Should Seniors Speak Out?
by As we face major changes in every aspect of our lives, we need to remember that we live in a country where we have a right to our opinions and to express them. It is the job of our congressmen and women to answer our questions and move forward with our concerns considered. Many seniors are scared right now because of what they have read in the bill that has been presented. Instead of name calling, politicians should be listening and offering alternatives.
The past weekend has brought new light on the subject of health care reform and especially on the fate of senior citizens under this plan. Now they are admitting that senior citizens care will suffer because monies used to pay Medicare will now be used to pay for the Public Option Plan they want to offer.
It is disconcerting that just as I begin to live my live proactively instead of re-actively, I am faced with new concern for my health care. My husband has been disabled for 24 years. Will the government now tell me he is too old and not contributing to society? I have lost my dad at 56 to a brain tumor, my mom at 91 to Alzheimer’s, my sister at 34 to Hodgkin’s Disease, and our daughter at age 28 to a brain tumor.
We have raised her son who was born at 2lbs 9oz and spent almost two months in a neonatal unit. He is now 19 and looking to move into adulthood. Last year I woke up on my birthday, realizing that I had, in fact, raised two generations of kids, getting them off to school every day. I vowed I never wanted to see a peanut butter and jelly sandwich again! I am proud that all four of them turned out to be successful, creative adults.
I know the business of insuring health care more than I want to admit. With all of these disasters, I have had to confront insurance companies on a one to one basis. I have to tell you that in each instance we found the insurance companies to be sympathetic to our loss and helped in any way they could.
I applaud the seniors who are asking the questions at the town hall meetings. We live in a great country where we have the freedom to speak out. We, as senior citizens, have the most to lose if the bill is passed as they have presented it. We should speak out. The biggest question in my mind is why they could move so quickly to pour money into banks and car companies but we are not worth it? In a country where modern medical technology is saving lives, lengthening lifespan, and generally improving our quality of life, what price is too much?
Liked it
