Rarely do I get started on politics since I find myself going on and on about numerous issues that bother me. But sometimes I just have to say my piece, even if is just in a blog entry that nobody will probably ever take notice of anyhow.
I just finished listening to the CNN presentation of President Obama's Town Hall meeting in regards to Health Care Reform. In my opinion, this man is on the right track with his proposals to change the current American Health Care System.
But, I can't understand why so many Americans are against his proposed changes to the system. Obama simply believes every American should have access to "affordable" health insurance regardless of their financial situations.
Here in Canada (Ontario to be specific) it does not matter if you make over $250,000 a year or live in poverty on the streets. Everyone is equally entitled to the same health care under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Regardless of your financial status, whether you are a child, teen, adult or senior, no distinctions are made in health services which are provided to you.
And yes, we Canadians pay more in taxes to ensure the health of our nation. But, the way we see it as "Canadians" the Universal health care system we have adopted and endorsed through taxation benefits us ALL... not just those who can afford it.
Granted, OHIP does not generally include prescription medications (with the exception of those for seniors and the disabled), but there are programs such as "Trillium" Services available to Ontarians that don't have a prescription plan through an employer or private insurance.
Trillium is a Ontario government alternative prescription plan that offers low-income individuals an "offset" to prescription costs based on their annual income. A deductible is derived from users based on their annual income each year. Once the deductible is paid out, medications for the balance of the year only cost a minimal co-pay (of about $2-$4 per script). Trillium membership is free, automatically renewable (unless your family/financial situation changes) with no registration/hidden "fees" attached.
Of course there are private insurance plans that Canadians can opt into as well, which provide for additional (not better) health care services. But these optional privatized plans remain separate from the(Provincial) Standard Health Care provisions every Canadian citizen is already entitled to.
Bottom line... I believe President Obama is on the right track with his proposed changes to the American Health Care System. He appears to be genuinely concerned about ALL Americans in relation to Health Care Reform. And as such, is proposing an affordable alternative to those who have little or no health care provisions at all.
I have to ask, "What is so wrong with that?" It's unfortunate that so many Americans are looking at Obama's Health Care Reform plan so negatively. I thought the President explained the proposed changes sufficiently in terms of how the changes would affect participants, who would bear the costs, etc., but still, some Americans are determined to quash the proposals without prior consideration.
It's sad to see so many "quick to judge" Americans. Why not step back and give "change" a chance? In my opinion, President Obama deserves an opportunity to live up to his election promises. Isn't that the reason Americans voted him into office?