meds and money

attention ladies and gentleman- have you heard? president obama would like to devise a plan for a government health care program. why? well people who are unable to afford private health care need to be able to see doctors too! he claims that it will run competitively with private systems and is a capitalistic way of providing good health for those less fortunate. oh and by the way, it's going to cost a few billion dollars if not more.

"Good health is important to everyone. If you can't afford to pay for medical care right now, Medicaid can make it possible for you to get the care that you need so that you can get healthy – and stay healthy."

whoa! wait just a minute- is that medicaid- a "dot gov" run program?!- yes, in fact it is- the first paragraph in the overview explainer on their website.

they go on to say:

"Medicaid is available only to certain low-income individuals and families who fit into an eligibility group that is recognized by federal and state law. Medicaid does not pay money to you; instead, it sends payments directly to your health care providers. Depending on your state's rules, you may also be asked to pay a small part of the cost (co-payment) for some medical services.... Medicaid is a state administered program and each state sets its own guidelines regarding eligibility and services. Read more about your state Medicaid program."

this sounds a bit like what president obama is proposing, right? so why, oh, why mr. president must you invest in a NEW program when we already have one in place...? oh, yes, b/c medicaid is difficult to qualify for unless you're dirt poor. i remember --there was a time in my life when i made barely enough to pay the bills but too much to qualify for medicaid. and i've known many others like that as well.

so i have an idea. why not REFORM the program that is already in place?! why not expand the medicaid program- so that those who need medical services and make a little more than poverty can qualify? it sure would keep the government from going further into debt, from taking more tax dollars from the people.

i agree that healthy living and provisions should not just be for those who can afford it. i am all for helping more americans get health care. i have friends w/o and would like to see them have it. but i think it's time we take a peek into what we have in place- make it better, easier and and broaden quifications rather than throwing more money into another program, that may not be as promising as it sounds.

just a thought...