The Public Option and Young People

Hi folks,

I don't often post things like this, but today, I felt the urge. After a few years of good membership, you'll hopefully cut me a little slack for rambling. I know what I want to say, but putting it eloquently is a much greater challenge. Sometimes, you just need to talk!

As the back and forth about health care and the public option continues, I've attentively watched it all play it. Admittedly, I have a very personal stake in the outcome. Most of my life was lived in a relatively healthy fashion. I'm not an athlete (computer guy), but I've never had a drink or puffed a cigarette. The only drugs I've used have been the ones prescribed to me. So, the sudden onset of a chronic pain condition came as something of a surprise. The situation progressed to the present, about two years in, and I'm to the point where I spend most of my time in bed at age twenty-four.

My condition isn't common knowledge, and after running the gauntlet of local physicians, I was told that I really needed to see a specialist at a larger facility. I traveled down to Miami, where physical therapy (preferred treatment method for the problem) was administered. This was initially affordable with the help of my parents, despite my lack of insurance. About $140/week. Unfortunately, my situation worsened, and the PT referred me to an associate of hers in the University of Miami's medical system. Great pain management specialist, but not so great for me financially.

The fact is, pills can only do so much for my problem, and we're avoiding narcotics as best we can. We've hit a wall in what can be done. Why? Well, the bucks, of course. It costs a bit over $300 just to have an office visit at UM/Sylvester and get refills. My doctor's kind enough to spread out my visits so that we don't have to pay as much, but we're unable to do the more involved procedures he suggests. It's his belief that a pair of specific nerve blocks would help to alleviate a great deal of my suffering, if only we could afford the $3128.00 bill that comes with them. A bit over $1000 for the doctor's work, the rest for use of the facility/imaging, and that's for a pair of five minute injections.

I've been fighting to get SSI (not enough work credits for full disability) for quite some time. They've rejected me twice, even while admitting that I was disabled in the second letter -- just not enough for them, or something. We're now waiting for a date to go before a judge, which my lawyer says will not be this year unless we're very lucky. Applying for Medicaid was pretty much ruled out by him, as in his experience, he rarely sees people in my demographic (young male with no children) get it. We're to the point that certain people at the hospital have advocated writing the administration to beg for a charitable deal.

The fact that I should have to beg for humane treatment is a sad enough statement about our country. It's frustrating that my pain could potentially be eased in just one visit, rather than having to spend another year in bed, if only I had the cash. Then you run into the other things I'd mentioned, like demographics. There seems to be a problem in America with 1) adequately treating pain, and 2) believing that young people can be ill to the point of disability. Unless you have cancer or something else that blatant, they fight tooth and nail before offering anything.

I used to watch the town halls, but at this point, I can't do it anymore. It upsets me to see those people screaming about government invasions, socialism, whatever. When they do that, what I hear is: "I've got mine, so to Hell with the rest of you." They don't realize that there are people out there like me, suffering to no fault of their own, who see this plan as a ray of hope in the darkness. Access to a public option could offer us the means for some relief, and maybe even help us to control our conditions enough that we could become productive citizens again.

Why did I single out the youth? Well, I fall into that group, for starters. However, I think we're often overlooked as people who can and do become seriously ill. The aforementioned fight with SS is a good example of how that view even permeates the government. Most of the people raising Hell at the town halls seem to be seniors with varying agendas, whether they're racists, or believe Socialism's a'coming, or don't want their Medicare touched. These things aren't really relevant to anyone (because they're BS), but particularly so for people my age. Nevertheless, we will lose out if they win, and we'll have to deal with the consequences of their victory for a very long time. When the government thinks we're too young and the town hallers just don't give a crap, a public option really starts looking like the only opportunity.

Talk of the public option being abandoned may just be MSM hot air, but it's easy to be fearful when you're in a desperate situation. I know it may not count, but if you can, keep calling your representatives and encouraging them to not surrender to the bullies out there. Lots of people really need this to happen, and they can't afford to wait.

Recommended.

I hope things change for you, for us, for everyone most in need.

:patriot:

There are lots of people who really need a public option, certainly not just within my own generation. However, since I don't hear the young mentioned very often within this topic, I thought it was worth doing. :)

Teh christian nation crap, even though I am a christian, makes me want to burn christianity, in front of the nation.

I'll not deny that constant pain sucks, but everyone carries their own burden, and I'm sure yours is difficult. It's tough falling into that 'youth pothole' I spoke of.

Got heart failure. No pain though. I have been given a miracle. For some time now. I do most things. I ride a sportbike. I did the straight up in bed with one hour sleep a night for four months. I made my peace with my creator. He blinked.

My mother survived a heart attack a few years back. Though she's doing pretty well today, thank goodness, the many months following the incident were very difficult for her. No energy, tons of medication, etc. Any heart problem is scary.