I think my political views are well know to readers of this blog, friends, the guy at the grocery store, some bozo in line at the DMV once. But let me just say I'm committing to a series of essays on universal health care. Call me a pinko-commie, socialist, what you will - I will appreciate it. Having gone through parts of life without insurance, I have always treasured it like a gift. I currently have a kidney and bladder infection and have been calling around for the cheapest antibiotics. I called my doctor and begged for a script or samples without the office visit - but since it's so bad I have to go in anyway. Fortunately they're going to comp me a culture, the doctor won't actually see me. I've been sick for like 5 days (ladies, anyone had one of these? 5 days is a decade) and I'm a grumpy biatch and sleeping about non-stop. Man, it's gotta get better than this somehow.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
But all I need is a 7-day hit of Cipro
I think my political views are well know to readers of this blog, friends, the guy at the grocery store, some bozo in line at the DMV once. But let me just say I'm committing to a series of essays on universal health care. Call me a pinko-commie, socialist, what you will - I will appreciate it. Having gone through parts of life without insurance, I have always treasured it like a gift. I currently have a kidney and bladder infection and have been calling around for the cheapest antibiotics. I called my doctor and begged for a script or samples without the office visit - but since it's so bad I have to go in anyway. Fortunately they're going to comp me a culture, the doctor won't actually see me. I've been sick for like 5 days (ladies, anyone had one of these? 5 days is a decade) and I'm a grumpy biatch and sleeping about non-stop. Man, it's gotta get better than this somehow.
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8 comments:
OK, I'll bite...
I'm not going to argue that the concept of universal healthcare is inherently bad (even though, from a strict moral perspective, it is), but let's be honest - do you think there's any way our government could federalize health care without screwing it up, and ultimately, putting you in an even worse financial position with regard to healthcare?
I would certainly hope that your series of essays would involve some discussions with the British to see how national healthcare is working out for them. EVERYONE over there that I know pays for private insurance ON TOP of that sweet, sweet government healthcare, because it's, effectively, worthless. It's understood. It's common practice. It's not the exception, it's the rule.
Now, while it is a little nuts that you can't your hands on some cheap antibiotics for a condition you're all-too-familiar with is certainly a shame, but that could be fixed by making them available OTC, or with some sort of easy-to-get card (a la medicinal marijuana) for those with recurring conditions. I mean - is anyone abusing antibiotics?
Anyways, I hope you get better soon :)
Dammit, Ferg bit me (again)! Someone add a rabbis shot to my list...
I'm not going to argue that the concept of universal healthcare is inherently bad (even though, from a strict moral perspective, it is) It seems to me you're begging the question with this statement, and so I can't really address it, but as a general rule I think there can be a hybrid of social medicine. If you have the means to purchase private insurance - that's great. I'm not recommending people socialize all private business. But I think that just because you can't afford private insurance, you are still a human being and should have some options for receiving care.
I'm feeling too crappy to make a valid argument. When I say I'm going to reflect on this I mean it. Your comment suggests you think I'm only going to view one perspective; makes me think you're forgetting who I am. ;-)
I'm not begging the question - I was pointing out that I didn't intend to actually discuss whether socialized medicine was ethical or not, but just to point out that, in practice, it doesn't really work.
As for my assumption that you were only going to focus on one perspective...you followed up your statement that you were going to be doing a series of essays with, "Call me a pinko-commie, socialist, what you will - I will appreciate it". If you were going to do a series of essays that simply examined all sides of the issue, why would anyone jump to that conclusion?
In any case, I hope you feel better.
Okay Ferg, I give, you win, I am a poor writer and mislead what my intention was. In my fervor I shot off a blog post without thinking. Next time I'll take more time to draft out my thesis before posting it on the blog. frankly, I'm shocked anyone is reading it. lol
Well, that's just no fun at all...
Wow, I totally take for granted the fact that I can have an appointment the same day, pay £7.20 for some antibiotics and get all fixed up. Having no insurance must suck, and I think healthcare should always be free for all, always. I'm not afraid to be a pinko liberal about it, either - I really don't understand the US attitude (not yours but some people's) towards it.
I got some painkillers and eye cream today and paid £12 for both and was in a bad mood about it - you must hate me right now! But unlike Ferg, few people I know here in the UK have private insurance unless they earn a middle class income, which I unfortunately do not. I wouldn't say it was accepted practice either - people feel bitter about it, we were promised universal healthcare and we're not getting it, we;re moving to a 2-tier system like the US in large part because of bereaucracy and a lot of us here HATE that fact.
xx
To give you an example, I did get to skip the doctor, but this would be my typical cost:
$8 - for OTC analgesic
$65 - $75 for the doctor's visit
$15 - $20 for a urine culture (lab)
$12 - for the cheap generic antibiotic
So...68£ for this? I got lucky skipping the doc visit. I am just starting to do better today. I have given up caffeine and as of late, alcohol (for a month plus) mostly as a way to avoid this. You might imagine how happy I am :P My sister puts it best, we're both afflicted with these non-stop, that "I get a cold - I get a bladder infection. I get a splinter, I get a bladder infection..." So does Gmom, but she's 85 now so gives me confidence I'll make it ;o)
I have had to give up a more important regular medication, and am paying for it. As are those around me, trying to find some kind of drug program for the ridiculous (me). Cross your fingers for me.
Consider them crossed. :) Glad you're starting to feel better. xx
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