Monday Morning Motherhood: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Health
The first time my daughter became ill (strep throat), I was terrified. She was less than a year old, and I was extremely anxious and panicky. She cried incessantly, wouldn't eat, wouldn't sleep, and was generally miserable. This of course, made me generally miserable. A trip to the pediatrician was first on the list of things to do, even before giving the anxious mommy (me) a nice shot of valium (ahhh– ¦valium). The excursion to the doctor's went well, and we came home with prescriptions and advice to get rid of the illness and get through the next few days.
This trip to the doctor's cost me nothing. I am incredibly lucky to have health insurance that is fully covered by my wonderful employer. Both my daughter and I are covered, and there is no co-pay for any of her treatments. I honestly don't know what I would do without my health insurance, and don't want to think about how hard it would make my life.
So many others in this country, though, are not nearly as fortunate. According to the National Coalition on Health Care, in 2000, 40 million Americans were without health insurance. This number increased to 44.8 million in 2005 – “ the population of the states of
We all know of Medicaid and Medicare, programs for those with low incomes that are in need of insurance. But for families whose income exceeds eligibility requirements for Medicaid and don't have insurance, some states are beginning to offer programs to help. In 1997, Congress passed the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which is funded both the federal government and by the states.[1] The intent is to help states initiate health care programs for uninsured and low-income children.
While these programs are a small start, it begs a bigger question. Doesn't every man, woman and child deserve quality and affordable health care? Health care that isn't dependent on an employer's willingness to provide it, income eligibility guidelines, or socioeconomic status? The answer to that is pretty simple – “ of course.
Healthy children are happy children, and we owe it to our children to given them every opportunity we can to enjoy their young lives. This includes not only their health, but also giving them healthy parents. When parents are faced with illness, whether their own or their children's, financial and emotional stresses take their toll on the family.
Bureaucracy, red tape and partisan bickering aside, a solution needs to be found. A way to provide universal health insurance to all Americans, so that quality health care is no longer for only the few than can afford it.
Call or write your Senators and representatives in the House. Speak up, be heard, and make a difference. You can. Your voice and vote give you the power.
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[1] SCHIP should not be confused with CHiPS, the fabulous TV show. Though adorable, Ponch and Jon had nothing to do with this program or with heath care in general, as far as I know.
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