Health Care Reform

[Guest Justme]

Just putting this out in case any one wants to do the same. And not looking to tick anyone off. Just my opinion. I wrote to my reps and the white house about health care reform. In hearing all the stuff about health care reform. the biggest thing I have heard is the idea of making sure people follow the right protocol to get the correct health care vs the bandaid stuff. And I heard that obesity accounts for 10%+ of all health care costs. Big thing I was looking at was how quick insurance companies are willing to pay for gastric bypass surgeries without requiring obese patients to go through nutritional counseling or psychiatric counseling to get to the route ot the problem for 90% of the population. At the same time. trans people are required to adhere to the Benjamin standards...standards of psychological. medical and endocronoligical protocol. And after doing all of that. we still have to pay out of pocket for our surgeries....because they are seen as experimental or cosmetic. and yet the American Medical Association came out this past June stating that trans surgeries are medically necessary. and I asked...."What is wrong with this picture." If anyone wants to put out the same message, just send an e-mail to 'the white house.' We only win ...if we work together.

[Guest Elizabeth K]

GREAT TOPIC

Thanks!

Lizzzy

[Guest NatalieRene]

Just putting this out in case any one wants to do the same. And not looking to tick anyone off. Just my opinion. I wrote to my reps and the white house about health care reform. In hearing all the stuff about health care reform. the biggest thing I have heard is the idea of making sure people follow the right protocol to get the correct health care vs the bandaid stuff. And I heard that obesity accounts for 10%+ of all health care costs. Big thing I was looking at was how quick insurance companies are willing to pay for gastric bypass surgeries without requiring obese patients to go through nutritional counseling or psychiatric counseling to get to the route ot the problem for 90% of the population. At the same time. trans people are required to adhere to the Benjamin standards...standards of psychological. medical and endocronoligical protocol. And after doing all of that. we still have to pay out of pocket for our surgeries....because they are seen as experimental or cosmetic. and yet the American Medical Association came out this past June stating that trans surgeries are medically necessary. and I asked...."What is wrong with this picture." If anyone wants to put out the same message, just send an e-mail to 'the white house.' We only win ...if we work together.

Wow you really have a good point there. Any chance you can post a template of your letter for everyone to use to send to their congressman?

GREAT TOPIC

Thanks!

Lizzzy

YOU"RE BACK! Welcome back Lizzy.

[Guest bronx]

FYI just so you know people who are Obese and go for any sorta gastric surgery do have to go to a nutritionalist and lose a certain amount of weight, the also have to go though pshological testing as well. This doesn't happen over night it can take up to ayear or more from the first time that they contact a sergeon.

The reason i know this is that my wife is obese and has been most of her life, she is not lazy or what other people might think of obese people. She has been able to lose ove 100lbs in the waitwatchers program but has not been able to lose more that 10-15 lbs since. She is a canadate for the lap band and will be having it within the next 6mos or so.

I as a trans man ynderstand what you are saying but the fact is that we all need acess to health care in this country. I too have a cronic illness, heart disesse and has born with it, didn't find out till I was 36, and now I am 38. I'm lucky in that I have health insurance always have but it cost me about 300 dollars a month not to mention 100 dollars amonth for my heart meds and an additional 85 dollers every three months for my T.

Health care is right for all not a privalage.

MY OPINION.

[Guest Justme]

Thanks Lizzy I hope people will write to their reps ...senators ...the white house. One voice does'nt count for much...but many voices....coming together....they will hear us...many voices coming together...can't be ignored.

GREAT TOPIC

Thanks!

Lizzzy

[Guest NatalieRene]

FYI just so you know people who are Obese and go for any sorta gastric surgery do have to go to a nutritionalist and lose a certain amount of weight, the also have to go though pshological testing as well. This doesn't happen over night it can take up to ayear or more from the first time that they contact a sergeon.

The reason i know this is that my wife is obese and has been most of her life, she is not lazy or what other people might think of obese people. She has been able to lose ove 100lbs in the waitwatchers program but has not been able to lose more that 10-15 lbs since. She is a canadate for the lap band and will be having it within the next 6mos or so.

I as a trans man ynderstand what you are saying but the fact is that we all need acess to health care in this country. I too have a cronic illness, heart disesse and has born with it, didn't find out till I was 36, and now I am 38. I'm lucky in that I have health insurance always have but it cost me about 300 dollars a month not to mention 100 dollars amonth for my heart meds and an additional 85 dollers every three months for my T.

Health care is right for all not a privalage.

MY OPINION.

I agree totally with you though, we really do need a better health care system! I just had a similar discussion about this with some coworkers and I just hate how people look at it like a business. I don't know much about how Canada's heath care system works but National Healthcare sounds like a good thing to me.

[Guest Justme]

I don't have a copy of the letter I wrote. But i basically put out to senators and the white house all the loop holes we have to go through. as trans people..and after all that...still have to pay for what we need. But here is the health insurance companies bending over backwards for anyone that want gastric bypass...only because obesity is so prevalent in the media. and also...to Bronx. I understand what you are saying. there are the few obese that do need the help. I'm just tired of hearing from the big percentage of obese people that take advantage of the insurance system. I have 3 people that I used to be friends with that had the gastrice bypass surgery. Only to gain all their weight back...and still get help from insurance....and look to sue their docs....because they didn't get the psychological and/or nutritional help they should have gotten before any surgery. ..I am just saying....here we are...trans folk...adhering to all these standards....and still....after all these years...still...having no help. And I see people...like the ones I know....get surgical help with their weight problems...with no effort.on theitr part..just a simple visit to a docs office. and get surgery. and yea...that ticks me off. And to see them now..sueing thier docs, because they gained the weight back??? I just say again...What is wring with this picture?

Wow you really have a good point there. Any chance you can post a template of your letter for everyone to use to send to their congressman?

YOU"RE BACK! Welcome back Lizzy.

[Guest bronx]

Justme-

It sounds to me like you blame obese people for being obese, I don't think that is fair. I believe a huge problem with obesiety in this country is due to a few factors, like what you economic situtation is. Do you know that poor neighborhoods are flooded with fast food resturants ofering cheaper meals than you can make at home. Secound this country is all about convince its easier to get in your car and drive than to take a walk somewhere. Not to mentionthat they have taken gym out of our schools. I understand your frustrations but to take it out on one group is unfair.

There is so much that needs to be adressed in our health care system such as preventative care and healthy life styles to avoid or atleast reduce the health problems facing most if not all AMericans.

We need a system that is affordable to all, a system that doesnt exclude those with pre-exsisting conditions.

Being a trans man and having to pay out of pocket is hard but we need to educate the people in charge about what our needs are as well. What we need to do to stay alive and sane. Also there are a number of trans people that I know that opt not to take hormones or transition surgically.

The problem is not them or us its the private insurance companies that make our lives a buisness.

Another thing you should know when I started T my insurance paid for it, I changed insurance companies and moved to diffrent state wher I am not covered anymore.

[Guest Justme]

Hey Bronx. I am not looking to discriminate against obese people. I believe there is a small population of the obese that do need medical help. However when you talk about fast food being the cheaper way out. I have to disagree. I have had to live on a tight budget for a long time... and the cheaper way out is ...going to the grocery store....buying the bread...peanut butter..eggs...oatmeal....etc. Alot healthier and ALOT cheaper. I know ...because I live it. The news talks about how people go to fast food places because that is all they can afford??? And I keep thinking...There is no way I could afford Mcdonalds...etc. All I can afford is going to the grocery store...buying the staples....and make myself a meal. Anyone that can afford fast food.....needs to re=do their budget. Because that is expensive stuff. Just my opinion.

[Guest bronx]

I think one of the problems is that the general publc is uninformed in what health care reform is all about.

In NYC if you don't have anyhealth care you can still go to any hospital and be seen, In the the town that I live in now you can onlt go to one hospital if you have an emergency and no health care. The wait is 24 hrs in the ER. Alot of people without health care use the ER as their primary care as well costing alot on Tax payers, this includes the working poor.

the health care system now is only geared towards the people that can afford it and those just comming into this country, it is also for the older people who are on Medicare or to the poor that qulify for Medicade. What about the rest of us.

I think they want to pass is a health program that is affordable and is a option for those that can't afford private insurance, this way it makes for compition with the private sect.

If I didn't have health care I would be dead right now, bottom lline. Fortunatly I can afford it but is my life better than anyone elses because I'm a little better off finacialy.

As for the poor neighborhoods, I don't know wher you live but from what I have seen it was cheaper to buy a bucket of fried chiken (dark meat) then to buy a bag of fresh fruit and veggies.

I have been poor and trust me it wasn't easy If I had 3 bucks I could get 4 wings and fried rice at the chinese store instead of getting a full meal at the grocery store.

Since I have moved to TX I never see any health markets out here only Tex mex. In order to get some organic foods weve had to drive 45min out and pay almost three times as much.

[Guest Jean Davis]

The main problem here is the medical field is so far behind the times it's not even funny. They only scratch the surface when diagnosis a problem. Example; A heavy person sees a doctor, the doctor says you need to loose weight and explains the health risks. The patient explains that they have tried numerous diets and had little success. The doctor then explains the steps they can do to help. But they never dig deep enough. Never find the root cause why this person is food as a crutch to help get then through life. I do realize that there are people that this is genitic but with the rising number of americans having problems it can't be the same for everyone but they all get the same treatment and it's just for the symptom not for the cause.

As for insurances and goverment help, the symptoms of obesity are more obvious and can cause health problems that the health insurance companies already cover. As for us, we are less obvious and therefore our problems get ignored because it's less expensive ( I'm sorry to say it is alot less to bury someone then to treat them). It's a shame to say but that's the way the world works, money first and people second. Until this changes they will never find the root cause of the problems and always go for the least expensive solution.

Jean Davis

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

for those who wish to read through the House version of the bill here is a link http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.676:

here is one section that might be of interest:

SEC. 102. BENEFITS AND PORTABILITY.

(a) In General- The health care benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

(1) Primary care and prevention.

(2) Inpatient care.

(3) Outpatient care.

(4) Emergency care.

(5) Prescription drugs.

(6) Durable medical equipment.

(7) Long-term care.

(8) Palliative care.

(9) Mental health services.

(10) The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).

(11) Substance abuse treatment services.

(12) Chiropractic services.

(13) Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).

(14) Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.

(15) Podiatric care.

the initial cases might be a bit of a war but if our letters for surgery can be ammended to include somthing that this surgery is necessary and required for the physical and mental well being of the patient then I think we stand a chance with having GRS either fully or partially covered

[Guest mia 1]

In defense of the medical field: It is so bogged down with gov't regulations and slow/no payments from the gov't that many Drs. are giving up private practice and joining groups like Kaiser.

My very own personal physician is doingh that after 30 yrs. of practice. It is breaking her heart but she said with electronic billing she would be going bankrupt.

Her "P.C." is the only one at the hospital that has a general practice and with her group leaving there will be no internists at all.

What we need is total reform of the health industry not a band aid....so do write your congressman/senators and tell them vote for the public option or we will vote you out of office......

[Guest ChalenAustin]

What is public option exactly?

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

The kind of health care you find in some other countries where the government runs it.

[Guest April63]

What is public option exactly?

The US will run its own health insurance system. There will still be other insurance companies, but the government will have one as well designed for those who don't use any of the others. It won't work by the way.

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

Well, it looks like the health care bill is doomed.

Massachusetts elected a republican to replace Kennedy, so that does not give the democratic party enough votes to go over a filibuster, and you can pretty much assure that GOP will do just that, so bye bye health care.

Anyways, it looks like it wouldn't have really been worth it anyways considering the package last being looked at.

Oh well, America can maintain its greed based medical system if it wants.

*looks for somewhere decent to immigrate to*

Given this and many other factors I am glad I am moving back to Canada in June, at least I will have health care and my srs paid for by the Gov't

[Guest Donna Jean]

Yup...Looks like any chance of reforming the health care in this country is pretty much skewered!

And with it goes any chance for reasonable insurance, care for the poor, people losing everything that they worked for their entire lives when catastrophic illness hits..

*sigh*

Donna Jean

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

Yup...Looks like any chance of reforming the health care in this country is pretty much skewered!

And with it goes any chance for reasonable insurance, care for the poor, people losing everything that they worked for their entire lives when catastrophic illness hits..

*sigh*

Donna Jean

yep the rich sit on the pork barrel and the poor and middle class get burried in the manure pile. Screwed again by a government that doesnt give a rats arse about the lil guy. They give us the hate crimes bill but wont give us healthcare, now I am worried if we will get ENDA

[Guest Donna Jean]

Case in point...I have a friend whose caregiver wife just passed away...he needs help 24/7..

He'll probably have to go to a rest home for care.....

It will cost his home, camper, car and truck and what's left of his savings...everything!

Donna Jean

[Sally]

It is in the preamble of the constitution:

We the ruling elite and our wealthy friends and backers of the United Financial Institutions of America do establish and ordain this cash cow for our own purposes (something left out here about providing for domestic tranquility, the common defense, freedom, justice and other meaningless stuff) and all who dwell in this country with our benevolent permission are allowed (required) to contribute large portions of their meager earnings to provide us with life, liberty and the pursuit of more money and power...

See I told you and you thought it said "We the people...", HA!

Love ya,

Synical Sally

I know it is spelled with an C but forgive me for liking alliterations.

[Guest ChalenAustin]

A freind of 35 yrs of my family is dying of breast/bone cancer. the bone cancer went from her hips to her back to at the base of her sckyull now.

Insurance won't let her stay in the hsopital anymore and her doctors won't sign her mentally incapsitated papers so insurance won't put her in a hospitce home.

She needs caregivers 24/7.

I haven't seen my more for mor than a full week in the past 7 months, taking care of her while I'm left to finish school and take care of my younger sister and our dog rescue alone.

Healthcare sucks now- I don't know how it can get much worse regardless what's on my insurance marker. (It's female by the way)

Canada, ole Canada!

Any other suggestions of places to move to? Serious.

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

It is in the preamble of the constitution:

We the ruling elite and our wealthy friends and backers of the United Financial Institutions of America do establish and ordain this cash cow for our own purposes (something left out here about providing for domestic tranquility, the common defense, freedom, justice and other meaningless stuff) and all who dwell in this country with our benevolent permission are allowed (required) to contribute large portions of their meager earnings to provide us with life, liberty and the pursuit of more money and power...

See I told you and you thought it said "We the people...", HA!

Love ya,

Synical Sally

I know it is spelled with an C but forgive me for liking alliterations.

We the people in order to form a more perfect union, and allow our elected dictators and big business to thoroughly screw us and rob us blind do here by......

My appologies but that document needs rewriting

[Guest April63]

It may not be perfect, but at least the system works.

[Guest Luci]

What happens now is up to the Congress, and if they are willing to behave as grown ups elected to make decisions with an eye towards the whole population and not just those who donate to their campaigns. That alone probably means we are screwed. :\

The current version of the health care bill deserved to die a horrible death. How could anyone possibly justify the deals made to Senators for their support and exempting the unions from paying taxes like the rest of us??

There is nothing preventing congress from taking smaller, incremental steps that everyone ought to be able to agree on. Remove the interstate restrictions to make the insurance market more competitive. Enact medical malpractice tort limits so doctor's don't have to practice defensive medicine. Give hospitals money or incentives to have clinics alongside the ER, so that non-emergency patients can be shifted to a less expensive treatment program.

I do not believe health insurance is a right. Health care will be available because we want to be a generous and humane society. Currently our good intentions are destroying the system, and a lot of that destructive pressure comes from government mandates that try to control price without addressing cost. I believe there is a place for market solutions and a place for government-assisted solutions. I think wisdom dictates that you start with the marketplace, which is general the most efficient means of distributing a service, and have the government address the needs of the truly helpless.

I sincerely hope the president has the flexibility to step away from his ideology and desire to "fundamentally change America" and see about doing some good on a mortal scale with the time and political capital he has remaining. To reiterate, that probably means we are screwed.