I'll tell you, this experience has profoundly changed the way I see the American health system. Not that I know much about the way things work. I've been following the current debates on rising costs and on the philosophy of managed care a little bit, and of course I've been concerned always about the people who don't have access to the kind of health care that I've had. But in terms of my knowledge about the subject, that's about it.
I'm much more aware now, though sadly not much more informed. All I know is how vital it is, and I have a new appreciation for the things we've got here that work really well.
Here's the thing: I'm one, small little person in a far-off corner of the world. Fortunately for me, I had insurance. Our medical system here has paid, at this point, probably hundreds of thousands of dollars, all for me. I had brain surgery. I've had multiple high-tech scans on equipment not even available in most parts of the world. And they did this all for me, one person.
I think it says something big about our philosophy here in the United States, that we really do believe that a single human life is worth it. That's an awesome thing.
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You are right, but the people in America who believe that a single life is worth it are the people who are pushing hard for some kind of national health care plan. Unfortunately, this is not everyone. I, among many, am relieved and grateful that you had insurance. However, I know people who have battled cancer by moving to Canada because they either had no insurance, or were dumped by their insurer because of previous conditions. And then there are those who *don't* have jobs that offer coverage. All my time in Japan taught me that there is no national insurance that is worse than no insurance at all, and also that socialized medicine does *not* have to suck.
Sorry, went off on a rant, there. I am just so relieved that you are on the mend. So, wanna borrow some games? :)
Believe me, I know it! We have to find a way to preserve the things that are so good, without compromising for everyone else who might be in a more marginal position or even in a transitional one. I hope so much that we find a way we can do it: because a single human life _is_ worth it.
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