Imagine you are one of the millions in this country who can’t get health insurance because you have a pre-existing condition. Now roll the clock forward to January 1, 2014 and walk with me down the virtual hallways of a brand-new marketplace, a marketplace where you can buy some peace of mind and help for your family, no questions asked.
That guy over there who was just diagnosed with diabetes at age 20? He’s 26 now, and about to be dropped from his parents’ insurance, but he’s not worried. He can go online, head over to Insurance Exchange Central, and shop for his own individual policy. He’s still in school and not making much money at all, but not to worry, because his costs will be covered by some significant government subsidies so that he can still afford his syringes, insulin, test strips and other needs.
This young man fights with his desire to be free of his diabetes and the daily knowledge that his lifestyle has to be adjusted to live with it. Because his doctor is part of the community health center down the street, he’s able to check in often and work on some wellness initiatives to help control his diabetes and accommodate his lifestyle. The particular young man I’m thinking of loves to ride his bicycle, and tries to ride 20-30 miles per day. The exercise helps keep his glucose levels down to manageable levels, and the meter he uses sends daily glucose reports to his doctor via his wireless phone. His records are electronic, so when he travels to bike races in other states his medical history follows him in case he needs treatment.
This is one example of what will happen when health reform passes. No more exclusion for pre-existing conditions. Electronic health records. Focus on wellness instead of sickness. Streamlining Medicare. Government subsidies to assist with affordability.
Bottom line: We embrace everyone’s health as a national value, whether they’re healthy, diagnosed with an illness, are young, old, rich, poor, or middle class, employed or unemployed, artist or entrepreneur. Everyone.
This, and only this, justifies passing the Senate bill. When the other benefits are factored in, it is clear it’s well worth passing and should be passed. Right now.
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