Healthcare Reform??

[JennyBird]

I've been hearing so much in the news recently about Obama's plan to reform healtcare, and the fact that the government will have control over when a patient gets treated for chronic conditions. I have insurance through work, and it's not prefect, but it's been good with my IC treatments. First, I'm worried about my company dropping my health insurance if Obama passes the healthcare reform since there is no reason for the company to keep paying for health benefits if the current bill is passed. Second, I'm also worried about being able to get care when i need it, (ie bladder instills) if the government takes over healthcare. I can't take Elmiron due to a serious side effect, and I depend on my instills when I flare up. I realize IC isn't considered a life-threatening illness...but delays on my IC treatment, etc... will make my life (and the lives of many IC'ers) miserable.

Does anyone know how this new heathcare reform may affect how our IC is treated if the bill passes as is? I realize the senate/house is still debating this and changing the bill, but I'm VERY worried about what this means for IC'ers and my healthcare. Anyone have any idea?

[ICNDonna]

Health care reform is still in the planning stage. Hopefully there will be a plan come out that will not only allow those of us who are fortunate enough to have excellent (though expensive) health care will be able to continue as they are now --- and hopefully those who are without insurance and can't afford or are not eligible for coverate --- will also be able to have health care.

Let's all stay hopeful that a plan will come that will guarantee that everyone will be able to have basic health care.

Donna

[dyno]

I agree that there is much to be worked out with the Reform bill but something needs to change. I am one of millions without insurance. I am self employed and simply can't afford it. Right now even if I could my IC wouldn't be covered because it would be considered a pre existing condition.

I have to do something in this next year, it scares me to death to be without insurance but I have simply not found an option I can afford yet.

[JennyBird]

I agree that something needs to change, so people who are not insured can have affordable healthcare available. But socialized healthcare scares me...with good reason. I just hope the healthcare reform isn't passed hastily just to get it passed, and they work out something that's really going to benefit everyone.

[snowgirl]

they the House need to take their time looking over this 1000page health care reform. So far no indications of what it entails other then people making over 250k a year would help pay for it.
It would avoid duplication of services is only thing I get from that speech.
Try to do something for medicare donut hole gap
Cobra- so those out of work don't have to pay such high premiums - Obama passed that already. Yes right after I just paid my 19,000 out of pocket Cobra payments
Medicare it could effect medicare pt's
No one knows yet what the plan entails details etc too soon.
They hope to have it done ready October. It could effect hosp business and I could see some more potential lay offs there.
too soon to say - but every american must have health insurance!

[justice4j]

45-47 million Americans are w/o insurance. The estimates I've read say that 1:4 Americans is underinsured-- almost worse b/c it's harder to get help. The definition of underinsured is 20% of one's income spent on health care.

We have the HIGHEST prices in the world for medications. NOw why is that? We rank 37th in the world in terms of our health care system access, afforadbility -- WHAT AFFORDABILITY???????

I feel SO bad for anyone here who cannot afford Elmiron and needs it. Someone correct me if I'm wrong here, but I believe I read that specialty drugs like Elmiron NEVER COME OFF PATENT!!?? ERRRRRRRRRRRRRR

[ICNDonna]

I am closing this thread because it has become political, which is not allowed on these forums.

And the patent for Elmiron expires on January 19, 2010.

Donna