Hey, what gives? I thought we didn't have health care?

[Doosy]

We moved to Seattle. I broke my arm in Aug. It was a bad break and had to be plated and pinned. I needed a blood transfusion, then surgery 2 weeks later, then another 3-4 hour ER visit. I told them I had no money--they fixed my arm and set me up with a general care doctor anyway. We still haven't been billed--and we applied to the charity program and may not have to. Later, a month ago I was able to apply and have just been granted access to their Gov. sub. care program. I'll get a health card and I only have to pay a small co-pay. I can't believe all this happened in a city to which we just moved! It's great knowing I'll finally have health care.

But I'm confused; I always thought poor folks like me, without a job, had no health care--and didn't have access to any. That's not true.

One of the best doctor's in the city performed the surgery and now, my arm is almost functioning 100% the way it used to, so I SURE didn't get any 2nd tier care! Had a private room etc...

[VelmaD]

1. It's because you are lucky enough...

to live in a liberal-minded city that provides a medical safety net for its citizens. Most cities do not.

[Doosy]

8. I don't know...

We had it in Denver, and in San Diego, and in TN... Can you name a city that doesn't have it? Maybe I'd have a better idea of what you're talking about.

I mean, if I lived in Jackson MS, or some such, my broken arm wouldn't have been fixed?

[sandnsea]

14. Mine

What if you'd had, oh, cancer - where your care didn't consist of an immediate emergency? I can't say what I think of you or I'd get kicked off this board. I take comfort in knowing you won't be here for long.

[Doosy]

30. I spoke of the good care I got.

And you sound like you're sorry I got it! You'd rather I had NOT gotten it? I'd never wish that on someone.

[nadinbrzezinski]

18. San Diego does?

that is a surprise to me, given that I have had to fight with hospitals to keep a patient who didn't have an insurance card... yep they try to get all those undesirable patients to what once was County, aka UCSD... which is having many a problems and WILL STILL BILL YOU for your care.

And if you are talking of the California Medicare program, it has a fairly large number of requirements and many holes

Sorry, I happen to be familiar with it

Also the Medicare program in California was implemented by the DEMOCRATIC State House and Senate and signed by a DEMOCRATIC Governor, we had a bill for single payer for all citizens last term, and guess what> Our lovely REPUBLICAN Senator vetoed it.


You got the care, because progressives care.

Be thankful

[Doosy]

38. I didn't qualify for CA Medicaid.

[nadinbrzezinski]

42. There you go

so you did NOT have the care in California.

Care to continue contradicting yourself that this is available all over?


I am familiar with the Seattle program, because it is seen potencially as a model for the nation.

[Doosy]

47. Sorry, we were at Scripps and only paid a portion.

[nadinbrzezinski]

49. Sure you did

Scripps did not bill you for all of it, Sure they didn't

[depakid]

20. Wait until you get the bill

Hope you haven't filed bankruptcy in the last 7 years....

[Doosy]

41. I haven't, but why?

[wicket]

50. Because it's going to be, just as your screename is:

a DOOSY.

[Doosy]

59. No, I mean...

I've never done a bankruptcy. What would it have to do with my health care?

[nadinbrzezinski]

66. you hasve 100,000

in the bank?

Otherwise you may find out.

(About half of all bankrupcies in the US are due to health related bills)

[MADem]

24. Gee, I will tell our family friend with ALS and eighty grand in bills

that he's just a whiner, and imagining all of those expenses...

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

31. Arkansas

I don't think there is anything like what you described anywhere in Arkansas. I know there isn't in the small town where I work.

[mountainvue]

57. Denver? There's no way you got first rate health care

in this town for free. I should know. I've lived here for 25 years.

[Doosy]

72. I was born in Denver, raised there.

Lived there 40 years. Denver General has always offered a sliding scale. I had gall bladder surgery in 1988 for $400 At the University of Colo. Med. Center lap procedure. There's Denver General's Adult Walk in clinic--and they gave me birth control for free at OB/GYN.

[leftofthedial]

64. taxpayers paid for your medical care

you got lucky. Most major cities have one major hospital that provides indigent emergency care for acute problems. You can go to the emergency room, get treated (and whatever follow-up care the hospital can provide) and the taxpayers pick up the bill.

But if instead of a broken arm, your problem was a chronic illness, you wouldn't get the treatment you'd need. If you had an acute problem like the flu, you could go to the emergency room (where treatment is about twnety times as expensive as an insured person's visit to their doctor's office) and taxpayers get to pay for it. To the insurance companies, this is wonderful. It is an externalized cost. To the US economy and to the hospital staff and managers, this is a slow-motion disaster every bit as destructive as Katrina was to New Orleans.

[Doosy]

62. Bill Owens was the GOP Colo. gov.

When we spent years in college and always got subsidized med. care.

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. The state you moved to

thanks to a DEM governoor, implemented that program recently.

You happen to benefit,

But we need soemthing like that NATIONWIDE

[demnan]

3. Welcome to DU

I'm glad for you. So often all we hear about is the bad news. Good luck finding a job!

[BOSSHOG]

5. If you don't find a job

you can always go to the Army Recruiting Station and enlist. The Army provides medical care as well.

[Doosy]

12. Not to someone 48 years old.

[SammyWinstonJack]

15. They'll take you, no problem.

[nadinbrzezinski]

21. Oh poor baby

the enlistment age has risen to 43

I tell you what, google DD-4 and then Army Recruiter

[Doosy]

25. I'm not sure...

..that entering the military to get surgery for a broken arm is a very logical scenario.

[nadinbrzezinski]

28. Nah if you cannot find a job

after your arm heals they'll take you

Google recruiter and DD-4

[Der Blaue Engel]

13. .

:spray: :rofl:

[Doosy]

11. Thank you--nice cats!

[demnan]

46. Thank you

they own me. :) Their catster pages if you're interested:

http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=98993

http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?i=99007&j=t

http://www.catster.com/pet_page.php?i=202939&j=t

[Doosy]

63. Catsters? How cute! I love oinge cats! Got one here!

[demnan]

75. That's Charley

he was homeless. Walked into the condo one day and that was that.

DU also has a pet forum. Lacking in snarkiness and judgemental comments unfortunately only available for the donating members. Just a thought for when you get back on your feet, which I hope is soon.

[Lex]

4. You have it = everyone else has it?

Nope.

[obreaslan]

6. You can thank a Liberal for pushing a program that helps those who need it.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[sandnsea]

7. Some states are better than others

That's the entire point. You're lucky in that Washington has implemented a good program, and you may have gotten lucky and applied during an 'open' window. When the funding runs out, new 'appliers' are out of luck.

And yes, everybody has to be treated for emergencies. Some hospitals are better than others at extending that care. You're lucky you didn't get a bill - I got my $40,000 bill for my husband's stents within 10 days.

Finally, I just have to say it's a pretty shitty thing to get all of that because of DEMOCRATS, and then dare to come here and bitch about it.

[Doosy]

16. Funny you interpret a letter like that.

I came here saying what GOOD care I got, what a GOOD experience I had, how FORTUNATE I was--how you can call THAT 'bitching' is beyond me.

[Avalux]

9. You should be thankful -

you are fortunate enough to live in a place that cares. It's not like that here in Texas, and you know what? There are plenty of people with jobs who can't afford to get ill because the healthcare they do have is inadequate. This country has a serious problem.

[BlueJazz]

10. Do that in Many Red States and they'll give you a dirty look, ....

....let you see a Doctor for 3 minutes, give you some aspirin and send you on your way.....

[Doosy]

23. The sign in the hospital said...

It was a FEDERAL law that they had to give emergency services to all REGARDLESS of ability to pay.

[sandnsea]

26. But they STILL BILL YOU n/t

[G_Leo_Criley]

67. hill burton funds

I think that sign is referring to the federal Hill Burton act. Funds are available for emergency care.

"Please note that the community service obligation is different from the uncompensated care provision. The community service obligation does not require the facility to make non-emergency services available to persons unable to pay for them. It does, however, require the facility to make emergency services available without regard to the person's ability to pay."

(Whole act can be read at http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hburton.html )

It sounds like you're in a city that has a safety net program in place for those who aren't eligible for Medicaid. Small co-pay for follow up visits, well care visits, prescriptions and other necessary care.
We have a program like that in the Boston area. Most of the US doesn't have this. They should. It should be federally available.

glc

[sandnsea]

77. That's mostly gone

Religious hospitals, in particular, paid off their low-interest loans because Hill-Burton requires abortion services. Many rural hospitals won't use the program for that reason as well.

He's talking about the basic law that says anybody has to be treated for an emergency. He doesn't mention that people are also billed for that emergency care.

[mountainvue]

61. You're lucky to get the aspirin in their opinion. n/t

[No Exit]

17. Try it in the south. There is NO SUCH THING in any city around here.

But after all, the south IS the only region of the country which is still unblinkingly repukelican even today--so why would anyone expect anything different? Everyone knows repukelicans couldn't care less if their fellow citizens, particularly those "with no money" fall down dead and rot--just so long as no one interferes with "business".

[Doosy]

45. You mean to say...

That you can't go into an ER with a broken arm, needing a blood transfusion, and they send you out the door? I need someone to send me the news stories on that because, if you all have ambulances that run as often as ours do,Iin your bug cities, the number of people having stories like that would number in hundreds EVERYDAY.

[BOSSHOG]

58. I saw a sign stapled to a pole in Mississippi

advertising DNA testing to verify paternity. Is that southern health care?

[Doosy]

69. You places like...

Baylor U., Atlanta, Auburn, Duke etc. don't offer SOME kind of subsidized med care for the poor? They have huge medical centers there. Vanderbuilt, St. Judes etc.

[MADem]

19. "WE"--as in the royal "WE" -- do NOT. Lucky you. You get better care than military retirees get.

If you were a military retiree there'd be a co-pay AND a monthly premium if you were on the Prime program, or you'd have to cough up up to about 40 percent of the cost up to a maximum amount on the Standard program.

Don't move to Ahnuld's Gal-eee-forn-ya....they'd dump your ass on skid row!

[BOSSHOG]

32. Am I part of the royal we??

I'm so confused. Fortunately I haven't had to break into my Tricre vault since I retired.

[Doosy]

36. Since the services are open to all of us in Seattle

'WE' is the only word that I could use.

[MADem]

39. You sure are!

TRICARE is a royal PITA, but better than nothing. It sure as fuck isn't the "Free medical care for life" those bastards promised. And the dental premiums are another kettle of fish.

Even though STANDARD costs more, it's better if you are on the road and move around alot between regions.

If you're in the same place most of the time, and like your doc, and he or she files the paperwork for you, PRIME might be a better deal.

Probably not a bad idea to sort that out before you need it...!

[nadinbrzezinski]

44. We use Prime

what is a royal PITA is making sure they get the payments. They will drop you in an instant if you miss one

[MADem]

68. Have them take it out of your retired pay--they CAN do it.

I do the dental that way. That way you never have to worry about missing a payment. Saves a stamp and an envelope, too!

http://www.tricare.mil/faqs/question.aspx?ID=11

Can I arrange to make monthly payments for my TRICARE Prime enrollment fee?
The TRICARE contractor in your region is responsible for collecting TRICARE Prime enrollment fees. TRICARE Prime enrollment fees may be made by personal check, major credit card, travelers’ check, money order, cashier’s check, or monthly allotment from retirement pay.

TRICARE Prime enrollment fees may be paid in MONTHLY, quarterly or annual installments. No administrative fees will be charged if you choose to pay monthly or quarterly. Monthly enrollment fee payments must be made using electronic fund transfers (EFTs) or an allotment from retirement pay. Contact your current regional contractor for more information.

TRICARE West:
TriWest is the regional contractor for the TRICARE West Region. You may call TriWest at 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378) or visit www.triwest.com for assistance.

TRICARE North:
Health Net Federal Services is the regional contractor for the TRICARE North Region. You may call Health Net at 1-877-TRICARE (1-877-874-2273) or visit www.healthnetfederalservices.com for assistance.

TRICARE South:
Humana Military Healthcare Services is the regional contractor for the TRICARE South Region. You may call Humana at 1-800-444-5445 or visit www.humana-military.com for assistance.

[nadinbrzezinski]

71. I pay them

by using my chekcing direct deposit

But I still have to check with them every so often.

I get to do it.

My view though, givne what PRIVATE insureance costs, Prime could very well be a national model for single payer care

[Nite Owl]

22. It is true im most places.

Good for Seattle, someone is doing things right there!

ER visits are part of what is driving up the healthcare costs though so why did you have to go there for an aftervisit? Seems a bit strange way of doing things and a private room? I'm paying a small forture for healthcare and that isn't included. Hope you don't get that bill in mail could be a doozy!

[Ksec]

27. The bills will begin to come

as soon as they (docs, radiologists,etc.) figure out how much the gov will pay.

[bullimiami]

29. I have to say Im reluctant to believe your story.

I dont know what you could be up to but Im very sceptical.

[Doosy]

33. Sorry--I've the 12 inch long scar to prove it.

The health card hasn't gotten here yet--just the approval.

[BOSSHOG]

48. And the war in Iraq is justified

and christians really are persecuted in this country
and homosexuals really are evil and really do have an agenda
and deficits don't matter, reagan proved it
and bush is misunderstood
and liberals hate christmas
and there is no such thing as evolution or global warming or man made pollution
and embryonic stem cell research is the devil's work

[theoldman]

34. Did you ever stop to think about who paid for your care?

Let me answer that question. All of the other people who use that hospital and Medicaid which is funded by the government. There is no free lunch.

[Doosy]

53. I'm a tax payer, too.

And I've paid them for a heck of a long time.

[MyNameGoesHere]

35. You do know that

when you are able you will have to pay for that care right?

[Doosy]

51. I hope I get a chance to.

I got such good care, it's what I feel I owe them.

[The_Casual_Observer]

37. This will all change when you get a job. You'll have to pay then.

Given the choice between unemployment/poverty with free health care or employment I'll take employment.

[Doosy]

55. Well, we had just moved here.

So hadn't had a chance to find a job, and then my recovery has been a long one because of the type of operation it was. My age probably doesn't help either.

[katsy]

76. Good thing you're able to own a computer

and connection even though you say you can't pay for healthcare.

Tell me, will you be able to get an annual prostate exam, or an annual mammogram for your wife at that same emergency room... or do you have to be on your deathbed before you get to see a doctor?

What BS.

[Justyce]

40. Awesome -- Wish my state had a Dem governor too!

Must be nice... wish we could have a nationwide plan.

[undeterred]

43. An emergency room can't turn you away

but that doesn't mean you won't get a bill eventually.

[butterfly77]

52. AND...

.. .........R-CON ..........
.... ....... ...........
...... ..........zzzzzz......... ..............
...... ............. ................
................ ...........
.........R-CON......... ........................
.... ..................... ............................
..... ..... .......zzzzzzzzz.......... .........
... ......... .... .............
.... ...... ...... ........... .....................R-CON

[mountainvue]

54. Now can we get the working people insured? n/t

[mitchtv]

56. Luckily you are unemployed..."indigent"

covered by Medicaid went to an emergency room.Some working poor person will have their bill jacked up to pay for your care. Those of us with insurance get a better rate negociated by the ins co. Heaven help a woking person with no insurance. "We" do not have insurance.

[qanda]

60. I'm so happy for you

But your situation is not typical. In fact, the people who suffer the most are the ones who actually helped pay for your health care-- those who aren't making enough to pay for health insurance, but are making too much to qualify for any assistance. These people pay taxes and get the short end of the stick time and time again. Count yourself blessed and instead of being snide about your fortune, work to insure that everyone has access to the same care that they financed for you.

[OzarkDem]

65. Lucky you!

Here in our wonderful state you wouldn't be eligible for any kind of health care coverage unless you were permanently disabled, over 65 or your income was at the poverty level and you had minor children living at home.

And if you were lucky enough to get into a charity care program, you'd start getting calls from bill collectors in a few days.

[ComerPerro]

70. glad you got treated, but take your "im good, so screw everyone else" attitude

and shove it.

Honestly.

You should not only be extrememly thankful that you got treated and had it covered, but that you are even eligible for health coverage in the first place.

[Kelly Rupert]

73. I'm glad that worked well for you. Now let's make sure every American

who doesn't have the fortune to live where you do has that same access.

[Catherine Vincent]

74. Nevermind...

The Op is tombstoned.

[Der Blaue Engel]

79. Damn. I'm always late to the party.

:cry:

[Der Blaue Engel]

78. What a wonderful story

Here's one that's not so rosy:

Low-Paid, Uninsured Janitor with Breast Cancer a Finalist for Glamour's "Woman of the Year"
Latina immigrant leading fight to expand health insurance for all working families in Houston as part of union contract
HOUSTON, TX -- A low-paid Houston janitor with breast cancer is a finalist for Glamour Magazine's annual "Woman of The Year" contest. Ercilia Sandoval, a mother of two, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and does not receive health insurance from her employer. She is leading a courageous struggle by thousands of low-wage Houston janitors, most of whom are Latina women, to win health insurance, higher wages and more hours on the job as part of their union contract. Late last year the janitors chose to form a union with the 1.8 million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

"I'm dying of cancer and my daughters may grow up without a mother because I had no health care, no early detection or other treatment," says Sandoval, a member of her union bargaining committee. "Houston janitors are fighting for access to affordable health care for all working families in Houston so no one else has to go through what my family and I are facing now." Dubbed "The Advocate" by Glamour, Ercilia's story can be found on Glamour's website at www.glamour.com/news/woty/slideshows/2006/10/09/womanofyouryear?slide=1.

Like most Houston janitors, Sandoval is paid $5.25 an hour, works part-time and gets no health insurance or any other benefits on the job. Janitors in other major cities who work for national cleaning companies in buildings owned and managed by national real estate landlords are paid more than twice as much, work full-time and have employer-paid health insurance thanks to their SEIU union contracts.

http://www.houstonjanitors.org/woman-of-the-year-10102006/

[wakemeupwhenitsover]

80. I'm going to lock this

since the original poster is no longer with us.

best,
wakemeupwhenitsover
DU Moderator