Health Care - the New Façade!
Posted: Friday, March 10, 2006
by straight talk
Are you insured, do you have hospitalization? Well frankly, and my apologies for asking but in my opinion all I write to herein speaks to the rhetorical question of -who really gives a darn? Unfortunately, the new buzzword of this century, not many. I was reading today about this construction worker who fell down an elevator shaft here in Florida and who is now home recuperating and is $158,000.00 in debt with medical bills. He is living in a section of a garage in a bed soaked with human waste. Yet, as unreal as it seems no one hired him. He evidently just went there to work on his own. One asks rhetorically if he was being exploited? He allegedly claims to be working for a company at the time of the accident. The company evidently has not responded and claim they do not know about him. Yet, the company representative took him to the hospital from the job site. We must thank them for their kindness but does that imply anything? I think not, anyone could have showed compassion. Fellow workers are mum on it all. I wonder why? Think this is untrue, then let me ask if you know that there are many companies operating in this great state, that do not issue a pay stub, or for that matter any record that you are an employee. In fact you can’t even prove you ever worked for them nor are you entitled to unemployment or any other state benefits. I’m sorry, I keep getting back to this religious thing but I hear so often how many of our leaders are quick to let everyone know they are believers, yet it never correlates to their actions. They may be believers but do they practice what they say they believe? Many times I believe it is more a marketing gimmick then a practice. Sadly, we fall for it every time!
Here is what I am getting to. How many have no insurance. You hear people on these news programs telling us we need to save hundreds of thousands of dollars if we want to make sure we remain healthy as we get older and insure we can afford the proper health care, we will surely need. What they are saying is- don’t look to Medicare or Medicaid! [by the way the cost is going up in 2007] Well people like me can’t anyway. If over 60 and unemployed, with no medical coverage and financially just surviving one wonders how many more like us there are and how can we ever afford coverage? Only God knows- because the government statistics are usually all wet and people really are not interested whoa re working. That means, like a few weeks ago when I came down with the flu, suck it up, grin, and bear it and hope nothing serious pops up. A trip to the “walk in clinic- [if you can find one] costs upwards of $75.00 just to walk in the door and say hello. Forget about any testing. Don’t go to an Emergency Room or your bill will be close to one thousand dollars, if not more and forget about that indigent treatment they complain about. They haunt you to the grave and beyond!
Regretfully, the other word of this century, many Emergency Rooms are considering shutting down for just this same reason. They are flooded with people like me who have no alternative. Well, you say, add myself to my wife’s employers plan. I’d love to but this will eat up a considerable portion of her take home pay. While, health is important, food and shelter take first place. You know your friendly banker isn't really interested in your problem, just pay the rent. So, you say what good are you if your dead? Since, I won't have to strap those I love with not only my loss, but the constant harrassement from those beloved people called "collections" and the potential loss of everything else they have they may mourn but at least I will know I didn't and they will know cause them any more hardship. So, where does that leave me and people like me? You got it, in my opinion the future is Doctor Death himself, and Gods will and a hoope I can make it until sometype of coverage kicks in!
The good news is that I am considering a new service organization, much like the leper colonies of old, or the Gulag [only kidding for those who think all they read is true]. The concept is based on history. We would go around picking up the sick and needy and take them far away to someplace no one will see, so that they do not disturb the society and their conscience. This way the religious can concentrate on building those new cathedrals and edifices that are necessary for the rich and powerful to pray in. The rich and powerful will not have to think about the high cost of health and a side benefit will be that this new industry will even provide low paying jobs, with no benefits for people. I would go off shore for help but there are enough illegals to get to work for you right here. As for the Doctors, they will get to charge what they want to those who have and won't miss it at all. Sounds sarcastic, well suck it up like the sick and hurting, you'll survive. After all, they tell me "life is tough" and "deal with it"! Just don't think about it. You know, as a good friend used to repeat to me "when the going gets tough the tough get going". This form of elimination was how this situation was handled throughout history. Put the sick out of their misery or hide them away somewhere. They do say history repeats itself. If one can get in on the leading edge of this new industry they just might luck out.
Quite frankly, no one gives a damn. If they did this article would not be necessary. Many times you hear from your health care provider those famous words - what form of insurance and payment do you have, even prior to asking what is wrong with you. Sadly, this is the state of affairs in America today. In my opinion those who have rarely take into account the human conditions that bring about these situations like jobs going away off shore, sickness, accidents, companies cutting benefits, lost pensions, cheating, lying, age and a host of other impacting issues. They have theirs and really do not care. The only time you hear the alarm is when it impacts them in some way, like in their pocket.
But in that perspective I sincerely and humbly apologize if you find this offensive. Yet, I believe my opinion is more representative than not and that is the sad part. The intent is to strike a cord that perhaps people might be motivated to bring this plight to the fore. However, while I write, I suspect nothing, since mans development has not and will most likely not reach close to that level of perfection where compassion, mercy and love dominate our thoughts over the BOTTOM LINE!
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2005 Robert Melaccio
The Elderly
The old and elderly all wrinkled and worn.
A life of sharing, ones love has gone.
Alone, not wanted, an impact are they.
They spoil our plans, our wants for this day.
We’re aggravated and mad that we have to care.
There are times we wished they just were not here.
We forgot the times they cared for us.
We forgot the times of love and fuss.
The times of sickness and yes happiness gone.
Alone with memories and old songs.
Those who profess to be concerned are few.
Its all about the money not care and that is true.
The facade they put on, speaks of their heart within.
Their actions speak of their hidden sin.
They don’t dare mention they don’t give a damn.
They tell you they are old, they give treatment that’s a sham.
Forget about mercy, compassion or love.
But they show up on Sunday and praise Him above.
But thank God for those who show true Love.
They will not want from Him above.
For those who bring a smile and a cheer.
Who truly provide love and good care.
These are the people who suffer and knew
The pain and anguish that is deep down in you.
Thank God for them, although just a few.
And remember one day, you may be there to!
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2005 Robert Melaccio
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2005 Robert Melaccio
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