I bet just like me, when you saw the thread title, you were thinking that this sentence was sarcasm and some DUmpmonkey is actually bitching about those evil for profit health insurance companies. Imagine my surprise when I found out I was wrong.
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 08:30 AM
Original message
Thank goodness for health insurance
Edited on Mon Nov-21-11 08:31 AM by negativenihil
Good morning DU!
This morning as I am sitting here, writing a couple checks to a few local hospitals, I find myself very thankful that I have health insurance.
Back at the end of September, I unfortunately had a minor stroke. (I am better now, been through a physical therapy program and completed it ahead of schedule - this isn't a thread trolling for sympathy! I'm doing awesome and have already recovered 99.9% with no real lingering after-effects! DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ME!)
After a trip to one ER and a 2 day stay in a big hospital - without insurance I'd be on the hook for something in the ballpark of $50,000. With insurance? I'm on the hook for $300 total. This is a $300 check i am more than happy to write.
If anyone is reading this who CHOOSES to not carry health insurance (esp. the younger DUers - I'm only 31!), I hope that this helps you to see how terribly costly these out of the blue things can be. It's worth EVERY cent.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2354502The replies sound more like what you expect from DUmmies.
ananda (1000+ posts) Mon Nov-21-11 08:32 AM
Response to Original message
1. I don't think people choose not to carry health insurance.
Many millions of people simply can't afford it.
0bama fixed that, now you must have it or pay fines, but it's ok premiums will fall by 3000% and your employer will give you a raise. Yay!!!!!
SkyDaddy7 (1000+ posts) Mon Nov-21-11 09:09 AM
Response to Reply #1
15. It is BOTH...Some can't afford it but many CHOOSE...
not to buy it, especially young people who think they are invincible...I know I was one of those ignorant youths who thought he was invincible...I got lucky & did not need it.
However, when I was older (30yrs old) & got married my wife & I began paying for health insurance & BAM I suffered a spinal cord injury...8 months into the worst nightmare of my life my insurance company, PRINCIPAL INSURANCE, dropped me!
Until the new health care law is fully implemented the case could be made why pay for health insurance if chances are you will be dropped when you do need it.
OneGrassRoot (1000+ posts) Mon Nov-21-11 08:33 AM
Response to Original message
2. I'm glad you're well and that you had a positive experience...
with both insurance and with the healthcare system.
As you must well know, that is becoming a rare experience.
The ability to afford decent insurance coverage is becoming a thing of the past -- for all ages, but especially if you're over 30.
It's also becoming a thing of the past for the insurance companies to actually COVER expenses to a degree that doesn't lead to financial devastation for the "insured."
izquierdista (1000+ posts) Mon Nov-21-11 08:33 AM
Response to Original message
3. Chooses?
Some of us make that choice because we would rather have food, clothing, shelter, you know, those things that take away from what we can contribute to insurance company profits.
trumad (1000+ posts) Mon Nov-21-11 08:35 AM
Response to Original message
4. You left out a key part...
What do you pay per month.
The average policy for a family of 4 is around 1000.00 per month depending on your employer and health plan.
It's simply to much money for people to afford in lower income brackets.
Everyone wants health insurance---not everyone can afford it.
Printer Friendly | Permalink | Reply | Top
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 08:39 AM
Response to Reply #4
5. no idea honestly
It's part of my benefit package from my job. I'm a married guy, no kids - wife has her on insurance through her job.
The reason i posted this was rooted in the fact that my brother in law has several friends who opt out of getting insurance because they too see it as some silly monthly cost from their paychecks. They can't be the only people who feel this way...
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 09:22 AM
Response to Reply #22
23. are you kidding?
Do i have to scan and post my medical bills for you all to approve?
what the hell people?!
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 09:54 AM
Response to Reply #43
46. ...
"The problem is that most people don't these days, and the way you presented your suggestion is almost offensive to the many who are struggling."
From what I am seeing, the root of the problem is people's failure to comprehend what they are reading. If you are too poor or under employed to the point of being unable to get health coverage, then you are not one who CHOOSES to go with out. There are several people who are reading just that into my statement.
I'm sorry for expecting DU to have at least a high school level grasp on reading comprehension.
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 10:10 AM
Response to Reply #49
54. I am not my post count
I read here far more than i post.
So really - in short - i guess i should be ashamed I'm not ruined after an unexpected trip to the hospital. Gotcha.
Playing into a right-wing argument? By having a positive experience?
Look, Just because my post didn't mention single player health care or anything along those lines does not mean I do not support them.
Again - I am so terribly sorry for having a positive experience with the existing health care system. I'm sorry it didn't bankrupt me and cause me hardship. I'm sorry this has clearly offended several DUers.
They are jealous of your good experience. In fact I bet 90% of them would bitch about having to pay the $300.
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 10:19 AM
Response to Reply #59
61. No, not at all
I'm just sick of being flamed for not having a terrible experience with the health care industry.
I really thought I was sharing something fairly positive with DU, and now i honestly regret it.
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 09:16 AM
Response to Reply #16
19. wtf?
Why is the common reply here "i didn't CHOOSE not to have insurance!"? You are the 2nd or 3rd reply like this.
Was there something I said that implied that I was somehow looking down on you or your situation? Please, Let me know.
As I said in a prior reply - My brother in law has several friends who CHOOSE not to carry health insurance. They can not be the only people in this country with this mentality. I am simply hoping to enlighten someone who CHOOSES not to carry insurance so maybe they see the value.
Look, I'm sorry your situation sucks, and I'm sorry you can't afford insurance. Please forgive me! I obviously had something to do with it in order to be giving this sort of reply.
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 09:46 AM
Response to Reply #33
38. look
I'm sorry, it sucks to be you, i get it.
And i'm sorry my employer offers me half way decent health coverage. The people i was hinting at in my original post were people - like the friends of my brother in law mentioned in two other posts who have the means and option for health care, but choose not to take it - Obviously not people choosing between food and health care.
Again - Sorry I've offended and hurt you so much. Please forgive me for having a positive experience and thinking to share it among DU.
negativenihil (750 posts) Mon Nov-21-11 10:03 AM
Response to Reply #47
48. Oh Bravo!
I'm a tool of the industry - that's rich.
you want scans of my medical bills? my neurologist's phone number/email address?
****ing jackals...
Hey negativenihi here's a tip from uncle Freeper, next time title your thread, "those stinking insurance companies ripped me off", and bitch and moan that they make profits, and you had to shell out $300, you will be a DU hero. If you tell them you got a fair deal they will get jealous and hate you forever.
