The editor of our local newspaper wrote an article based completely on the talking point promoted by our less than factual mainstream media and Right Wing media. Below is the letter she sent to the editor. One can infer the points of the editor’s piece from her most personal response.
Until Americans get their real stories out, we allow moneyed interest to convince those not yet afflicted with the immorality of our current system to convince them to not support their interest or vote against their own interest. Please read Josie’s story and comment. If you have a story, I want to hear it. I want to blog about it.
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A note to the editor of her local newspaper.
Josie Robinson’s Story
Recently you wrote a biased and slightly uninformed editorial on the Affordable Care Act. That was disappointing enough, but what saddened me more, is the callousness to those many people who truly need and would benefit from the care. Here are some examples.
My brother is able to provide insurance to his daughter as she nears completion of a degree in Respiratory Therapy. Although she works two jobs, neither one provides insurance. I know of many other families with similar circumstances. You know them too.
My friend’s single parent daughter is able to provide medical care for her child through CHIPS and other programs that have long term benefits to her family and to society. My aging sister is able to insure her grandchildren. Again, there are many in this situation. Look around, you know them, too.
Mostly, I am deeply saddened that my husband was not able to secure Home Care or Long Term insurance due to a pre-existing condition of paraplegia. He became ill with issues unrelated to the paraplegia. When he was very ill and wanted to go home, we anguished over the fact that we could not bring him home under the existing conditions of Medicare and Aetna. After many, heart-breaking months, we were finally able to create an agreement that allowed him to come home. It involved training me (which I was glad to do). Among other things, I had to train to give him all his meds by PEG, to feed him by a Pump Peg, to clean his trachea, to change his canula, to change his wounds, to run and maintain all his medical equipment, to purchase special equipment and bedding, including a $3000.00 mattress overlay and rewiring our house to include four dedicated lines. He had been in six hospitals for 8 months. He was home for twelve days before he died. Precious time that he could have spent being at home, surrounded by the love of his family and his dog, was spent fighting for him with hospitals, doctors, nurses, agencies, and insurance. The ACA provides for pre-existing condition.
My story is only one of many. While we were blessed with church, friends and family, I know several paraplegics that are in even worse conditions because they have no one to advocate for them or to be there to care for them. By birth or by accident, there but by the grace of God, go you or I. No one should be denied a basic need for healthcare.
So, yes, I am glad that Obama cares. We can’t afford not to care. I pray that you do too.
Respectfully submitted,
Josie Salmon Robinson