What about those of us who are already on a "public option"?

[sohndrsmith]

I qualify for state health insurance ( I do not receive financial assistance or any other assistance - I simply can't afford health insurance, and due to my low income, I qualify for the state program). I was not asked to pay a single penny, and when I see my PCP, I am supposed to pay $1.00 (one dollar) but the doctor doesn't accept it. My prescriptions (written by doctors who are part of my plan) are free. When I cut my hand open on a water bottle (don't ask - only me... <g>) my emergency room care was paid in full. Again, not a dime. That said, it's not all roses and sunshine. It is VERY hard to get specialized care (which I had with private insurance - and need), and I have to pay cash for doctors/prescriptions outside of this plan. I was in the hospital in February with a heart problem, and I still have not been able to get a referral from my PCP for an appointment with a cardiologist. (I've been diagnosed with several cardiac issues and declined surgery - which I now regret). But I believe there is a cost issue. Still - what I have is better than nothing, and if I was forced to pay for it, I wouldn't be able to.

I assume that most - if not all - states have "public option" health care programs (I am not on Medicaid or Medicare - the only assistance I requested was for health coverage), so I'm curious as to what about the public option is new - or unique. I'm guessing it is simply providing everyone access to such programs that (at present) only those without income or below the poverty level "enjoy".

I'm confused (and quite likely wrong)... If I am mandated to pay for health insurance, I won't be able to. I wonder how this will affect what I consider "public" coverage.

[FrenchieCat]

1. You are mandated to "Have" coverage, not necessarily pay for it.

The two, for low income, will be the same.

[sohndrsmith]

2. You're right. Thank you for the clarification. : ) I'm still confused

as to why seniors are so afraid of these potential changes. I assume Medicare would continue on as it has (perhaps with less waste and hopefully, better care as a result). How does the current health care argument threaten Medicare, I wonder? I guess I have to hit the Google machine and do my homework.... : )