The new government medical insurance plan or let's get real
The shouting at town meetings has quieted down and the rallies by angry citizens has stopped, now that the idea of any government run health insurance plan is dead in the water. Many Americans sleep better knowing the health care reform bill, if it does get passed, will probably just be a 700-page bill confirming what is already practiced (except for a few additions like the pre-existing conditions section), and not really affect those who already have medical insurance. And I understand why many Americans are relieved. Medical benefits don’t come free: people work long and hard at their jobs to receive them; folks work many, many years (sometimes doing jobs they don’t like) to keep these benefits when they retire. They deserve the rewards for their dedicated service. Why should they have to pay for the naive ones, like me, who didn’t know you need to choose a career that comes with guaranteed, lifetime, medical coverage? I’m healthy and currently covered, but my coverage will soon change. I recently received a letter from the company that handles my COBRA premiums, stating that my 18 months of coverage would soon end and directed me to call my insurance provider. When i did, I learned that to continue our HMO, the insurance premium for my husband and me two healthy adults. He’s 60 and I am not yet would be $4,927 a month. The insurance representative assured me that all premiums are approved by the state Insurance Department. Believing that state representatives should be aware of the needs of their constituents, I called the office of Rep. Scott Garrett. After explaining my situation to the aide who answered the phone, I was informed that, although Garrett does not support the proposed health care bill, he does support reform and was seeking a measure that would allow individuals to deduct the price of their medical insurance from their income tax. The aide politely assured me that I would then be able to deduct the $59,124 yearly premium from my taxes. Next I called the Department of Insurance and asked if it was the job of the department to approve my $59,124 premium. He politely answered yes, but assured me that there is always Medicaid. Now that made sense. I could have the American citizens pay for my medical care. Of course there are stipulations: you can’t have much income, but, since I’m currently unemployed and almost 60 with an antiquated trade, I could ace that one; and your savings must be close to zero. Now I have to decide: should I pay for one year of medical insurance or take a luxury world cruise. Agatha Wyman Highland Lakes