It's funny how everyone is so quick to declare 'what's wrong with America', and yet nobody seems to have any workable solutions. It's always that taxes are too high, and welfare is misused, and parents aren't as involved as they should be. Or maybe, people become overly concerned with the love affairs of politicians, when really we should all be more concerned with what happens to - and with - our own hearts and bodies. I can't offer improvements upon what has taken decades or more to build in this country. But... since I live in this wonderful country, I will accept my right to free speech, and utilize it now. I won't tell you about gang violence, and military issues in this piece. Nor will I banter about current events... this is an article about DRUGS! Legal, prescription drugs, that are desperately needed to keep people well. And...it's about insurance, and the lack thereof. First, let me begin with the definition of insurance. Insurance is '' a means of guaranteeing protection or safety" (Merriam Webster Dictionary). Therfore, medical insurance means that we are protected by being given the ability to pay for medications and treatments necessary to keep us healthy, and safe. This is a fantastic idea.
What's probably more fantastic though, (note that fantastic doesn't always mean good) is that there is a tremendous number of American citizens that are not covered by medical insurance. I, am only one, of the growing list of people who is not part of a medical coverage plan. I'm not covered by insurance, because I cannot afford it. I have to pay rent, put gas in the car to get to work, I have to pay to go to school, and yes, even poor folk have to eat.
So, what I do not understand, is that people who work in good companies, and people who have money, are mainly the ones covered by medical insurance. Sure, there is medical disability, medicare, and medicaid, and most states even have insurance programs solely for children whose parents cannot insure them otherwise. But what about me? What about the hundreds of thousands of other people like me? People who go to work every single day to earn a meager paycheck that pays the rent, puts gas in the car, and hopefully puts a bit of food on the table. What about people like me, who desperately try to advance themselves in this world by going on to further their education?! What about us? Who wants to pay for my doctor's visits, and hospital bills? The answer, sadly, is nobody!
I'm certainly no hypochondriac. I'm not the kind of person who runs to the doctor as soon as I have a scratch. In fact, this morning was the first time I've been to see a doctor in over two years. I have an inner and outer ear infection, in both my ears! I was in terrible pain, and I was no longer able to avoid the doctor's visit. But, because I don't have insurance, a regular doctor, or coverage for my medication, I had to go to the hospital. Soon, I will receive a phenominal bill for my care in the facility, and the prescriptions used to treat the ailment cost nearly one hundred dollars. One hundred dollars is about half of what I make in a week of working. So, you're saying, Why not work more? The answer is simple. I'm also a college student. I MUST do well in school, or I won't be eligible to work in one of those fine companies that offers medical coverage.
So you see, even after working almost 30 hours each week, paying my taxes, and helping to support those even less fortunate than myself, I - like many others - cannot afford to buy the medication (or the insurance) that will help me feel better (For the one time in the last several years that I've actually gone to the doctor). So, it is clear, I'm not a leech. I don't want someone else to support me (although I will have to pay someone back who so kindly bought my medicine for me.) All I'm asking is that we, as Americans - as people who live in THE HOME OF THE BRAVE - be bold enough to demand that ALL people have the opportunity to be treated by doctors when we need it, and to be able to purchase medication that will keep us well. I can't offer a solution to this problem in our country. I can offer the idea though, that we spread the word, that we tell everyone how vital it is that people are kept well. Think of it this way, healthy people, are the ones that go to work and become productive. Healthy people raise healthy children.
Unlike many of my other writings, I didn't want this little essay to be a tearjerker, or laugh - inducer. I wanted it to open your eyes. I wanted this to ignite that spark deep within you, that truly wants all people to be treated equally (not just those who have already been given a chance to climb the ladder of success!)
It isn't fair. I just paid about one hundred dollars for medication that Bill Gates* would have paid fifteen dollars for (with the average insurance plan). Honestly, it's just too much!
~ Laurie Elizabeth Bell - copyright 2000 - All rights reserved ~
* Obviously, I didn't talk to Bill Gates for this essay. That was just an example to clearly show how unstable our system is.*