My body did something unusual recently and about 10 days ago one of the tests run by my doctor turned up a problem we hadn't previously known about. It was the kind of thing that has many possible disorders behind it, most of them very or, at least, reasonably benign, and, more importantly, treatable. This has led to consultations with multiple specialists as well as an array of tests and studies.
After arriving home tonight an hour late because of problems on the train, I listened to a phone message reporting a negative result for one of the studies. It was really good news, but, still, the remaining pool of relatively more benign explanations for my problem just shrank a lot. A test looking into potentially more problematical concerns is scheduled for next week.
But, what if I didn't have health insurance?
I certainly wouldn't be writing this blog, because I wouldn't even know I had a problem. I am an attorney and I have worked as one for wages and benefits for nearly 40 years, and have been continuously insured by means of either private or public health insurance continuously since I was 22 years old.
At my age in America, if you have coverage and can bear the co-pays, you will probably, at least, find yourself under the care of an internist. Depending upon whether you trend to lifestyle problems like obesity, Type II diabetes and coronary artery disease or lifestyle problems like sports and work injuries, you may have also seen a variety of other medical specialists.
The health lifestyle of individuals outside our evolving health care system must reflect something entirely different from what people like me experience. That's wrong. Damned wrong. If my problem turns out to be the worst possible thing on my shrinking list, my medical team will still save my life.
That other guy will die.
Stop Romney.
Stop Ryan.
Stop Romney/Ryan