Stupid bloody American healthcare system

[charliesmum]

My friend is self-employed, so she doesn't have any health insurance. Because she isn't allowed to legally marry her partner, she can't get on her health insurance. She is really sick right now. She keeps passing blood clots, and is now extremely anemic because of it. She called a clinic and practically needed a note from God to get them to see her - she needs a note from her partner saying that she can pay other bills so J. won't stiff them. Or something. Even after that, it's a $2 charge for the visit, but anything else - lab tests, meds, etc. is full price. So not helpful.

The only thing she can do is go to a hospital because they have to take her. She's been told she can wait until tomorrow, but I'm really worried about her. Possibly because I've been watching too much House, but still...

It just really upsets me that she can't be on her partner's insurance simply because people have a moral objection to their lifestyle. It's not even a lifestyle. They live the same kind of life I do. It isn't right that she has to suffer because the fucking health care in this country is ridiculously expensive.

Grrr.

Comments

[jandyle.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I just don't get that. I work for a small-medium corporate MONEY IS GOD type of place. I am one of...oh...five non-republicans. Maybe six. And *my* company offers non-married-partner health/dental benefits.

Seriously people. It's not that hard.

[leakyandsnort.livejournal.com]

my sis in law works for a clinic @ 9th & washington - want me to ask what their deal is for uninsured?

[charliesmum.livejournal.com]

Yes, please do, if for future reference if nothing else.

She's gone to the hospital now. Fingers crossed.

[deviantauthor.livejournal.com]

Huge hugs. I know we have sucky insurance.

[cerisaye.livejournal.com]

Our health service has many faults and it's crumbling but at least it doesn't (usually) make moral judgements like that. Care is offered on the basis of need, not ability to pay. Though reality increasingly is a two-tier system with those who can afford to opting to take out extra paid-for insurance. It's one of the lasting achievements of the post WWII Labour government. I just wish it was safe in the hands of our current lot. I hope your friend gets the care she needs.

[wolfma.livejournal.com]

That sucks big time. I hope she will be able to get the care she needs.

[chavvah.livejournal.com]

Do partners have to be married to get on each other's insurance? I was told at work that when Jamie and I move in together, he can go on mine as my "significant other".

[charliesmum.livejournal.com]

Some companies have it, some don't. Melissa's (Jennifer's partner) doesn't have it.

PriceWaterhouseCooper had same sex partner benefits. They were a good company.

[chrysantza.livejournal.com]

I am sorry for your friend. We really need some kind of universal health care in this country.

[nam-jai.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about your friend. I hope somehow things work out for her. I've been in a blood-boiling mood over the state of health care in this country on behalf of a friend who has cancer. She has insurance, but the insurance company refused to pay for post-operative chemotherapy that the doctors wanted -- then less than a year later, she had a recurrence. So now they're paying for the chemotherapy, and we're hoping for the best.

The people who make these kind of decisions -- I swear, I don't know how they sleep at night.

[jessii-6.livejournal.com]

I hope Melissa gets better soon.
The whole insurance thing sounds ridiculous to me as well. But then, I'm spoiled by having national health care (to a degree). Can't she have insurance as independent or is it too expensive to bother with?