On 9-2-09 a vigil for health care reform was held in Chicago's Grant Park. The vigil was to shine light on those who don't have health care and mourn those in America that died because of the lack of affordable health care for all Americans.
One of the most interesting stories told was by a man from the Hyde Park section of Chicago which is located near the University of Chicago. This man had a heart attack and the total amount when it was all said and done totaled $100,000 dollars; let me be clear when I say $100,000 I'm talking U.S. Dollars not Japanese Yen or Mexican Pesos.
Why in the world does it costs $100,000 to have a heart attack? Are $100,000 heart attacks sustainable and how much will that cost 5 or 10 years from now given the trend of double digit medical inflation every year? It's best to address this issue right now with a public option for health care.
For people that still want to pay $100,000 for their heart attack I say let them. The fact of the matter is that they will eventually be dropped by their insurance company because they represent a loss on the company's books that's called the capped out.
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Double-Digit Medical Expense Trend to Continue- Sept 2, 2009 US News
Fidelity Investments: Retired Couples Need $240,000 for Medical Expenses- even with medicare
Study Finds Illness, Medical Bills Root Cause of Majority Of U.S. Bankruptcies
Here we are meeting up for the health care reform Vigil in Grant Park Chicago, IL. The crowd was diverse it had people from all walks of life from doctors, college professors, students, office workers and union members.
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The woman holding the sign below in the brown had her pregnant daughter get sick and die because of the lack of affordable health care. The baby was loss and her son in law had a breakdown with all the stress and crushing medical bills. The couple was one of the estimated 46 million and growing uninsured Americans.
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The guys standing in the Teamster jackets are from the local Teamsters and represent workers from SK Tools in Chicago. SK Tools dropped medical benefits because of the expense. The workers of SK only found out about it by looking at their pay stubs. One worker at SK Tools now is facing a $4,000 a month bill for needed medication and another has been hit with a $20,000 bill for a hernia operation. The workers at SK Tools in Chicago are part of the growing number of the estimated 46 million uninsured Americans.
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Update: The health care Vigil was in a section of Chicago famed Grant Park, while down there I grabbed this photo of Buckingham Fountain. Tourists from all over the world like to grab a shot of Buckingham Fountain when visiting Chicago. Often I go to Grant Park after a hard days work to chill out before heading home.
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Comments: 36
I had great insurance while I worked for a large company but then when I left and went to get individual insurance I had one heck of a time finding it. I had a pre-existing condition. I know people who lie on their applications because they know that they'll be turned down for coverage or have to pay huge premiums that they can't afford, but later, if they're found to have lied they will be booted out and no claims paid. It is a sad state of affairs.
I agree with you about the health, bankrupting Am.
But, it is also mishandling of our funds, and politicians playing too many games and outrageous kick backs and expenses from our taxes.
Oh, by the way, $100,000 for a heart attack is not bad. I know, it IS really terrible. But add in a catheterization, ICU, possibly ByPass surgery and you could be looking a t much more than that. I know, just ask my husband!
That's a beautiful picture of the fountain in Grant Park. I miss Chicago!
Beautiful Photos and Informations on a Necessary Legislation.
Congratulations for your Activism, Dynamism, and Good Research.
Youngsters and Minorities, they also need Politics and Health Care :
Milenials.com
Vicente Duque
Having done in home health care, I have seen people who were barely making it by to people who were privileged. The difference in the quality of life is extreme.
Health benefits provided by employers are always at risk. It is a benefit and it is available only as long as the employer feels it is a mutual benefit. Employers feel that unemployment and state disability insurance are benefits. This is how they see these items. However, since these expenses are mandated by law they are simply the cost of doing business. Just thought I would provide that for your information. I do not, however, agree with that sort of employer attitude.
Thank you for this place to discuss health care insurance in an intelligent manner.
My health insurance costs us over $400 per month. I was in the hospital last year for three days. Our part of the bill was almost $3000.00, plus separate bills from separate specialists. But I feel lucky.