Health care, unions: life and death...

My wife is in her 35th year of teaching and healthy. Why? My wife and her bother and father were Type I diabetics. In the 50's and 60's, my father-in-law and brother-in-law both had good jobs, but no health care at their employment.

They tried, but couldn't get health insurance and usually could not afford regular doctor visits and diabetic supplies. Some of you may not know it, but in the 50's, 60's, and 70's a bunch of new meters, insulins, diagnoses, and drugs were available. Only someone with insurance could afford to keep up or pay for prescriptions.

My father-in-law died at 49 and my brother-in-law died at 38 of complications.

My wife (thanks to her father's SS) finished college and now has 5 degrees. More importantly, she went to work in the 70's as a school teacher. You might not be aware that Florida had a state wide teacher strike in in 1968 and has collective bargaining for teacher contracts. Decades ago we moved to Florida from the Carolinas and discovered that the union negotiated contracts always had a choice of health care plans that would be considered "Gold" or high option. Most districts also have wellness contracts with local hospitals to reduce copays and provide specialized examinations and education; including diabetics. Many of these deals are part of union contract agreements.

Right now, all her diabetic supplies are free (no copay). Doctor visits; including seeing specialists are never more than a small copay. My wife continues to teach, never misses work, and has no complications for now. This has been great for her career, and also benefits the thousands of kids she has taught.

Health insurance saves lives! Unions are the only voice most folks have to argue for the welfare and benefits of employees - not just salary. If it were not for union contracts and health insurance, I have no doubt my wife would not be here. I hope that Walmart employees organize and force the wealthy Waltons to pay for the quality of life that the ones who do the work deserve! Unless we get single-payer, the next best thing after the ACA is to join your local union and bargain for your life.