Thank you for your sensitive column on health. i also want to remind people of one truism on this issue and most others: Never, ever vote for a Republican for any otfice from the outhouse to the White House. They were despicable before Trump. They are sheer evil today.
I’m so angry for Thomas. He’s my brother. I also have a rare genetic condition called Wilson’s Disease. I was on my wife’s group insurance but when I was diagnosed they dropped my coverage, my wife, an attorney, wrote the insurance company a letter and they took me back but with a monthly premium that was more than we could afford. I’m a veteran and so I went to the VA. I don’t have to pay for treatment or medication. I think something like the VA should be available to everyone in America.
My sister in law and her husband were forced into medical bankruptcy. She died last year.
It is criminal that so many of our politicians really don’t give a xxxx about the actual living people in this country. I feel so bad for you, and for the millions of other people in the US in similar situations. It’s an outrage.
I just learned a have Myastemia Gravis. Luckily I have good supplemental insurance in addition to Medicare (my wife is a Duke Retiree). The bunch in Washington and Raleigh do not care. Those interested should read a recent WUNC report on Sheila Mikhail, who has started and run 3 biotechnology companies in RTP. Mikhail was diagnosed with breast cancer after a secondary test or scan discovered it. Phil Berger prevented a bill requiring insurance companies in NC to cover the secondary screening from being considered in the state Senate It was approved in the House. She was angry enough to spend &225,000 of her money to defeat Berger in his primary race. What courage
The Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) dramatically reduced the number of uninsured Americans and ensured that people with pre‑existing conditions could access coverage. Lots of folks still around because of it. What’s striking is how quickly many Trump true believers realized the value of those protections only after losing affordable health care, facing higher living costs, or experiencing job instability
Thomas, I’m so sorry the Waldenstroms is rearing its ugly head. I remember when you were diagnosed. My best friend’s husband has it as well. It is a crime that the US doesn’t have universal health care. My William sees patients breaking down in the ER because they know they can’t afford the lifesaving treatment they’re receiving. It breaks my heart.
You’re young but, when the time comes, Medicare should provide some relief. Be sure to go the traditional route with a supplement vs Medicare Advantage.
Damn. I’ am really sorry to hear this, but the good news (if it can be called that) is that *if you are gonna get a cancer*, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is the one you want. Not that you’d want *any* of them, but NHL is very curable. My partner turned up with it early last year and rung the bell in August. But the treatment isn’t cheap, and it was only because Medicare covers this kind of thing that it wasn’t disastrous for us.
The fact that we don’t have “Medicare” for *everybody*, in the richest nation in the world is unfathomable. But something-something tax cuts, something burdensome regulation something bootstraps… All of which translates as “I’ve got mine, fuck you.” And it’s *always* been that way.
This all stops when enough of us say “Enough”. And vote that way. And those we elect actually quit trying to play both sides and pick a fucking thing.
Thomas, thank you for clearing articulating your nightmare scenario. Bravery and love of all us is shown so beautifully. Without burdening fellow readers, your story resonates with me deeply in my own way.
I’m so sorry for health challenge and our capitalistic profit driven medical system. Pay the minimum. When you reach Medicare, max out credit cards or at some point, file for bankruptcy like Trump, etc. You can keep house and car. Plan ahead by consulting a bankruptcy attorney. No reason that only the rich should benefit.
So very sorry and unfortunately not surprised. Thanks for sharing this. Hope it increases awareness. With the wealth of our country this is horrific. Really brings home the saying, your health is your wealth.....There but for the grace of God...
Having the courage to share your personal healthcare situation showcases the desert of affordable medical care for those with chronic illnesses. America stands alone in denying care for its citizens. Perhaps elections in November will bring needed changed. Best wishes.
I'm really sorry that this happened to you. I wish that we were focused more on the pricing factors of medical care than insurance. Other countries spend less on healthcare and have better outcomes despite claims that the U.S. has the best healthcare system in the world.
I applaud your courage in sharing your story. We need a government-backed universal health care system now. Full Stop. Only the greed of the oligarchs who determine public policy stand in the way. They must go.
Oh shit is about the best I can write in response. ACA was supposed to be the first step towards universal care but the R's have been single minded focused on bringing it down - something about socialism and freedom, the two words they use to obstruct policies that would do good things for everyone. Keep up the fight - and take care of yourself.
This is a powerful story, Thomas, that ought to change minds about the need for truly affordable universal health insurance coverage.
Thank you for your sensitive column on health. i also want to remind people of one truism on this issue and most others: Never, ever vote for a Republican for any otfice from the outhouse to the White House. They were despicable before Trump. They are sheer evil today.
I’m so angry for Thomas. He’s my brother. I also have a rare genetic condition called Wilson’s Disease. I was on my wife’s group insurance but when I was diagnosed they dropped my coverage, my wife, an attorney, wrote the insurance company a letter and they took me back but with a monthly premium that was more than we could afford. I’m a veteran and so I went to the VA. I don’t have to pay for treatment or medication. I think something like the VA should be available to everyone in America.
My sister in law and her husband were forced into medical bankruptcy. She died last year.
Thank you for writing this.
It is criminal that so many of our politicians really don’t give a xxxx about the actual living people in this country. I feel so bad for you, and for the millions of other people in the US in similar situations. It’s an outrage.
❤️
I just learned a have Myastemia Gravis. Luckily I have good supplemental insurance in addition to Medicare (my wife is a Duke Retiree). The bunch in Washington and Raleigh do not care. Those interested should read a recent WUNC report on Sheila Mikhail, who has started and run 3 biotechnology companies in RTP. Mikhail was diagnosed with breast cancer after a secondary test or scan discovered it. Phil Berger prevented a bill requiring insurance companies in NC to cover the secondary screening from being considered in the state Senate It was approved in the House. She was angry enough to spend &225,000 of her money to defeat Berger in his primary race. What courage
The Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) dramatically reduced the number of uninsured Americans and ensured that people with pre‑existing conditions could access coverage. Lots of folks still around because of it. What’s striking is how quickly many Trump true believers realized the value of those protections only after losing affordable health care, facing higher living costs, or experiencing job instability
Thomas, I’m so sorry the Waldenstroms is rearing its ugly head. I remember when you were diagnosed. My best friend’s husband has it as well. It is a crime that the US doesn’t have universal health care. My William sees patients breaking down in the ER because they know they can’t afford the lifesaving treatment they’re receiving. It breaks my heart.
You’re young but, when the time comes, Medicare should provide some relief. Be sure to go the traditional route with a supplement vs Medicare Advantage.
I’ll be thinking about you.
Thanks, Ginny.
Damn. I’ am really sorry to hear this, but the good news (if it can be called that) is that *if you are gonna get a cancer*, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is the one you want. Not that you’d want *any* of them, but NHL is very curable. My partner turned up with it early last year and rung the bell in August. But the treatment isn’t cheap, and it was only because Medicare covers this kind of thing that it wasn’t disastrous for us.
The fact that we don’t have “Medicare” for *everybody*, in the richest nation in the world is unfathomable. But something-something tax cuts, something burdensome regulation something bootstraps… All of which translates as “I’ve got mine, fuck you.” And it’s *always* been that way.
This all stops when enough of us say “Enough”. And vote that way. And those we elect actually quit trying to play both sides and pick a fucking thing.
Thomas, thank you for clearing articulating your nightmare scenario. Bravery and love of all us is shown so beautifully. Without burdening fellow readers, your story resonates with me deeply in my own way.
I’m so sorry for health challenge and our capitalistic profit driven medical system. Pay the minimum. When you reach Medicare, max out credit cards or at some point, file for bankruptcy like Trump, etc. You can keep house and car. Plan ahead by consulting a bankruptcy attorney. No reason that only the rich should benefit.
So very sorry and unfortunately not surprised. Thanks for sharing this. Hope it increases awareness. With the wealth of our country this is horrific. Really brings home the saying, your health is your wealth.....There but for the grace of God...
Having the courage to share your personal healthcare situation showcases the desert of affordable medical care for those with chronic illnesses. America stands alone in denying care for its citizens. Perhaps elections in November will bring needed changed. Best wishes.
I'm really sorry that this happened to you. I wish that we were focused more on the pricing factors of medical care than insurance. Other countries spend less on healthcare and have better outcomes despite claims that the U.S. has the best healthcare system in the world.
What a joke that the US has the best healthcare in the world. It’s probably the worst among developed nations.
I applaud your courage in sharing your story. We need a government-backed universal health care system now. Full Stop. Only the greed of the oligarchs who determine public policy stand in the way. They must go.
Oh shit is about the best I can write in response. ACA was supposed to be the first step towards universal care but the R's have been single minded focused on bringing it down - something about socialism and freedom, the two words they use to obstruct policies that would do good things for everyone. Keep up the fight - and take care of yourself.
Exactly so. The ACA has been anathema since Joe Biden said , “It’s a big, fucking deal” to Pres Obama upon its passage.