Health Care For Everyone

I find myself wondering what all the hoop-la is about making sure everyone gets Health Care when needed. I was under the impression that everyone could acquire Medical Treatment. Being on both ends of the spectrum, from low income with no insurance to middle income with great insurance, there has never been a problem.

In December 1982, my oldest daughter who was 8 years old, became violently ill one night after a exciting evening at a Jaycee's Christmas party. After about 3 hours of continues vomiting and not being able to hold any liquids down. I reluctantly took her to the emergency room. I say reluctantly because I did not own a phone to call, so I went to a neighbor's and used their phone at 4am, to call the hospital. (Back then they had "Ask a Nurse" which was great because she could offer another course to take, or tell you to come into the emergency room.) I also had a job that I would lose if I did not show in 2 hours, no matter what. So, I called them, let them know what was happening and off we went.

In April of 1983, my daughter was coming home for the first time in 5 months for a weekend visit to integrate her back into home life.

Months of severe illness that child endured and she was given all the medical treatment and comfort anyone could ask for.

This emergency room visit escalated to intensive care, blood transfusions, numerous exploratory surgeries, kidney dialysis, cardiac arrest and everything that goes with that.

Throughout this whole ordeal I was never asked once, "How are you going to pay for this?", except for me I would think "How am I ever going to pay for this?"
Her initial admitance into the hospital was the only billing inquiry I discussed.

During her hospital stay, the social services department of the hospital provided everything that could be done for not only her but me and my other child.

After she was in my care at home, the hospital set up appointments for me at the Clinic (primary care physician) and all other procedures were set up through the Clinic, ex; kidney dialysis three times a week.

When I initially went to the Clinic, there I sat down with a clerk and she took all the information for income... and my payments were adjusted to my income (something like a co-pay) Since I had very little income there was no payment for the doctor visit. Nor was there ever any money out of my pocket for the kidney dialysis, on any other medical attention my daughter, myself or my other child needed.

While in my care my daughter went to the Clinic regularly until she was 18 years old, then it was up to her.

Our dentist, eyecare, regular checkups were always done through the clinic and payment was determined on my income scale.