My wife has multiple sclerosis.

[WilliamPitt]

If this bill becomes law, she will never be denied coverage due to her "pre-existing condition."

That's pretty God damned important, so I'm celebrating tonight.

Sorry.

[Skittles]

1. just a question

do you know how much it will cost?

[WilliamPitt]

4. Well

Right now, it costs $2,500 a month for the medication that keeps her from waking up paralyzed, plus $7,000 a pop for the 2-3 MRIs she needs every year.

Not sure I understand the question.

[Skittles]

6. what will stop them from charging you, say, $5000 a month

I don't know all the details of the bill (hard when it's thousands of pages long) but where are the price controls

[WilliamPitt]

20. She has a job

[dysfunctional press]

87. will she always?

my auto-immune disorder(ankylosing spondylitis) progressed to the point that i could no longer work.

and even for people that do have jobs- there are co-pays and deductibles.

[Mojorabbit]

102. I had one too when I was dx with MS

20 something years ago. Went two years without insurance waiting for medicare when I could no longer work a full shift as I was uninsurable due to preexisting. That was a long two years. On medicare the donut hole is huge and reached fast with the MS meds.

[sandnsea]

21. A few places

One place is the 125% cap on current rates when they implement the temporary pre-existing plan.

Another place is the 2:1 ratio on age. And another place is the requirement that they pay out 85% of premiums.

Between all of those insurance regulations, and I think there are even a few more, that will keep rates down.

Then you factor in the public option and the need for government to keep rates down so the subsidies don't bankrupt us.

I think there are a lot of mechanisms built into the legislation that will help control premiums.

[CreekDog]

72. nothing, but there will be subsidy that doesn't currently exist

and if the final bill requires community rating, they can't jack up her rates beyond everyone else's.

furthermore, insurance companies may need to pay $1500 of that $5000/month in excise taxes on high cost plans.

[lumberjack_jeff]

104. The bill will make her condition financially irrelevant.

They can't charge her $5000/month unless they also charge every person her age $5000/month.

[JDPriestly]

121. Depends on the final law, Skittles, but as I understand it the premium

can only be a certain percentage of your income. And if you earn an average or below average salary, you will receive some sort of assistance with paying for the insurance. I knew an American couple who chose to live in Europe because the wife had multiple sclerosis and could not afford medical care in the U.S.

This bill will probably help this family and for that we have to be thankful. The bill is flawed but will improve the lives of many Americans.

[JVS]

9. So do you actually think the insurance company is going to cover her for less than it costs to...

treat her?

I guess, they might be able to negotiate lower prices from the hospital for the drugs and MRIs, but I still suspect that you'll end up paying thousands each month.

[WilliamPitt]

11. They have been for the last two years

She will not lose her insurance, and will not get bounced because she's sick.

[housewolf]

65. That's the way insurance works...

It's risk spread out over the pool of members, where some pay for coverage and their expenses are less than their premiums paid, while others expenses are greater than their premiums paid.

It's sort of like if you have full insurance on your car, and you're driving on an icy road and spin into a tree, your insurance covers the cost of fixing your car. Way more than the amount of insurance premiums that you paid. Other people drive for years with no claims, resulting in their payments covering the cost of your repairs.

[POAS]

73. That is supposed to be the entire idea behind insurance

Spreading the costs and risk across a large pool of people so that no one person has to worry about having to cover the entire cost of a devastating event.

Insurance is not supposed to be about making sure that each individual ends up contributing more than they would pay out if they had to pay their own emergency expenses so that a CEO can buy a yacht.

[CreekDog]

74. Yes, that's precisely what I think, she's on a group plan

and if we have community rating, individuals get some of the advantage of group plans.

with group coverage, an individual member of the group can pay less than the cost of their healthcare.

[dysfunctional press]

88. "...I still suspect that you'll end up paying thousands each month."

no, they won't. everybody may end up paying a tiny bit more because of any one individuals expenses- but that's how risk pools work.

[Gravel Democrat]

83. Multiple sclerosis & Medical Marijuana

I had a friend with MS and he swore Med Marijuana not only helped, it was far and away better than anything any doctor ever prescribed . And that was before hardly anyone (in the US) ever heard the phrase "Medical Marijuana".

At clinic prices of $500 or so an ounce it might be cheaper and more beneficial than what she's getting for 2.5k

"Clinical and anecdotal reports of cannabinoids' ability to reduce MS-related symptoms such as pain, spasticity, depression, fatigue, and incontinence are plentiful in the scientific literature<1-12> — leading many MS-associated patient organizations, including the Multiple Sclerosis Societies of Britain and Canada, to take positions in favor of the drug's prescription use...
Recent clinical and preclinical studies also suggest that cannabinoids may inhibit MS progression."
http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7121

Montel Williams on Medical Marijuana (Montel has MS)
http://www.montelms.org/MedicalMarijuana

Patients with multiple sclerosis suffer muscle spasms, pain and tremor. Anecdotal reports suggest that marijuana may be helpful, but controlled studies are few. One, presented at an April meeting, had 51 multiple sclerosis patients smoke 0% or 4% THC marijuana cigarettes daily for three days. Intensity of spasms was reduced by 32% and pain ratings by 50% after smoking marijuana, compared with 2% and 22% reductions after placebo cigarettes.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-he-marijuanap...

Cannabis could hold the key to ending multiple sclerosis misery
Researchers investigating the role of cannabinoids - chemical substances contained within cannabis – in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), have found they could significantly enhance therapy, not only by reducing nerve damage and erratic nerve impulses, but perhaps even by hindering development of the condition.
http://www.physorg.com/news94743932.html

I Hope your wife gets whatever helps. And as much as I'm against "the bill" the no pre-existing condition thing is great.

[blm]

106. Med-grade marijuana was proven effective to halt MS deterioration over a decade ago and that is why

Canada is the best place to be for MS patients at this point in time. Corporate media in the US has no interest in reporting this in any widespread way because they depend on the ad dollars from big pharma.

[WilliamPitt]

132. Way ahead of you.

[sandnsea]

2. You got married?

When did you get married? Last post I saw on the subject was when she was going to the doctor for diagnosis.

[WilliamPitt]

7. I'm sneaky like that

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeyh/sets/72157622507708... /

[sandnsea]

17. Oh, that is so sweet!

Wonderful wedding. Sincere. I can tell by the pictures that you are both completely sincere and open with each other. That is just awesome.

In the words of Michelle Obama - Don't Screw It Up Buddy!

Can't she get some kind of medical coverage through MassCare?

[WilliamPitt]

40. She has a job

so she's covered.

And thanks.

[madrchsod]

35. ya bring a tear to this old guy`s eyes....

congrats to your lovely wife and you!

[WilliamPitt]

Many thanks

[aquart]

Gorgeous wedding shots.

The best of luck to you both. My aunt raised two amazing children and got her degree while battling MS.

[WilliamPitt]

67. ((hug))

[Cassandra]

96. Still wondering...

what the hell happened to your hair?
Congrats! You both look supremely happy.

[roody]

123. You had lovely hair the only time I saw you.

[OneGrassRoot]

108. Seriously....

What gorgeous pictures!

Will, I don't think I've ever seen a man look at his wife with such soul-stirring love as is captured in multiple images here. Perhaps the Obamas....so you're in good company.

You made my heart smile.

My very best wishes to the both of you!

[PopSixSquish]

46. Looks Like a Great Party

Congratulations!

[grantcart]

55. This is my favorite

But we were hoping to have a few from a few hours later.




MS can be a terribly tough challenge, my heart goes out to you both.

[Hekate]

62. How gorgeous, Will. Blessings on your life together.

Hekate

[housewolf]

66. Congrats, Will!

You both look very happy together. I'm so happy for you both.

Here's to you both

[titoresque]

93. What a beautiful wedding!

Brought a tear.....hope you have a long and happy marriage! Congratulations!

[dave29]

99. congratulations, and I am celebrating with you on healthcare

as I have great concern about being denied coverage in the future because I had the audacity to put myself through rehab four years ago. I have worked all my adult life (and a quite a bit before that too), I just let life get the best of me for a bit due to an underlying medical condition that ended my chosen career. I have remained insured despite the dramatic increase in premiums, and my hatred of for profit insurance companies.

Insurers have a way of weeding out folks like your wife, myself and many many others who are considered a financial risk, and a potential roadblock to lining the already well lined for-profit insurance executive's pockets.

This bill will lift a huge weight from my shoulders as I have feared that every day that I have spent climbing out of financial ruin (barely avoided bankruptcy), every day I have spent rebuilding trust and relationships (with my wife, family, and friends) will have been a wasted day with the mere stroke of some insurance bureaucrat's pen.

[mod mom]

112. beautiful bride and very lovely dress!

Wishing you both good health & happiness. Here's hoping she's sweetened your sometimes difficult personality.

Health issues can sometimes place unfathomable stress on a marriage. I know, as my husband suffered from a spinal cord injury this year. Like you, we are lucky to have great insurance coverage, especially considering our bills since his June fall are over $500,000. I really pushed for a public option because no one deserves to have to endure the stress of financial worries at a time when health concerns are overwhelming. Let's hope that medical research will continue to improve the lives of those suffer w horrendous conditions/diseases.

[AspenRose]

113. Now that I think about it, I think Raven mentioned it

Congratulations

[Chorophyll]

114. You are a gorgeous couple.

I've been reading you for years. Nice to finally see you.

[Laurab]

115. He lost his hair and gained a wife!

Congratulations!!!!

[JVS]

3. But will she be denied coverage due to not being able to afford the massive premium that having MS..

will cause?

[WilliamPitt]

5. No

[Bradenbrent]

18. Multiple Sclerosis

This is great You try to make people aware of this illness cause it is not an easy one. God only knows why it comes in our lives.

[WilliamPitt]

24. "God only knows why it comes in our lives."

Since you mentioned Him, I give you a quote that has sustained the both of us through this, from Graham Greene:

"You can't conceive, nor can I, the appalling strangeness of the mercy of God."

Yup.

[Skittles]

56. thanks for that William

INDEED

[Hawkeye-X]

131. MS affects our family indirectly

My parents' best friend has MS and we watch him struggle with it. Its very hard on my parents to see Jack with MS. As I understand it, he was a very vibrant, fun loving guy. He, his wife and my parents and a longtime family friends are going together to a Mexican Riveria cruise in Janruary - the very same cruise I plan to take in August.

[Suich]

31. Welcome to DU, Bradenbrent!

I hope you enjoy it here as much as I do...

[nadinbrzezinski]

41. Welcome to DU and I know several people with MS

a hell of a disease. It makes my diabetes easy to handle and hardly worthy of a complaint.

[POAS]

75. Is your alternative that she die?

You obviously have NO understanding of how insurance is supposed to work or of how the current industry has subverted the very idea of insurance in the name of greed.

You can read the entire bill or just relevant sections at the Congressional website and Thomas Register. I suggest you look up the various provisions that are aimed at controlling costs for individuals.

[JVS]

77. No.

I am very aware of how the current industry works. Which is why I think single payer is the only way to go. Her health care is being put in the hands of a company that stands to profit from her death. It's not that hard to see what they're going to want to do.

[POAS]

81. But your solution

(and by the way mine also) was not going to happen this time around. Instead we get an imperfect step in the right direction.

I suggest that instead of being critical of those that see the glass as half full you begin working to fill the glass the rest of the way full.

This is a step, it is not the end.

As for your "understanding" how insurance works I would suggest that your previous posts on how it works strongly suggest a real lack of knowledge on the subject or a willful desire to misinform. I truly hope it is the former!

Have a healthy day!

[givemebackmycountry]

8. There is nothing for you to be sorry about Will...

I've been reading you long enough to know if it's important to you, it's important to me.
Hang in there bro.

[Lindsey]

15. Celebrations are due to you, Will. I'm very happy that now you

have some hope. I love your wedding pictures.

[emulatorloo]

10. I'm celebrating too, for you and your wife

And everybody else who is going to benefit from this bill.

I sometimes wonder if the harsher DU critics of this bill have ever been sick or ever had a friend or family member with a pre-existing condition denied coverage. It seems to me that anyone with any experience with our current system can see the good things in this bill. Even if it isn't perfect.

[DemBones DemBones]

69. Yes, I have, and I don't believe this bill

will make things better.

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. Will it will help people like you

it is not a perfect bill... it is more than I expected (been readying them) and less than I wanted... but a good start.

Oh and Will, celebrate...

Here to you



But the battle continues.

Oh and to the purists, here is a little thing about this bill... if you got your insurance through the exchange and later on you get a job with it, you don't need to leave the exchange.

That will change the nature of it.

And SS was bad in 1935... so was Medicare in 1965... so the battle continues. But do take a well deserved break.

[WilliamPitt]

13. (((((HUG)))))

[Raineyb]

25. The battle will not continue. Nothing will be done because they've declared it "fixed"

and the rest of us who don't have employers to offer us health care will be screwed. Especially those of us who will be stuck in the exchange because that's where they'll stick the people they don't really want to cover. It'll be the plan with the least number of doctors who accept it, probably will have ridiculous out of pocket expenses that will make it too expensive to actually use but hey at least they passed something right?

This is not what I voted for.

[WilliamPitt]

26. So should I kill my wife, or just myself?

I mean, since there is no hope and stuff...

Say the word.

[nadinbrzezinski]

27. You are wrong, the battle is NEVER OVER

if that was the case, SS would be stuck in 1935 legislation and Medicare would be stuck in 1965.

That is not a very progressive view.

[WilliamPitt]

30. Incorrect post, ignore

(((((HUG)))))`

[nadinbrzezinski]

32. Nah I replied to a person telling us that the battle is over

and this will not continue.

I know it is never over... EVER, but I am taking tomorrow off!

[WilliamPitt]

33. See my edit

and

[nadinbrzezinski]

37. I am sorry

[WilliamPitt]

44. No worries

It was my mistake.

[Raineyb]

34. It's a realistic view. They don't give a fuck they have their health insurance.

I will be losing mine soon enough. And with high blood pressure no one will want me. And as a single woman no one will give a shit if I drop dead either. So I'll have to choose between health insurance and housing and this mandate to buy shit insurance doesn't do shit for me unless of course I manage to bankrupt myself first. I see no reason to hope for the same people who sold us out to fix their fucking mess. We have all three branches of government and this shit sandwich is what they're offering us? And I'm supposed to polish it and pretend it's what?

[WilliamPitt]

36. You cannot be denied for a pre-existing condition.

?

[Raineyb]

39. I have high blood pressure NOW. I'm unemployed NOW. The odds of me losing my

current coverage is pretty damn high. Four years down the line won't save me I could be dead by then.

[nadinbrzezinski]

45. You are aware that they are extending cobra and raising the minimums for

medicaid... RIGHT?

And as I said above, I wish it was a better bill... I fought for a better bill, but the US political system does not allow for a better bill. Damn better than I expected though.

[Raineyb]

49. And where would one get the extra money for cobra which by the way is

very expensive when one has no income. (and even if one has income)

And I have never qualified for any government program. I don't see that changing any time soon unless I bankrupt myself first. I suppose that's an option but having a bad credit report keeps people from hiring you.

[nadinbrzezinski]

51. They will make it EASIER for people to qualify for Medicaid

that is the damn fucking point!

[Raineyb]

53. Great. Medicaid. Because everyone wants to be stuck in the insurance of last resort.

Now I feel so much better. That totally makes up for the screwing we're getting with this health insurance mandate.

[nadinbrzezinski]

54. And you'd be better without this passing HOW?

Let me see pre-existing condition... check

[Raineyb]

58. IN FOUR YEARS

I need it NOW! I need health care that's not tied to my fucking job which doesn't exist anymore. What I don't need is the fucking government mandating that I buy a product from an industry that we know will do everything in its power NOT to pay claims especially when I don't have any goddamn money. This bill doesn't change shit for me. I still have to worry about keeping my insurance or risk never getting any in four years which will probably be too late if I lose the insurance as I can't afford the medications that keep my pressure under control out of pocket. And that's assuming that they don't further gut this feckless bill in the Senate and assuming that it doesn't get watered down further during the four year free for all that they gave the insurance companies.

Is there a good reason that this takes four years to kick in? I can't think of one. I can think of millions of bad reasons and oddly enough they all look like dollar bills.

Right now this looks like what they have in MA and that system is crap!

[nadinbrzezinski]

60. First it needs to come out of the Senate

and be signed into law.

Medicaid expansion kicks in FAST.

The pre existing conditions, like almost after the ink dries.

And as to your job... I am not going to go there, because this bill is supposed to make it NOT tied.

But since you lost your job, you already lost that. This will make things BETTER sooner than four years. Now you are angry, pissed et al. I am sorry... but I cannot help you beyond pointing out what will be expanded...

And medicaid is a GOOD EXPANSION.

[Egnever]

89. Actually Immediately not in 4 years

the high risk pool to cover people just like you goes into effect immediately.

[Schema Thing]

101. Jesus, chill and read the fucking bill

You'll get some substantial help.

[Raineyb]

103. The government never helps until you've bankrupted yourself.

I'd be a damn fool to depend on this half assed bill to keep that from happening. This bill changes nothing.

[rhiannon55]

84. Medicaid works very well. I am raising two grandchildren

who are on Medicaid and all their medical costs (including a hospitalization and surgery) have been FREE. The same with all their medication. Not even a co-pay. FREE. You should HOPE you get Medicaid. GREAT 'government-run' health care.

[RobinA]

128. Children

can get MA a lot easier than adults. As it is, the cut-off for MA (in my state) is $2000. Less than that you are pretty much on the street, but at least you will have health insurance. People who have saved a little do have to spend it away in order to qualify. Unless there is a giant leap in MA, it isn't going to help people who are anywhere near middle or lower middle class, even if they are out of a job. I'm glad to see an increase in the MA cut-off because it will certainly help some people, but it's not going to help your average lay-offee

[nannah]

97. in the state of washington, people on medicaid have access to the best

health care in the state. the big medical centers like U of W, Swedish, Harborview, Fred Hutchinson Center all take medicaid. and medicaid is a fee for service program, no hmo to block access to services.

that said, i totally feel screwed by this sham of health care reform. the ability of our government to stand in the way of it's citizens, all the while mouthing meaningless strings of words to blur reality is a diabolical wonder to behold. but after the last decade of personal revelations about these people who are choosing for us, why would we be surprised. impaired integrity seems a highly valued characteristic among the power brokers.

ironic, that in the name of "freedom" , people who oppose allowing a single payer health care option prefer to obligate taxpayers to unspecified financial obligations to private insurers.

[Ms. Toad]

120. Ever been on Medicaid?

My daughter was when she was diagnosed with her first chronic illness at age 4, and it fully covered treatment and expensive diagnostic tests without any hassle at all. The closest to a hassle was when her primary care doc refused to give her a referral to a specialist when he (mistakenly) believed it would not be covered. That was not a Medicaid failure - but a stupid doctor failure (who, incidentally, did not believe she had anything wrong with her).

Frankly, I had fewer plan hassles on Medicaid than on ANY of the bare bones to Cadillac plans I have had since then.

[Schema Thing]

100. So approx how much will insurance cost you under the new plan?

You can calculate it here.

http://healthreform.kff.org/SubsidyCalculator.aspx

[HughMoran]

14. I'm celebrating with you

I stand to save $10,000's by being able to get ins. from these "exchanges" versus being ass-raped at a company of 8 ($40k/yr).

[FrenchieCat]

16. My daughter's new Father-in-law also has MS......

and he is happy tonight, according to my daughter.

[demodonkey]

19. I have no healthcare at all, so even if this bill's not perfect I am hoping soon I can get some.

There is never going to be a perfect bill, either for healthcare or for voter-verified paper ballots! Sometimes getting SOMEthing passed and moving forward even a little is better than staying stuck.

I agree with your celebration.

[bigtree]

22. no, that's a good thing, of course

. . . 'bout time they did something on that. The rest is important too, to somebody.

[tavalon]

23. Why be sorry?

Most of us knew they were going to shiv us with restrictions on abortion services but hey, we're getting a fair bill otherwise. We'll knock down their silliness later. Besides, with RU486 and cytotec, surgical abortions are rapidly and blessedly (mostly) moving into the history books. And when abortion moves into the livingroom, there isn't much the fundy whackadoos can do about it.

[cynatnite]

28. Nothing to be sorry about, Will. n/t

[WilliamPitt]

29. I know

But it's DU. Democrats got something done. It's a bummer for a lot of folks, so I thought I'd apologize to ease the burden.

You know how it is.

[cynatnite]

38. Yep...

I hope your wife is celebrating, too. We got a big win tonight and the road to reform got a bit shorter. That's how I see it.

[WilliamPitt]

42. 'Tis a good day

[Jennicut]

43. I am very happy tonight for people who have preexisting conditions.

I have diabetes but am one of the lucky ones still with insurance. I do worry though, every day. I worry I will be dropped or my husband will lose his job.
I worry and this eases my worries a bit but I will keep fighting, we have a long way to go.

[WilliamPitt]

47. "...but I will keep fighting..."

As will I.

[Jennicut]

48. Good luck to you and your beautiful wife.

Okay, I am going to cry now.

[grantcart]

50. for 10 years the grantcarts have not been able to see a doctor

living in fear that some unknown diagnosis would move us into the "unable to insure" category.


I am celebrating too




And after it passes we begin agitating to expand the public option.

[nadinbrzezinski]

52. And after it passes we begin agitating to expand the public option.

I will take a couple days after the ink is dry to celebrate... after that... yep right there.

[bigtree]

59. Couldn't the preexisting conditions provision survive if the overall bill failed?

The failure of the 1993 health care bill attempt turned into a compromise that advanced SCHIP (State's Children's Health Insurance Program). Wouldn't the preexisting condition provision survive in some independent or rider legislation in this Congress because of the votes already on record and the wave of support firmly behind it?

Is the rest so important that it definitely needs to be defended?

[nadinbrzezinski]

61. Given US political history that is exactly how it will

expand.

But we need to remain engaged.

[change_notfinetuning]

129. That's my question. Couldn't the pre-existing provision be passed by these

same 220 people, without the other 1,989 pages of lobbyists' wet dreams? Or is that most important of fixes merely a pimple on their quest for campaign contributions for next year?

Seems to me if they really cared about us, they would have attempted to ban that clause years ago. But then, I misplaced my rose-colored glasses.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

57. She will never be denied...

That is so damned important, both to you two, and to so many millions!

No need to be sorry, my dear Will...

Even if it is DU!

Time to celebrate!

And then time to work on the Senate version, to make it better...



Oh, and K&R!

[Fading Captain]

63. Sorry, Mr. Pitt -- But there were ways to do this

I would be glad to pay more taxes for health care for your wife.

But you're out of your fucking mind if you think that your wife's health condition means we should be forced by government law to fork over money to the health insurance racket.

[Hekate]

64. So glad for you both. My son's newly diagnosed seizure disorder makes him uninsurable today...

... in the open market, if he ever gets laid off from the job he has. My self-employed pregnant daughter will unfortunately give birth before this bill can help her, but I am so relieved for both my adult kids I can't begin to tell you. No more pre-existing exclusions! Hallelujah.

Hekate

[tomm2thumbs]

68. thanks for the reminder of what good was done today

albeit a single step on a long journey but your post shows the real world situations that this will affect

[malaise]

70. You're right Will

It's a start.

[CreekDog]

71. Don't be sorry --you are right

there will be weaknesses, but that ain't one of them, it would be progress.

and it's why folks like Raul Grijalva and Barbara Lee supported this. they aren't going to throw everything away because something was taken away.

[CBR]

76. Best wishes to you and your wife. nt

[TexasObserver]

78. Recommend

[Vinca]

79. My husband and I will also now be eligible and will also be able

to use the public option because we're self-employed. Based on the current numbers, the cost will be a little less than 1/5 of the cost of the last "affordable" plan we checked out and is approximately what we were paying at the start of the Bush II administration when we could still afford medical care.

[DFW]

80. There's a LOT of other stuff, but your main point is one I agree with:

That's pretty God-damned important.

[proud2BlibKansan]

82. I have 2 kids without health insurance

Anything to help them get health care works for me.

I am also damn glad to see the insurance companies finally regulated.

[Yavin4]

85. I Agree. It's a Win. Mazel Tov To You And Your Beautiful Bride.

It's not perfect, but it's a step in the right direction. It will be up to us to make it better.

L'Chaim!

[Owl]

86. Absolutely totally agree!

[maxpower]

90. So does mine

I agree with you.


Peace,
Max

[Sancho]

91. My wife has diabetes...

She has taught school for 33 years now, and has always had insurance (negotiated by collective bargaining!) and no problems. She had had regular doctors examinations, medicines, education, and referrals. She has prevented almost any complications with regular care, and never had a hospital stay or major problem.

Her brother was also diabetic and worked for companies with no insurance and he could not get insurance no matter how he tried. He cut corners and didn't have regular visits with doctors. He couldn't afford regular health care, and often had to choose between his own health care and his family. Even though he had a two income family and daughter, he simply could not afford testing supplies or specialized examinations or regular consultations.

He died at the age of 38 after vision problems and other complications of diabetes. There is no question in my mind. Pre-existing conditions and other exclusions will kill you. Maybe it's not always a single refusal for a procedure or drug. If you don't have regular access to health care, you are less healthy and die quicker. I sent two contributions to Alan Grayson already.

[Egnever]

92. My son has type 1 Diabetes

I agree with you whole heartedly.

Oh and grats on the wedding. Though why some poor girl would marry you I have no idea.Did you drug her or something?

[barbtries]

94. that's right

that alone is reason for celebration. my son's fiance, an otherwise healthy 25-year-old, had MRSA. she will no longer be uninsurable.

[old mark]

95. Congratulations and all the best to you and your wife, and I think you are

right to celebrate.

mark

[Tommy_Carcetti]

98. And good cause to celebrate!

As am I.

[Junkdrawer]

105. Yoga. Can't recommend that highly enough....

My wife was diagnosed in 1996 and, by far, yoga has made the biggest difference in her quality of life. After she started yoga, her doctors were amazed with her improvement.

The other things are:

1.) Copaxone - Avonex had AWFUL side effects..

2.) Weight management

3.) (More Controversial) Stay away from Nutrasweet.

[Bobbie Jo]

107. You bet your ass, Will...so am I!

K&R

[cpompilo]

109. I always enjoy your posts. Sorry to hear your lovely wife has MS.

Have you heard about Low Dose Naltrexone for MS? It is an off label use for MS. You can find info here: www.LowDoseNaltrexone.org
I use it for Crohn's Disease. It is being used for many auto immune disorders. Since it is an off label use most insurance co's will not cover it, but it is a cheap drug. Not too many people or docs know about it.
Best wishes to you & your wife!

[lebkuchen]

110. A member of my family died from MS in the '60's.

I wish you and your wife health and happiness. I hope advancements have been made in MS treatment.

[Generic Other]

111. This bill makes some progress

And I know none of us are done fighting. We will win the war one battle at a time! Forward!

[Warren DeMontague]

116. Yeah, but MAKING healthy 26 yr. olds get insurance is fascism, Maaaaaaan!

No, seriously, I've got folks in my family with Pre-existing conditions, too.

If people think this bill sucks, so be it. If they want to hold their breath, expecting the world to stop, until we can pass a perfect SPHC system, I wish them luck with that endeavour.

But anyone who says "this bill doesn't do anything, it doesn't fix anything, it doesn't reform anything" are full of shit.

Name one thing this bill makes better? You just did.

I am proud of our party and this accomplishment.

[Laurab]

117. Congrats again and K&R nt!

[John Q. Citizen]

118. It's interesting. Your particular situation kind of makes you a single issue voter when it comes to

the house bill. Not entirely but mostly.

And I suppose there is nothing wrong with that.

But from a sociological view, I wonder if there is a similar correlation or mechanism present in electoral politic one issue voters?


Congratulations on both your marriage and on your issue win. May you both have a long and happy life together.

[Mimosa]

119. I have MS and this bill will help me when? 2013? IF I can afford premiums and deductibles.n/t

[kentuck]

122. Good luck Will..

to You and Mrs. Pitt.

.....kentuck

[4dog]

124. Is vitamin D part of her treatment plan?

Many diseases of modern times, including MS and others mentioned in this thread, seem to be related to lack of sunshine. Vitamin D can be gotten from sunshine, lamps, or capsules. See www.vitamindcouncil.org.

[WilliamPitt]

125. She takes supplements daily

And they help quite a bit.

[Kurovski]

126. congrats on the marriage, Will!

it's good to have someone to share life with.

[TZ]

127. I'm right there with you Will!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...
I think it takes being ill or being close to someone who is chronically ill to understand how much this bill, flawed as it may be, means to many of us!

[jus_the_facts]

130. I hope you're right....

...sorry to hear about her illness.