I live it.
Every day at work.
Every time I have to prepare a prior authorization for a common, popular, standard drug.
Every time a weeping senior citizen shows up because they've fallen into the Medicare "doughnut hole" and seen their prescriptions go from $5 to $500.
Every time our medical staff has to justify prescribing a drug that will keep a desperately sick client from going into mania and going berserk, instead of the cheaper generic that *causes* the mania due to the dyes in the formula.
Every time I have to tell someone that no, we don't offer free care because we can't afford to bear the cost.
Every single time I have to check long-term clients' insurance to make sure that they're still eligible for the state plan, or the new state plan, or something.
Every single goddamn time I have to tell someone who's been coming for years and taking the same drug for years that no, their insurance doesn't cover their meds anymore, and they now have co-payments, and I'm sorry, but they can't see the psychiatrist they've had since they were diagnosed because their new, shiny, subsidized state insurance plan doesn't cover it.
Every time I think about what losing my job, or changing to a job with less comprehensive insurance, might mean when it comes time for me to have my neuroma removed.
So. As much as I'd love to join the "see Sicko and support the film so it will go into more theaters" movement, I can't. It's too close to home. The rest of you, though, who don't have to live with the horror show that is America's excuse for health care - GO SEE THE MOVIE. THEN WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR.
And if we don't get genuine health care in five years, move to Canada. It can't be any worse than what we're coping with here.
Every day at work.
Every time I have to prepare a prior authorization for a common, popular, standard drug.
Every time a weeping senior citizen shows up because they've fallen into the Medicare "doughnut hole" and seen their prescriptions go from $5 to $500.
Every time our medical staff has to justify prescribing a drug that will keep a desperately sick client from going into mania and going berserk, instead of the cheaper generic that *causes* the mania due to the dyes in the formula.
Every time I have to tell someone that no, we don't offer free care because we can't afford to bear the cost.
Every single time I have to check long-term clients' insurance to make sure that they're still eligible for the state plan, or the new state plan, or something.
Every single goddamn time I have to tell someone who's been coming for years and taking the same drug for years that no, their insurance doesn't cover their meds anymore, and they now have co-payments, and I'm sorry, but they can't see the psychiatrist they've had since they were diagnosed because their new, shiny, subsidized state insurance plan doesn't cover it.
Every time I think about what losing my job, or changing to a job with less comprehensive insurance, might mean when it comes time for me to have my neuroma removed.
So. As much as I'd love to join the "see Sicko and support the film so it will go into more theaters" movement, I can't. It's too close to home. The rest of you, though, who don't have to live with the horror show that is America's excuse for health care - GO SEE THE MOVIE. THEN WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR.
And if we don't get genuine health care in five years, move to Canada. It can't be any worse than what we're coping with here.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-01 05:43 pm (UTC)From:I'm lucky enough to have good insurance, but for how long?
no subject
Date: 2007-07-01 07:47 pm (UTC)From:I'll likely be seeing it in the next few weeks though.
And yeah, one thing I was very grateful for when my husband was out of work was that even though we had only 1 income, we both had my insurance.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-01 08:18 pm (UTC)From:Review of "Sicko" here
Be sure to read at least the first paragraph - the movie's not really intended for those of us who know how badly the system sucks, but for those who need to be shown.
{{{hugs}}}
no subject
Date: 2007-07-01 08:44 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2007-07-02 03:56 am (UTC)From:Don't think we'll see the movie, but I do write my rep and senators about this and other stuff, all the time.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-02 11:31 am (UTC)From: (Anonymous)http://www.yarnharlot.ca
Lady H.
no subject
Date: 2007-07-02 07:17 pm (UTC)From: