Healthcare reform

New York Times, August 4, 2009

"Nearly 600,000 Americans with AIDS have died since the beginning of the epidemic. Nearly a third of those cases can be traced to intravenous drug users who became infected with the virus that causes AIDS by sharing contaminated needles and who sometimes infect wives, lovers and unborn children.

With a universally-available, high-quality, affordable public health insurance option competing alongside private insurance plans, Bill will have the opportunity to choose among more affordable healthcare options.   In many states, Bill would have to wait as long as 18 months for coverage to begin because he had a pre-existing condition.
 

People with HIV shouldn’t have to choose between getting a job and losing access to public benefits.  Health care reform would allow Thomas’ wife to buy comprehensive, affordable health insurance that would provide access to prescription drug coverage with reasonable co-pays.  In addition, individuals would not pay have to pay more than 11% of their income on out-of-pocket costs, freeing Thomas and his wife from being forced to choose between p

Susan should not have to choose between working and keeping medical coverage.  As a person dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, the prospect of national healthcare reform might open new doors for her and lower her unaffordable healthcare costs.

“I was diagnosed with HIV in 1987. I am in my 50's and have a history of being succesptible to the drug side-effects, which keeps me from working on a regular basis, especially a 9-5 job.

Under current Medicaid rules, many HIV-positive individuals must wait until their health has significantly deteriorated in order to qualify as categorically “disabled” and become eligible for state assistance.  Broadening Medicaid’s eligibility will allow more low-income individuals to access otherwise prohibitively expensive health care coverage when they need it most.

Improved health care options like a federal public insurance plan would allow Michael’s partner to choose among competitive and affordable healthcare plans.  Without reform, he will be continue to pay exorbitant insurance premiums to manage his HIV medical needs. 

Forcing vulnerable individuals suffering from chronic health conditions to wait two years before becoming eligible for Medicare jeopardizes their health by limiting access to proper, affordable treatment.   Eliminating the Medicare waiting period will allow individuals access to continuous and reliable care immediately.