I'm thankful for healthcare

I'm thankful that with health insurance reform, I won't lose my insurance if I get sick, I won't be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition, women will no longer have to pay higher premiums for equal coverage, and that I can keep my insurance even if I change or lose my job... I'm hopeful that this reform will go through, because the current health insurance situation isn't cutting it for me!

On Wednesday, we spent some time at the Hennepin County Medical Center (a few blocks from my property) to protest the cuts of General Assistance Medical Care by being part of a never ending emergency room line around the hospital. Poor people don't stop getting sick when you cut off their preventative care, they are just forced to show up at the emergency room where they cannot be turned away by law...thus a really long emergency room line and higher costs than a normal doctor.

Here's the thing...I know we are on a tight budget....but cutting preventative care is only going to create more chaos for Minnesota. Forcing people to go off their psych medication is going to lead to more homelessness, which often leads to more police action and unnecessary jail time. It is going to increase visits to the emergency room dramatically. It is going to make people decide whether to buy food or their medication, which often leads to an increase in petty crime. The bottom line is...our tax dollars are going to pay for people on GAMC whether we cut it or not...so why not treat people with respect and dignity? No one should die because of lack of health care...and I think if these budget cuts go through...it will happen...and it will affect many of our residents a great deal.

Sorry for the rant...but it had to be said.

I'm linking the testimonies St. Stephen's Human Rights (the people who organized the protest) have gathered over the last couple of months....it's pretty powerful stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJbQvK5MlvY