One question that I've been asking myself lately:
How can people be angry about more people recieving health care?
Watch the newspapers, the blogs and the evening news, and we learn that many are not only angry, but violently and extremely angry, about the passage of the new health care bill. In many cases, the anger is focused toward misinfomration -- ideas about what the health care bill does and doesn't do -- that aren't even correct.
As a health professional myself, I have had front row seat for more than 20 years to see people who are denied care for many reasons -- insurance companies who do not cover pre-existing conditions:
Insurance companies who do not think a diagnosis is "serious" enough to merit treatment. People who through no fault of their own lose their jobs and therefore lose their insurance. People who cannot find a full-time job with benefits, no matter how hard they look. People who have amazingly high deductibles of $3,000 or more before any reimbursement is considered. People who are limited to number of psychotherapy sessions they may receive for the year.
I can't share the names and details due to my professional pledge of confidentiality but I can share the story of a close friend whose young adult daughter will be covered by the new law. See the Associated Press story, 2 Million Eager For Health Care On Parents' Plans.
The new law isn't perfect and there is discussion about the best way to implement it. But it demonstrates progress and inclusion and makes our country healthier.
As the for the extreme reactions, I remember, as a psychotherapist, that the left brain logic is currently on vacation while the right brain fear takes full stage. I pray that the right brain of all those who are panicked can be soothed.
