Health Care - a few thoughts

Many of my readers know that health insurance is important, and I believe Americans should have the ability to access and afford quality health care.  There are so many things that bother me about the new proposed health care act, including the pre-existing conditions.  So many Americans who exercise and eat healthy, still have pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes and sleep apnea.  Some of us have bad genes but we still eat healthy, don't smoke and exercise.

Let me discuss one point that angers me - mental health issues.  In this country, if you have a cardiac episode you are treated with dignity.  If you go into the same ER with a full blown mental health issue, most likely you will be released because there are not enough in patient beds to treat people who are in crisis for mental health, because we as a country have created that situation.  We have young people who are in crisis.  We have older people with dementia and there is NO safe and healthy place for them to go.

Let me tell you, the first people I notice to blame an active shooter for killing innocent people are pro gun rights.  And they will then tell me that the person had mental health issues.  I can tell you that the person who has been struggling with mental health issues might have tried to see a therapist, however the therapist might not accept their health insurance or have any space.  It is time for our country to come together and treat patients with mental health issues with the same care, compassion and medicine as heart attack patients.  They are all patients and they all need medical care.  The person with the mental health issues needs help, but our country is on the road to now label that as a "pre existing condition" and many health insurance companies will not cover treatment.  Unless you have the wealth similar to the Trump Family or the Gates Family, the ability for you to help a family member receive mental health care will disappear.

Please help American's save their own access to health care.  Please make sure mental health is included in all health plans.  Please make sure every American can access good care and affordable care.