Will Americans Ever Get Their Health Care Reform -- And Why I Suddenly Feel Very Lucky to Have AIDS

By Thomas DeLorenzo, Huffington Post. Posted February 21, 2009.

So I understand when working America finally has to deal with these choices. I get when people are concerned that they are not going to be able to afford their home and their health care at the same time. What I don't get it why we cover seniors and children but not the people that take care of them? How are we supposed to make sure that our oldest and our youngest get the best care possible, when the people who will have to take them to these medical appointments do not get even halfway decent coverage -- if any at all.

What I also don't get is why are we increasing the taxes on cigarettes to pay for this new children's health program? The Federal taxes on cigarettes went up to $1.00 per pack to pay for the SCHIP. Is that an homage to President Obama's tobacco habit? Are people being encouraged to smoke in order to pay for their children's health care? In the famous words of Andy Rooney, "I just don't get it."

What I really don't get is that in a blink of an eye we can save a bank but we cannot save the human capital that is deep inside the bank. We do not even have on the table a conversation about the workers at the bank -- we only keep discussing toxic assets and their devastation upon America. What about the toxic asset that a HMO is and its effects on America? What about the effect we have on human potential when Americas are considered nothing more than loss centers for their health insurance, and are constantly denied access to treatments that could easily save them and put them back in the workplace, contributing to our society once again.

Unfortunately, I believe that after this Stimulus package goes through, there will be little left for health care reform. As Maslow clearly stated, man's basic needs are food, shelter, and clothing. Having good health was not on the bottom of his pyramid. Apparently having a working digestive system in order to take full advantage of the food was not going through his mind.

I also think that Washington politics will continue as usual with health care reform turning into an Agatha Christie novel -- Ten Little Health Care Plans. Right now, Senator Baucus is the one seemingly left standing, but that could easily change. Senator Clinton was taken out of his way with her appointment as Secretary of State. Senator Kennedy is also about to be taken off the game due to his own health issues. Senator Daschle was conveniently removed for being seduced by perks. Senator Daschle got caught up in this before and lost his Senate seat due to some rather strong commercials that showed him driving around Georgetown in his Jaguar, leaving the values of South Dakota behind. Once again, it is a car that tripped up the Senator.

Last year, Senator Baucus released a plan entitled "Health Care Reform 2009", outlining his ideas for policy change. It is nothing new -- and actually very similar to the previous plans outlined by other Democrats, so getting it through Congress should be an easy thing. There is just that one detail left -- paying for it. However, given what we know about Senators, Baucus is going to fight hard to make sure his name is leading the way on the health care reform act, whatever year it may actually happen.

America, let me welcome you to what those of us with chronic diseases have known all along. Each day is a precious gift. Tell the people you love that you love them every chance you get. And health care is America is an oxymoron.

See more stories tagged with: health, aids, obama, health care, hiv, barack obama, hillary clinton, universal healthcare, max baucus, hiv/aids, schip, universal health care, tom daschle

Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from Health and Wellness! Sign up now »