Planning The Unpredictable

Since I am in the land of free health care… it is interesting that this weeks theme for Carnival of MS Bloggers is about insurance. Since going blind in May, my insurance has paid out the following:

Without insurance, this might have happened:

Now that brings up the question of the National Healthcare System (NHS) which the United Kingdom is part of. There has been a lot of talk over the NHS’s decision to not cover a drug that can extended the life of a kidney cancer patient for up to 6 months because of the cost. They have to evaluate the cost vs benefit of medications more.

A quick google brought up an article (which I highly recommend reading) which seems too good to be true. Before Copaxone was approved by the NHS, Linda Oatley paid out of pocket 5,000 pounds. You see, it takes NHS a little longer to get drugs on their approved list. Since tax payers are footing the bill, I guess they have to decide if the cost is worth the benefit. When they decided it was worth it, Copaxone was approved AND Linda Oatley received 5,000 pounds from the government for paying for this medication. Yes, they PAID HER BACK. How many times have you gotten paid back for something like this in the states? Oh right, never.

In stark contrast, Jeffrey Rubin from Philly was diagnosed with MS in 2004. He ended up losing his job and being unable to afford his health insurance. He was one of the lucky ones and was able to qualify for Medicaid however as those on Medicaid know… very few doctors are on the in network list. One thing about MS is that it’s important to go to an MS clinic and those are hard to find. Even if you do find a doctor on the list that is capable, you can’t afford the medication because Medicaid doesn’t have prescription drug coverage (or limited).

Is NHS the prefect program? No, it has issues. Lack of money, busy clinics… the usual which also face the US. They do have an option of private care if you can afford.  But really, the import part is that EVERYONE can receive care for free. The care is comprehensive.  It’s not just a single check up to make sure you aren’t dying.

My life is NOT worth more than anyone elses but since I have insurance… I get treat like it is. Well, it’s NOT. I am insanely lucky. I was diagnosed in a week after going blind. I had no problems with insurance. Out of pocket, it has cost me less than 200 dollars. Again, INSANELY LUCKY.  I am not better than anyone else.  Luck should NOT play into receiving good medical care.  Everyone is worth health care.

Maybe US voters can look at McCain and Obama’s health care plans before voting.  The problem is, some folks believe they should be better than those that can’t afford health care.  Idiots… freakin idiots.

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