Let me tell you a long personal story; don't worry there is a Health Cost Care point at the end.
This last week I was riding my motorcycle up Angeles Crest in Angeles National Forest; for those of you who don't know the area,
it's a beautiful long mountain ride full of twists and turns in my hometown just above LA. A biker's heaven,
if you like going fast in canyons. My brother hates the ride on his Harley.
Anyway, I was going fast, too fast; on a narrow straightaway I blew by a Forest Ranger Truck. Two turns later, deep in the turn I hit gravel.
Oh oh. Tried to straighten up, did ok, then hit one of those new stupid deep reflector holes and lost it (pilot error). Flipped, hit my head and slid,
according to the CHP who investigated the scene, over 120 yards over rocks, pavement, etc. I then sat up and said Whew, that was close. (3 have died on bikes on this road in the last 3 weeks). But everything on my body seemed to move and I could focus.
The Forest Ranger truck stopped; two very polite and gorgeous girls got out who are Botanists from Boston. Not bad for a rescue
team.
Cell phones don't work up Angeles Crest, but they had radios. While I admit I felt like I had gone too many rounds with a heavyweight,
I basically checked myself; everything moved, albeit slowly. So I said could they please call my Father or Wife
to come get me. I'll have AAA tow the bike.
For Health Insurance I have a great plan, but it's a $5000.00 Deductible. I'm usually healthy. Still, it's expensive. The theory of high
deductible plans is that you avoid going to the doctor unless it's really necessary. I decided to save money.
But, then the fire trucks showed up; 5 of them. I guess it was a boring day. The paramedic checked me out; found
"nothing" seriously wrong, but... Then they said they are taking me to ER down the hill. I saw dollar signs going
off and said pass. Time will heal everything.
They said just lay down on this gurney. I did. They strapped me in 10 different ways. I rested. Then the Fire Captain
said they are taking me to ER. I said "No Thanks". Didn't matter, literally he got in my face and said I'm going.
They put me in the Ambulance took me to the ER.
I'm blessed living near an excellent Hospital. The ER doc was great; he checked me out, mumbled about how lucky
i was and how truly sore I will be (I am), but nothing permanent/serious seems to be going on. He gave me some good drugs,
the nurse patched up areas that were bleeding, and my wife picked me up. I had good equipment; good leathers (top only).
So my knees are messed up, my back is really sore, and I have bruises all over, but in the end, I will be fine.
Now here is the question, for all you anti national health insurance plan people. I can afford, although times aren't great,
the $5000.00 deductible. And the 20% co-pay thereafter. I'm sure the bill will be close to 10K. It could have been much much worse.
I know the Fire Captain had my best interest at heart. Also, that is just how he does it and I don't think he's used to hearing
"No" very often, although I didn't like being kidnapped.
But he is not going to pay the bill. Easy for him to say go to the ER.
If I didn't have the 5K who would? Well first they come after me. Take my house, garnish my wages, etc. If the well
is dry, they send it to a collection agency. If all else fails the government (that's you all) will pay.
Why not have a base government plan covering everyone like Medicare and then supplemental private plans for the bells
and whistles? My father has Medicare; he loves it. He also has a great, albeit expensive supplemental plan ($800.00 month) that covers
everything else in the world that Medicare doesn't that Dad pays for himself. He's happy. I just want the same choice.
I think that makes sense for everyone.
As a side note, as I have mentioned, my wife was quite sick, but miraculously is doing much better. Still, no guarantees.
She has kept her job and her insurance (great boss) but now they are thinking of laying her off as well as other employees. It's the times.
I don't care about her earnings so much, but we need the insurance. No job, no insurance. Sure, you can have COBRA.
But that runs out fast. Then what? With her pre-existing condition no one will offer coverage at any price. I understand
the actuarial math, but.... So what's a person to do? Go without coverage? Again, a base national health plan might be the answer.
Just a thought.