Pblt. Razzberries.
Good for you again, Jillio. I had to wait 6 months to see my doc. If I am really sick, they say to go to ER or "doc in the box" walk in clinic. First question is not "How can we help" but "Do you have insurance" if you do not have it, they can refer you to the city social services. You may or may not meet the income criteria. You make even one dollar too much, you are out of luck. If you have insurance you may pay 30.00 to see doc. If you do not have it you must pay the full price of 175.00 and in cash or on a credit card. Right now, too. If you have HMO, you may wait a long time to see the doc and you may only see an approved doc. If the hmo does not approve of the prescribed meds, you get the hmo approved meds. If you go to the hospital, the insurance co tells the docs and staff what meds, treatments, and time you may spend for your diagnosis. The insurance co will also dictate the amount of time that you may spend at home after hospital stay. Then - boot! Go back and earn them some more money!
Its the same old Pablum. Any one who says anything else is spoon feeding you a load of.... well, not pablum.
A rose is a rose is a rose...... but insurance is not so sweet.
Having no insurance is very scary.... try being on city social services and being very sick. You make no joke - one dollar too much that month and you not only lose the services but are liable for prior medical bills. Lesson? Stay poor, dont try to earn extra money, and if you do, be dishonest and dont claim it. Work under the table.. If not, no food, medicine or rental assistance. What a trap.
We need a MAJOR overhaul on insurance and health care.