That’s a sad story about Debbie.  We live with lack of medical and dental care, and it in no small way contributes to our interest in spiritual healing.  Most recently, my husband had a horrible toothache, but after a few days the pain stopped.  A few months ago he was burning up with fever and we know we can go to the emergency room at no cost, but we’ve both seen the incompetence there, so he declined on going there.  He only missed one day of work that time and had sick days built up.  The way it works here is that the emergency room is required by law to treat patients regardless of ability to pay.  So that is the last resort we use.

No rich country deprives its citizens of basic human needs.  That is what a pathetic country does.

First time posting so patience while I learn the ropes.

This topic hit home for me.  My husband and I are both in our early 50’s and fairly healthy at this point, although there have been minor accidents and illness which probably should have been medically addressed. But as we all know, things change.  Nothing remains the same and crap happens.  Seems to happen more as you age too. 

We live from paycheck to paycheck (I know, not unusual), and we are also uninsured.  My husband’s job offers insurance but when you live on the edge every month and have to make decisions like “Should I pay this bill or buy enough food for a few days?”, insurance is a distant dream.

I can honestly tell you, it scares the bejesus out of me sometimes, having to worry about (and I know it’s only a matter of time) when one of us will become ill or have an accidental injury that cannot be ignored. I truly try not to think about it too often as it would make me insane.  I sometimes imagine myself or my husband being in Debbie’s situation because we cannot afford even the basics of medical care.

It’s scarey.

When my husband and I both lost our jobs within a two months of each other we lost our insurance.  My husband got sick and had to go in.  We’re still paying off that one.  But the good thing is $10 here or there and they stay off our butts. My husband and I ate a lot of Mac and cheese that year.  Even today we still know if one of us got really sick and couldn’t work we’d be screwed.  Hope Anne feels better!

Hey SEB, so sorry to hear it, and I think this is a real reminder of just how lucky we are in the UK to have a National Health System - free at point of use - which guarantees equal healthcare for all.  We get a lot of moaners, but frankly compared with the situation you’re in, it overwhelms me just how valuable it is.

Insofar as I believe in prayer (my take on it is that it can’t hurt or make things worse, so why not?  All bases covered that way!), I’m praying for your partner, and indeed for your work situation to perk up some too.

I appreciate the sentiment, Cliff. The doctor’s visit didn’t break the bank only setting us back around $78 between the office visit and the prescription, but thats not counting the two days off of work Anne took this week plus the one last week which will ultimate drive the “cost” up quite a bit. Still, she’s feeling much better and I’m not as worried about her so it was worth it.

I’m still waiting to hear back from my old contract house on whether or not the position has been approved. If it doesn’t come through I really don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m trying to stay hopeful.

fingers crossed for you

Hey SEB, so sorry to hear it, and I think this is a real reminder of just how lucky we are in the UK to have a National Health System - free at point of use - which guarantees equal healthcare for all.  We get a lot of moaners, but frankly compared with the situation you’re in, it overwhelms me just how valuable it is.

Another Limey here.  What really scares me is the right constantly say ‘NHS isn’t working, we musn’t tax more, Force every one to have compusory health insurance’.  If it’s compulsory then that’s a tax, even if the money goes to big business (the worst kind of tax).  Now more and more businesses are introducing no pay for sick days. (Welcome to MegaShop. Today in produce we have Lettuce that Brian has infected with Avian Flu because he is too poor to go home and get the drugs and rest he needs’)

I read time and time again of Yanks having stress caused by medical bills. How can that be a civilised country, where the rich let the poor go untreated.

Fact- 1 in 6 US citizens can not get health insurance due to being considered ‘too high a risk’.

Get well soon Anne.