Pre-existing conditions

When Karla and I were first married we made the choice to be insured by Group Health of Washington.  The rates were higher than a regular major medical policy (a little over $200 a month for our  whole family) but in exchange for the higher premiums we had no copay, no deductible, and enjoyed the care of the medical staff at our local clinic.  Our first two children were delivered under this policy.  No additional cost.  Katie was hospitalized for asthma.  No additional cost.  We were well cared for.

Then when we went to seminary we learned about the way insurance works.  Though we were insured now by the church's insurance plan, they were quick to inform us that there would be no coverage for our daughter's asthma for 18 months.  We were on our own.  We managed thanks to the good fortune of her not requiring any subsequent hospitalizations.

For the next twenty five years we were covered under the Church's policy, and in general we were satisfied.  As compassionate as the Church is supposed to be, though, insurance is insurance and we eventually came to realize what that meant.  During my first bout with depression, I discovered that mental health benefits were not covered like other medical issues.  I ended up thousands of dollars in debt, and there wasn't even any hospitalization.  The Synod even helped out with thousands of dollars of support during that time.  Still, I went into significant debt.

In my last major period of need, two major things had changed because of Obama Care.  First of all, mental health benefits were the same as any other claims.  And second of all, chemical dependency treatment was also covered.  This continued throughout the time of my disability as well.

Then, out of the blue, I was terminated from disability.  With that health benefits ended.  I was offered the option of continuing my coverage through COBRA.  The cost of basic health care would be almost $3,000 per month, pricing way beyond our means.  Insurance companies, even the Church's insurance (they are self insured), will do whatever they can legally do to maximize their profits and minimize their expenses.

And now we are at the point that Congress is attempting to repeal and replace Obama Care.  What will that mean?

One of the things that is reported about the current legislation that just passed the House, is that though insurance companies will be required to cover pre-existing conditions, they may charge more for them.  I fear that will simply open the door for insurance companies to do what they have always tended to do, which is maximize their profits and minimize our benefits.  So you have a pre-existing condition?  Yes, we will cover it, but your premiums will be so expensive that most of you won't be able to afford it.  This amounts to no insurance at all.  Its like Portico Benefits offering me COBRA insurance for $3,000 a month, knowing full well I couldn't afford it.

I have been insured my entire life, but life circumstances have resulted in a few changes in insurance carriers.  And after 60 years of living I have numerous preexisting conditions.  It angers me to no end that insurance companies may now be allowed to do things such as charge older people as much as five times the normal rate for insurance, or likewise, charge high enough premiums to exclude those of us with preexisting conditions from coverage.

I cannot for the life of me understand Republicans in this regard.

I had a colleague and friend who worked in the medical field.  She was highly critical of Obama Care.  It was such a bad thing.  I couldn't believe it.  She has a son who has all sorts of medical issues, enough to fill filing cabinets with his charts.  He is the very definition of preexisting conditions.  Not only did Obama Care allow for him, with all his major medical concerns to remain on his parents policies til he was 26, but it also allowed for him to be insured when he becomes independent, in spite of the preexisting conditions.  Is that such a bad thing?

Insurance that actually covers us when we need  it may be more expensive than insurance that does not cover us when we are sick.  But then why have insurance?  If you can only get coverage when you are well, you don't need it.

I personally don't think Obama Care is the best solution.  I loved Group Health.  Their philosophy was to focus on preventative care, catching things before they got serious, and managing costs in a patient friendly manner.  Loved it.

I also look forward to five  years from now when we will experience a single payer system, called Medicare.  Then the only question will be what kind of supplement we will have.

I personally believe that Medicare for all should be an option.  Of course, I also believe that everyone should be able to access appropriate health care.   Apparently Republicans don't feel that way.  At least they don't vote that way.

Give insurance companies an inch and they will take a mile.  That's their nature.

For now, I will simply try to work my way through my anger at the House Republicans and all who support them.  And hope that the Senate saves the day.