About Me

Twenty years ago I asked a Tarot card reader what would I be doing when I was 50. She replied, “I see you doing something so wildly creative, it defies a job title.” Only recently did I realize that was a slick way of saying, “I have no idea of what you’ll be doing.” But that prediction kept me charging ahead to the fifties with zeal and anticipation. Now that the future is today, I’m ready for anything!

Hot Damn. I Have Health Insurance.

A round of binge surgeries for the house, barkeep.

Of course I jest. But former Republican Presidential candidate (and Minnesota Governor) Tim Pawlenty wasn't kidding when he compared healthcare to an open bar. When healthcare, like booze, is free, you imbibe more, Pawlenty says.

My health insurance, which will be provided through MinnesotaCare, isn't free. It costs $59 a month. Currently I am uninsured and pay $50 a month for a maintenance prescription. So to pay nine bucks more a month and have health coverage, has me positively giddy. No binge surgeries are planned, but I'm meeting the dentist and optometrist for Happy Hour.

Children under 18 are covered under MA, but their parents aren't. When health coverage is provided to parents, they are able to better care for their children, but that's just my opinion.

The $10,000 Doughnut Hole
Qualifying for MinnesotaCare came as a total surprise because Mike and I had applied twice when we lived in Pine County. The median income for a family in Pine County is $44,058.  In Dodge County, it's $54,261. Our family was in the $10,000 doughnut hole.

Though health insurance wasn't the reason for our move from Pine County to Dodge County, it's an unintended benefit: our entire family is now covered. A popular meme that's being disputed is people move to Minnesota for the benefits. I guess having health insurance puts our family in that category. We moved from Point A to Point B, and now have a benefit that we didn't have in Point A.

In a me-first society, I move to better myself and my family. Everyone else moves to sponge off others. In a me-first society, I get benefits. Everyone else gets entitlements. Benefits for me, entitlements for thee.

I'm thrilled that our family will have health insurance. But I won't be satisfied until healthcare is available to all -- without having to move from Point A to Point B.



6 comments:

  1. I totally agree with you Susan. I unfortunately have to pay $695 a month for my family to have health insurance, no dental or vision coverage for us :( We are as far down the income spectrum as you can go and still not qualify for state "help". And get this, we are on a STATE policy, Medica to be exact, because no other company will carry us with our previous conditions! Bartender? Can I at least get a kiss with that "screwing"???

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  2. Not so long ago universal healthcare was so loony an idea it wasn’t even talked about. But it’s part of the discussion today. Like public school serves families of different means and needs, public health insurance could do the same. And your family could use that $695 a month for other things!

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  3. GREAT post, Susan! I love your happy hour references. We have to pay for our own health insurance because we are both self employed and have no vision or dental as well. And our deductible is enormous, yet we went through it last year. It is a real problem for those that can't afford health care, unless of course you have no health problems. Cheers! ~ Suerae

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  4. For so many people, healthcare is faith-based: you pray you don't get sick. Thanks for reading, Suerae, and wishes for good health for your family! Susan

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  5. Great post, with great importance, AND great fun to read! Health insurance has wiped me out, even though my parents left me enough to pay for it for life. Not any more.

    But I'm one of the lucky ones, and my Pseudo-Husband had a good run of crops, and land prices have risen in this stinkin' economy—so I'm not on the street. Nor am I without health care, though certainly without dental and eye care (which I sorely need!). I have a few bucks left for another year or two, and Bob sold the farm due to cancer, and it did well.

    But when I think of the people who didn't just land lucky like I did? I weep. YOU know that the fear is indescribable. What if? What IF?

    It would not be possible for me to be more delighted than I am that you finally hit a run of good luck. Your entire family deserves it.

    And you're right. So does any human being in a decent world. SIGH.

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    1. You nailed it, Paula, with the words “the people who didn't just land lucky like I did.” The realization of the role that luck plays in one’s life. Thank you so much for reading, and for your good wishes. If you were a Presidential candidate I’d vote for you…and I bet you sing better than Mitt! Susan

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