By: Matthew Gilman
If you have been reading my series on being father to a micro-preemie then you already know the challenges that come with this kind of life changing event. The Republican run house and senate is currently trying to pass a new healthcare bill that, among many things, cuts federal funds to Medicaid around the country to all 50 states. With the timing of Zoey’s birth, her coverage might not be effected, but that isn’t what concerns me most about this bill.
I am fortunate enough to have good coverage in a state like Michigan. I work for the local public library and I’m lucky enough to be part of a Union that fought to keep the MESSA insurance they have had since it was a part of the education system until the late 1980s. MESSA is part of Blue Cross/ Blue Shield and provides the kind of coverage most people won’t find through their employer. Once the deductible is met, Zoey’s treatment is covered 100%. After she has been in the NICU for thirty days, two days away while I write this, Medicaid kicks in and covers any treatment that is not covered by her parents’ insurance, including the deductible. I’m lucky, I already know that.
Others are not that fortunate. Recently a story was covered by our local WWMT News 3 talking about the web cams that had been installed in the NICU for parents to see their babies at any time from their cellular phones or computers. The family in the story had a baby in the NICU for 9 months at the time of the story and that preemie hasn’t been discharged yet as far as I know.
Republicans like to refer to plans like Medicaid as an “entitlement” while it is funded through a tax taken out of every paycheck across the country.
|
Preemie babies are one of the many cases that are covered under Medicaid. Republicans like to refer to plans like Medicaid as an “entitlement” while it is funded through a tax taken out of every paycheck across the country. I have never understood how government officials can call a publicly funded program as an entitlement when we are the ones who paid for it.
When I added Zoey to my insurance the Human Resources lady referred to her as a “million-dollar baby.” That figure isn’t far off. I don’t know what Zoey’s final bill will look like, but I did meet a man who was the father to preemie twins and his bill was over one million dollars.
The pain, stress, and fear that comes from having a preemie baby should not be compounded by the fear of filing bankruptcy. I don’t know of any Americans who would be able to afford the treatment needed for a preemie to survive. I find it unethical and immoral for anyone to place a price on the life of a child especially from those that wear the title of pro-life. The current bill looking to be passed by the house and senate attacks babies like Zoey and can never be referred to as pro-life. The families who have babies like Zoey are being attacked and left behind. The people trying to pass this bill say it is giving back state rights by taking away money they would never be able to replace, ultimately cutting funds to those that need it most. If Zoey was born before I had my new job only a portion of her bill would be covered and I would likely file bankruptcy and still expected to pay a portion of the medical bills under the new bankruptcy laws.
◊♦◊
Most babies like Zoey don’t have fathers with the kind of coverage I have. The families that are dealing with having a preemie or micro-preemie don’t have the time to keep up with the latest news or to write an article like this one if they knew what was happening. People dealing with the types of medical conditions covered under Medicaid are the ultimate victims with bills like this, too busy at the hospital to know what is happening, in despair from their situation, and too ill to be heard while the debate is being made.
This bill isn’t about state’s rights and while republicans say it is they plan to step up the war on drugs in states who consider medical marijuana a patient’s right. So, which is it? Is healthcare a state right or is this just an attack on the poor and less fortunate that are unable to fight back?
Is healthcare a state right or is this just an attack on the poor and less fortunate that are unable to fight back?
|
The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicare and Medicaid helping those that needed it the most. In a desperate attempt to overturn a bill voted on, approved, and passed by Republicans in office at the time they are attacking the same people who voted them into office.
A few months ago, Jimmy Kimmel shared his story about having a newborn child with medical needs. He knew he was lucky and also knew that there were others out there that didn’t have the coverage he had. Like Jimmy, I know how lucky I am and know, and have met others, less fortunate than me. So where are the people who are fighting this bill? The Republicans like to talk about entitlements, but when you truly have everything handed to you it is very difficult see thing through the eyes of others you have never met and either chose or decided to never meet. The people trying to pass this bill live in a bubble of their own making and that includes never needing a program like Medicaid.
__
__
Photo credit: Getty Images
More than 60% of the annual medical costs- amounting to billions of dollars every year- of smoking diseases and secondhand smoke, including pediatric exposure*, is paid for by government programs like Medicaid **. As long as there is separate private medical insurance, Medicare, group plans and/or employer provided medical insurance- and until and unless something like single payer or Medicare for all from birth comes along- Medicaid is healthcare welfare and smokers on Medicaid must do their part to be healthier- plus stop making children around them ill- by quitting. In addition, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson must… Read more »
The irony is the poor, white folk who voted for Trump, will be the first ones being denied healthcare to themselves and their families.
Agreed, waiting to hear its Obama’s fault afterwards.
I wish Congress could read your article.