Today is Primary Day in Michigan. I stopped answering the phone last night because of the onslaught of pre-recorded messages from various candidates, especially on the Republican side. As you may have read or seen on the news, the Democratic primary is only represented by Hillary Clinton, because the state of Michigan broke some rules by moving the primary earlier in the season. As a result John Edwards and Barak Obama withdrew their names from the ballot, and some of Michigan's delegates may not be seated at their respective conventions come fall.
This is an election where important issues are being discussed. Topics like the war, national security, abortion, and immigration rights are on everyone's radar. I want to encourage us all to keep national health insurance, and mental health parity also in the foreground. Although it will take more than a supportive president to bring change to the health insurance system, a president who cares about these issues will certainly increase the possibility of insurance for all, and full treatment for all conditions. (That's such a radical sounding statement isn't it?)
I currently have a patient who came to the US from Germany just three years ago. She is amazed and perplexed by our fragmented insurance system in the US. Seeing the issue through her eyes, and listening to what the rest of the civilized world provides in countries that truly practice "family values" has reminded me that we can do much better here. I also have a patient who is joining the class action suit being brought against Blue Cross in Michigan for denying appropriate care to those individuals with eating disorders. She is now nearly well, and strong enough to join the fight. She hopes to save someone else from the devastation she experienced when her much needed residential care was denied mid-stay.
It seems as if this Presidential Race is all about change. We could be in for a radical change: the Democratic party will likely present either the first African American or the first female nominee for President. And yet there is the fear that, no matter whom we elect, it will be "same old, same old" in Washington, where radical change is often very difficult given the stagnant nature of the system. It's easy to get disallusioned and think it doesn't really matter who becomes President: my voice won't count for anything. But don't we teach our clients the importance of using their voices? And isn't it our responsibility to speak up and speak out on behalf of those who are too depressed, too ill, or too weary to do so for themselves?
During this election season, which stretches on for another 10 months, I urge you to remain abreast of the candidates and their stand on health care. We can't afford another season in which eating disorder sufferers are denied the care they so desperately need. Until next time, Gail
I have had inpt. treatment multi-times & I continue to pay-off all those medical bills my Ins. would not cover. To completely pay-off all the expenses will take the rest of my lifetime. At present, I am needing residential care but my ins. will not cover it. Gail, well-written post---thank you!
Posted by: JEP | January 16, 2008 at 04:24 AM