a better system. It is, instead, a step in the wrong direction.

I'm basing this on what I know about the bill as passed by the House. If what comes out of the conference committee is better, I'll reconsider. From what I've read about the politics, though, the conference bill is likely to be even worse than the House bill in some respects, with the only likely improvement being the elimination of the Stupak amendment.

[ProudDad]

128. None of the folks who appeared in SiCKO would be helped...

GRITtv: American Sickos: Will The Current Bills Help?

http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/24691402

[4lbs]

129. I'm in remission from leukemia I was diagnosed with 9 years ago.

No private insurer would cover me when I was laid off 7 years ago (because a government contract failed to come through and HQ closed our branch).

I joined CA's MRMIP which is last-resort insurance. I began paying 250% more monthly in premiums than with private insurance, and my deductible was 500% higher, and total coverage was 75% of what it used to be.

Now, I just got a notice that MRMIP is raising my premium by 25% next year, and my deductible will double.

[boomerbust]

130. Me

SSD and Medicare recipient at 49 yrs. old due to a severe case of osteoporosis. -4.8 T Score. No insurance company would touch me in my condition.