You can’t fix stupid, even with duct tape. But it does muffle the sounds.~ Anonymous

This is not a political post! Is is about healthcare and the impact of new legislation in the United States. And, well, the stupidity of the whole thing. So, I guess, in a way, it could be construed as a political post.

Today on social media I was involved in a discussion about supply and demand of medical services and how the US had turned a corner on this issue. It was all I could do to not shoot water through my nose. Seriously. Several individuals put forth the “we will all be better people” for this change argument. More than a few have just discovered that their premiums and co-pays are increasing by 20% or more, but their coverage is decreasing.

On another friend’s page, I was chastised for expecting to be able to see my doctor in a timely fashion, say 2 weeks, for an “urgent” issue and 3-4 weeks for “routine” care. Apparently, I’m expecting too much. The current wait time for an “urgent” appointment is 4 weeks. Routine requests are 6-8 weeks. All I asked was at what point did supply meet demand. The answer seems to be 2 months in advance.

I am also apparently an “entitled” person because I have these expectations. I should be grateful that I have insurance shouts one person. I should allow those who are sicker than me to have first dibs on my doctor’s time. Waiting in a queue for 2 months really isn’t that long piped up another. Move to a different country if I don’t like it advised another.

The funny thing is, I have been using government run healthcare for 23 years. My husband is retired from the military. I can say from experience that having the government in our healthcare is not a good idea. Rationing? Yep, that’s been part of the plan for 23 years. Bureaucrats making healthcare decisions with dollar signs in their eyes? Ummm, been there too. Can’t put a price on good healthcare calls another commentator.

Back to duct tape. Healthcare certainly is beyond repair. You know it’s sad when people start talking about flying to Europe or Japan, paying out-of-pocket and receiving better medical care than here in the US. Europe is not universally known for great healthcare, but apparently it beats what’s being offered here. I don’t expect things to improve. Maybe I am being pessimistic. I’m already dealing with a system that offers no incentive to improve my health. In fact, most times they seem to discourage it by restricting what care is available to me. Two months is a long time when you’re living with my diseases.

So, as healthcare continues to be discussed in the coming months, just remember this important safety tip…the shiny side is visible after application.