I have had a great many experiences and struggles in the medical field, as a RN, as a relative of a critical patient, and as a patient myself. I know more than the average person, even the average nurse, as for many years it was my job to figure out how to make my employer money, while keeping in line with insurance company contracts. I have even had to tell my best friend that her Father was being discharged, when we both knew that he would benefit from additional care. The insurance company, however, decided that they knew best, and he met the definition of "medically stable". Yes, I have seen a lot that most people (hopefully) never will, from both sides of the medical fence. Consequently, I have very strong feelings about health care today, health insurance, managed care, and the current President's healthcare reform package. I generally preferring to share my opinions about such topics with only my family and friends.
So what got me going this week? Two things, actually. First of all, I received an email from a dear friend. She told me that a friend of hers has cancer and, being uninsured, could not afford treatment. She had been ill for a while and was treating herself with an herbal plan due to finances. She finally had to see the physician this past week, and when she did, she was told that the cancer had grown. She needs chemo and radiation, and she needs it now. When she told the Doctor about her insurance situation, he was kind enough to tell her that was a doctor, he administered medications, he was not a financial counselor. He then proceeded to let her know that she needed to come up with at least 55 thousand dollars to get it going. So....off they went to the local family services to see what help they might be able to get.
Guess what? Even though they live on social security, they make 5$ a month too much to qualify for assistance. So now the now the Mr. is doing woodwork and the Mrs. is doing some type of craft, so that they can try and sell it to help themselves up. Seriously, just how long do you think it would take to make and sell 55k. worth of crafts?
Later in the day I received a second email, which then became my second reason to make this my Frankly Friday rant. When I read the following note I laughed, but then I wanted to cry, because I feel it is true. So here it is folks. What do you think? Is it just a joke or is it a sad commentary? Now, you have to envision the "Maxine" character saying these words (you know that wrinkly old lady);
Let me get this straight . . . .We're going to be "gifted" with a health care plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don't, Which purportedly covers at least thirty million more people, without adding a single new doctor, but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents,
written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, passed by a Congress that didn't read it but exempted themselves from it, and signed by a President who smokes,
with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes, for which we'll be taxed for four years before any benefits take effect, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare, all to be overseen by a surgeon general
who is obese, and financed by a country that's broke!!!!! 'What the h*** could
possibly go wrong?'
HOW TO SELL TOOTHBRUSHES
The kids filed back into class they were excited. The weekend assignment was to sell something, then give a talk on productive salesmanship.
Little Sally led off: "I sold girl scout cookies and I made $30," she said proudly, "My sales approach was to appeal to the customer's civil spirit and I credit that approach for my obvious success."
"Very good," said the teacher.
Little Jenny was next: "I sold magazines," she said, "I made $45 and I explained to everyone that magazines would keep them up on current events."
"Very good, Jenny," said the teacher.
Eventually, it was Little Johnny's turn.
The teacher held her breath ....
Little Johnny walked to the front of the classroom and dumped a box full of cash on the teacher's desk. "$2,467," he said.
"$2,467!" cried the teacher, "What in the world were you selling"
"Toothbrushes," said Little Johnny.
"Toothbrushes," echoed the teacher, "How could you possibly sell enough tooth brushes to make that much money?"
"I found the busiest corner in town," said Little Johnny, "I set up a Dip & Chip stand, I gave everybody who walked by a free sample." They all said the same thing,
"Hey, this tastes like dog crap!"
Then I would say,
"It is dog crap. Wanna buy a toothbrush?"
"I used the Obama governmental approach of giving you something crappy, but looks good, for free, and then making you pay to get the crappy taste out of your mouth."
*****Ok, so here's the deal. You may have a different view than I do. If so, we will have to agree to disagree and that is ok. You are, however, more than welcome to express your view in the comment posts as long as the posts remain respectful. Plainly stated, play nice and you are welcome to play. Play mean and you will be deleted delete. Another fair warning!****
