Health Care: Why this Election Matters
By Leo Walsh
10-03-06, 9:07 am
Well, I just got my medical/dental insurance renewal notice in the mail. And like most Americans I see my premiums are going up. But I have a choice: either I can pay a 50% higher deductible, more out-of-pocket expenses, and pay a small premium increase, or I can bite the bullet and take a whopping 13% premium hike.
According to a recent health care survey, premiums across the country rose by more than twice the rate of inflation, hitting working families the most, especially workers who have seen their employers cut their benefits or who just don't get any benefits.
I suppose my other choice is to not seek treatment for what ails me at all. My insurance company was even kind of enough to send me a brochure on how to avoid going to the doctor, eating more vitamins, and doing breathing exercises to reduce stress. Thanks guys!
And because I am new to the plan, the few medical expenses I incurred over the past year were either only partially covered or not covered at all due to an extensive waiting period.
You can pay thousands of dollars for health insurance, but when you actually need it the company really sticks it to you by raising your premiums. That's the "free" market for you.
http://www.politicalaffairs.net/article/articleview/4186/1/213/