In our society the debate over public health care continues because there are many that do not see the need for such a program and many more that are skeptical about its implementation. What amazes me is that most of the people who oppose the plans being presented not only have no viable alternatives to help the uninsured but most of them have adequate insurance plans in place for their families.
Until Obama’s presidential election, I don’t think anyone believed that health care reform could be a reality. We had become accustomed to the status quo and almost content sacrificing the health care access of millions of Americans. During Obama’s campaign he began to shed light on the reality of being uninsured in America as many had attempted to do before except he was committed to offering a viable solution. Many have criticized President Obama for having to compromise on what they consider campaign promises but he has pushed this issue to the forefront of our politician’s agenda and forced them to begin seeking and enacting solutions.
The reality of being uninsured in America escapes many of the people with the power to help those who need it. Not only are most people who need insurance unable to march on Washington because they are working one or more jobs but they often don’t understand how capitalism is able to wield its influence over our political system. They have placed their faith in a system that has no interest in helping them or protecting their rights.
The reality of being uninsured in America and working for a small business owner is that you probably won’t be offered group medical insurance. Most small business owners have a tough time keeping their doors open and covering their basic expenses. With our current insurance system, they cannot afford to offer medical benefits to their employees and many have no insurance for their families. Many of the employers and employees are relying on their spouse to attain coverage for the family. However, what happens if the spouse is unable to do so or if there is no spouse?
The reality of being an uninsured entrepreneur in America means that in order to offer medical benefits to your employees you have to be prepared to cover at least 50% of the premiums for every employee. It puts employer at risk of losing quality employees to larger companies because they are not able to offer competitive benefits while the employee is often looking for a better job that offers to benefits in order to secure the health of their family. It seems that part of the American dream is the opportunity to own a business and create the life you want to live yet who wants to sacrifice their insurance coverage to do so? Many people, therefore, become a slave to corporations and most forgo living their passion just to ensure their family has medical benefits.
The reality of being uninsured in America is compounded for individuals with a pre-existing “condition.” You see, I am a Type 1 diabetic and I discovered long ago that I prefer working for small companies or as an entrepreneur. The insurance companies have done their calculations and realized that I will incur medical expenses. There is no “if,” it is only a “when” therefore they will allow me to attain coverage at a higher rate but they won’t cover my pre-existing “condition.” So, you mean I should pay a higher rate than usual for coverage of anything that might happen to me unrelated to my diabetes. Interesting. I already spend hundreds of dollars per month on insulin, syringes, bio-hazard containers, meter strips, testing strips and doctor visits but I should give more money for what?
Whether you agree with the health care proposals on the table or not, the reality of the being uninsured in America should no longer being tolerated. Just because it may not affect you and your family does not mean that millions of Americans are not being affected. One of the so-called advantages of being a part of a democratic society is that it is supposed to be for the people and by the people. If the people quit helping each other and looking out for the greater good of our society who do we have to turn to?
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I think you hit the nail on the head. Great article and great explanation of the problem. I agree with you that it’s hard for those with to understand those without.
I’m a single mother who works for herself as well as other small companies and I don’t have company health insurance. I can only afford insurance for my 3 year-old daughter because I want to make sure she is taken care of. I’ve looked into coverage for myself and even as a healthy woman under the age of 30 with no pre-existing conditions the premiums are still ridiculous. The only time I’ve had coverage was when I was under the care of my parents and a few years beyond college. I’ve been blessed that I’ve had no serious injuries which would cause me to incur extreme expenses from hospitals, doctors, etc.
I am often envious of how other countries handle the health care for their people and I think to myself “why is America, one of the richest countries and unable to do the same.” Other countries don’t only handle health care coverage for all better but they also emphasize prevention, which is key.
In America the drug companies profit so much from people being sick they don’t want people to get better. It’s their goal to push drugs that we Americans must rely on without any alternative.
We should be ashamed and embarrassed at the lack of health coverage for Americans; I’m proud of President Obama to bring these serious issues, that have been overlooked for so long, to the forefront!
I’m just getting started with my thoughts…
Aricca,
I am glad that you enjoyed the article and see that you have very strong feelings about this subject, as many young entrepreneurs should. I hope to read a blog from you soon expressing those views.
Kesha
Lakesha, great article. This is something that bothers me as well. I don’t think many people who are opposed (because they feel they currently have proper health plans)ever think about the potential to lose their jobs. It wasn’t until I became unemployed that I grew concerned about my healthcare options. B/c just like them, I never thought it could happen to me. Honestly, I didn’t appreciate my insurance until I didn’t have it. Sure, I could have purchased COBRA, which for some reason the government gets excited about. But when you’re only dependent on unemployment to pay bills, COBRA is too expensive to consider a viable option, in my opinion.
But I do think as a citizen of this country, there are basic healthcare services that I should be given, especially as Aricca said above in preventive care. As an entrepreneur, I feel that I’m still investing dollars into a system that doesn’t really have my best interest at heart.
Tanisha,
I knew you would feel me on this one. It’s tough having to choose between living your entrepreneural passion and taking on a job just for the benefits. It all seems contrary to our idea of living the American dream. Makes you wonder who that dream was really designed for… trickle down economics = fail!
Kesha
Great post! You are absolutely right when you say people that are against it are the ones who aren’t affected by health care challenges. I’ve noticed that is true for a lot of other issues as well. I don’t remember the exact percentage, but the other day a quote was given on the number of people in Congress who have assets in excess of $1 million. These are the people we depend on to make decisions about our country when they don’t even relate to many of the issues average Americans face. That is one of the biggest problems I have with lawmakers.
You are most definitely right about how small business owners are affected. I spoke with one the other day that told me she’s checked out several medical insurance plans for her employees, but they are all just too expensive. As a business owner, there may be times when the owners don’t even take home a paycheck, so insurance coverage is only a dream for most….
Shanna,
I know working at the Chamber of Commerce office you probably hear more stories from small business owners than most of us. It is really sad when business owners have to choose between building a business and provding benefits for their family and/or employees. I only wish more people understood how our legislators and their decisions affect our society.
Kesha