Health care debate nearly impossible

It’s possible to intelligently debate health-care reform without labeling opponents nasty names.

Cite sources when saying I read, etc. Don’t quote Internet unless address is .edu or credible and non-partisan. Reading it on the Internet doesn’t make it true.

I had long-term illness, tried to buy health insurance and was turned down by three companies. Others would insure me at ridiculous premiums, but not cover my illness. I found an insured job; after three years my boss canceled my insurance: “Your premium—too high.”

I found another insured job. After three years, business closed. I had insurance until I was laid off so now my new company couldn’t turn me down for “pre-existing.” I buy insurance — $10,000 deductible. Last year, I paid $10,000 in medical bills and $6000 insurance.

My policy has $40 co-pay doctor visits. I went for one physical, received statements from the doctor, hospital, lab and mammogram reader.

I got four letters from insurance saying they would cover first $40. I got four new letters from providers: “You owe.” Total: 12 letters and bills amounting to several hundred dollars for my $40 visit.

How many people were involved pushing paper times hourly wage, cost of paper, cost of mail….cha-ching…cha-ching….and I have insurance….and I wasn’t even sick.

Anyone who says our health care system doesn’t need reformed hasn’t been sick lately, run through the system or has incredibly good, employer paid insurance and doesn’t know what 75 million of us do: “Don’t get sick; figuring out how to pay for it might kill you.”

Betty Gardner

Priest River