Whoops, a few days without an entry here, but I’m not going to feel too bad about it, because it’s been a bit of a busy week for me. I’m looking forward to a day at home on Friday!I’ve had three medical appointments in the past three days, and I have one more to go on Monday (the dentist). Good news on all fronts so far, with a negative mammogram, healthy eyes with no significant change from last year, and a good checkup with my doctor today. She is such a gem, and we even had a few laughs today. As we were finishing up, she said, “You’re doing great, and I’m happy that I don’t have to yell at you about anything!” I laughed and said, “And I’m happy to not be yelled at!”
I got my flu shot today, too. I have a slightly sore shoulder, but nothing major, and I’m always happy to get my flu shot taken care of. Happy to do it this early in the season, too! Everyone go get your flu shot, okay?
I’ve also had to make sure I was at home a couple of these afternoons, for a DirecTV technician (all fixed!) and a wine shipment (all delivered!). This is much more activity than I normally deal with, so I am ready for a down day!
I’ve been watching the shenanigans in Washington. And by ‘shenanigans,’ I mean the complete and utter batshittery of the Republican party right now. I’m not going to go into it at all here. I’m sure you’re all paying attention, and I’m also sure that you all know what I think about this bullshit and how disgusted I am.
What really astounds me is that all of this is because they want to keep millions of people from getting health insurance. I’ve been thinking about that a lot this week as I’ve gone to my various appointments to obtain preventive care. I’ve been fortunate in having employer-subsidized health insurance for my entire career. Since I worked in healthcare, it was always very good insurance, too. There were times when I paid maybe $10 a month for insurance. I usually had a copay, but that is still some pretty great insurance.
The reason I supported the Affordable Care Act from the beginning is because I want everyone to have that. I want everyone to have access to preventive care. I want everyone to get checkups and screenings and have a doctor that they can turn to when they have a medical problem. I don’t want anyone to be wiped out by medical bills, or have to declare bankruptcy because they get cancer or have a heart attack or a stroke, or whatever.
So while I watched the teabagger faction of the Republican party completely lose their shit this week, I also watched with joy as the exchanges opened on Tuesday and people began signing up. There are definitely problems with access, and some of that seems to be both volume and software. I am confident that these issues will be fixed soon. I have plenty of friends and family who may qualify for the exchanges and for subsidies, and my fingers are crossed for them.
As for the Republicans whose goal is to stop the Affordable Care Act, in the words of Austin Powers, that train has sailed.
I like it!
ReplyDeleteand agree, of course!
With every day, their goal becomes a little more distant.
ReplyDeletelet's just hope this pisses enough people off to take more action where it counts, at the polls. as someone so eloquently stated on facebook 'no one wanted to impeach the president when it became mandatory to have car insurance'
ReplyDeletexxalainaxx
We almost always had very good health insurance through Thomas' work, although we all know that can change at any time. I have two sisters who are self-employed who will benefit, I'm sure, from the Affordable Care Act, and our son has benefited for the past two years because he can stay on Thomas' plan instead of having to fork out for his own. Even though his work offers him a pretty good deal, it is much better for him to stay on ours for right now. For a young person just starting out in life, that little of insurance premium not being taken out each week can make a big difference on his being able to be independent, and we are happy to be able to do that for him. Time will come soon enough when he will have to take care of it himself. Thomas got his flu shot yesterday. I can't get them because of my egg allergy, but thankfully I don't have any conditions that make me vulnerable, and I don't tend to get flu -- so far, at least. Glad all of your appointments went well!
ReplyDelete