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Politics oh my
Feb. 2nd, 2012 10:20 pmThere are few things that offend me as much as the concept of healthcare as a "luxury" or a "privilege". Furthermore, the obnoxious attitude that anyone who cannot afford insurance or does not otherwise have it is either lazy, a thief, or both. I mean, on some level I do understand the mentality, because it seems to be a defense mechanism. "As long as the person suffering is somehow a BAD PERSON, it cannot possibly happen to me because I am not a bad person." You know what I mean?
But it just.....no. NO. I realize I am so very, very, very blessed and fortunate. I have a wonderful mother who has stood by me, supported me, and loved me through what has been an extremely difficult 18 years. Words cannot even begin to express how amazing she is and how much she means to me. I also have the fortune of living here in Charlottesville, with access to a wonderful hospital that provides low-income financial assistance. I truly don't know what I would do without it. I am very lucky.
But at the same time, I understand that it can be a scary and frustrating world. Healthcare in this country is SO FUCKING EXPENSIVE, and insurance companies will fuck you over gleefully. I know I can't afford $1000 - $2000 a month for insurance, can you? I also know that without my medicine, I would be back to square one. I would be unable to leave my house, barely able to function, and probably hurting myself again. The thought of being without my medicine scares me, truth to be told. I love being a mostly-functional human being. It is a wonderful, incredible thing after having lost over a decade of my life to mental illness.
I just...don't get it. I truly don't understand how some people can believe basic access to a doctor is a luxury. I don't understand how anyone could be so cold, to think anyone that can't afford medication or surgery should either lose everything to debt or die. I just don't get it, and I don't think I want to.
But it just.....no. NO. I realize I am so very, very, very blessed and fortunate. I have a wonderful mother who has stood by me, supported me, and loved me through what has been an extremely difficult 18 years. Words cannot even begin to express how amazing she is and how much she means to me. I also have the fortune of living here in Charlottesville, with access to a wonderful hospital that provides low-income financial assistance. I truly don't know what I would do without it. I am very lucky.
But at the same time, I understand that it can be a scary and frustrating world. Healthcare in this country is SO FUCKING EXPENSIVE, and insurance companies will fuck you over gleefully. I know I can't afford $1000 - $2000 a month for insurance, can you? I also know that without my medicine, I would be back to square one. I would be unable to leave my house, barely able to function, and probably hurting myself again. The thought of being without my medicine scares me, truth to be told. I love being a mostly-functional human being. It is a wonderful, incredible thing after having lost over a decade of my life to mental illness.
I just...don't get it. I truly don't understand how some people can believe basic access to a doctor is a luxury. I don't understand how anyone could be so cold, to think anyone that can't afford medication or surgery should either lose everything to debt or die. I just don't get it, and I don't think I want to.
