Health Care? Can it be made affordable? Will the need for it destroy our nation?

While the health care debate rages, I am concerned about the viciousness of the attacks on the proposals, about the misinformation, about the divisions that are being revealed in this nation.

This is my experience with health care.

I am provided care through my husband's policy. I have a rare blood disorder. Every year I wait to see if this is the year the health care provider has finally excluded my doctor and his practice from their provision circle. Three years ago this nearly happened, it was a concerted effort by others needing this service that the health care provider finally came to agreement to pay the doctors a fair price for their services. If my health care provider did do this, I would have to travel three or more hours for service.

I used to be the manager of a small business. We provided health care for our staff. Every year the health care premiums continued to climb until we could no longer afford to provide the coverage for our staff. We were too small an organization to negotiate a better price, and so yearly we faced increases or shopping for some other provider - until the provider priced their service so high we could not afford to purchase the service, nor was there another provider to turn to.

I now work for an employer who has 125 persons working, most are women, every year our health coverage costs climb 7 to 13%....I do not know how much longer they will be able to provide coverage.

I have family members who are paying more for their health insurance premiums on a monthly basis then for their mortgage. I have a daughter who is unable to purchase coverage.

I recently spoke to a young woman who is a financial analyst for a health insurance company. She is so appalled at the financial gains made by the company she is working for she is searching for a new job. She also has family members who cannot be covered because of preexisting health issues.

I am praying that somehow commonsense will prevail and this nation will work together to make coverage affordable for all.

If you need clarification for what is being offered, you should see the New York Times and Washington Post..they have good articles on what is covered and where gaps exist in the proposed legislation.

I listened to a radio program today, Radio West, the commentators interviewed persons employed by Intermountain Healthcare - a possible model for the nation. A question I have is - Why is one company able to provide service for participants at 1/3 of the cost of other providers?

There is much to do to make health care affordable for all but fear-mongering and name calling should be set aside so the real work may be addressed.

A Thursday at home

Today was Bible Study day, when I and five or so other ladies meet to discuss our Sunday School lesson, we share the responsibility of teaching the study. One of us is a professional teacher, another is a jewelry maker, another is the driving force of our group, another helps with administration kinds of items, another is a vet, another is gifted in delivery. Each has their strengths and weaknesses and it is such a blessing to be part of the group.

We have always met in the fellowship hall...at least as long as I have been affiliated with the group, and we have been asked to relocate because of the unique systems located in this site. So we looked at the possibilities today, and became so excited about one of the sites, but it will require talking out a wall to accommodate our study style. So we will be in an out of the way space while the renovation takes place.

It has been a long time since I took a day and just stayed at home. Old Bike Rider will be late tonight, I am working on the wash, I need to mop the floors.

We have adopted a new family member, my husband's step-father's dog, Happi the schnauzer.
But as I am setting here, the butterfly bushes are in bloom and yellow swallowtails are working them. The air is cool and there is a wonderful light breeze...oh wait, that is the fan. =) But the air temperature is not oppressive. There are cherry tomatoes to be picked and one of the ladies this morning shared sweet corn (ready for its immersion into hot water!) And we will eat blueberries and ice cream tonight.

Our daughter-in-law is pregnant with her second child and just posted on her blog after a trip to visit family. Our daughter’s little boy has just turned over by himself.

I do not know how to express how relaxed, full-filled, blessed, and thankful I am for this wonderful afternoon.