LETTER TO THE EDITOR: LETTER SENT TO PRESIDENT TRUMP
from Rev. Jerry Wirth Evansville IN
Eleven years ago my sister-in-law contracted a fast growing stomach cancer which took her life in a few months.
Five years later her 24 year old daughter was diagnosed with the same cancer. One of her regrets was that her and her fiance had never married. Being a minister, we organized a wedding which preformed for her in the hospital chapel. The next day she passed away.
Last year, her brother contracted the same cancer. It was caught early. He was able to be treated at the Cancer Treatment Center of America.
It was determined that the he cancer was caused by a genetic abnormality. Another brother and sister along with some aunts and cousins were found to have the gene and required preventative gastronomy surgery, but for some their insurance did not permit them to choose the facility or doctor. A 29 year old cousin passed away from post operative problems. I performed her funeral last Saturday.
Recently my wife was diagnosed with a large uterine cyst which, will require a specialist. We are self employed and purchase our insurance off the market place, but was informed us that our insurance would not cover this necessary surgery. We are appealing that decision. My wife literally shook and vomited from the stress and fear of not being covered, and her surgery is being delayed.
While I support the proposed changes to the ACA, there are more changes we need.
Something as important as health insurance should be owned by the insured not one’s employer or government.
The choice of providers should be by the insured not the insurer.
Insurance networks should be eliminated. If an insurance corporation can contract with a health care provider for a reduced charge, then that provider should offer the same savings to every customer.
I have much more to say on this issue, but am limited by characters. The full story is tragic.
Sincerely,
Rev. Jerry Wirth
Evansville IN
FOOTNOTE: Â This letter was posted by the CCO without opinion, bias or editing.
Until we (the U.S.) installs universal health care like the rest of the industrialized countries these stories will continue. Most likely a lot of us, including myself, have had loved ones die for lack of coverage. Health care should be a right of all U.S. citizens NOT a privlege.
This is a heartfelt letter and Reverend Wirth’s family is lucky to have him.
Those of us whose families are not beset by calamitous medical problems like he described might not be able to fully understand.
The changes being made to the Trumpcare bill right now are to placate the hard right. Simply a sop to fulfill the constant campaign mantra of ‘repeal Obamacare’. Insurance coverage will be more expensive and spottier if it passes in its ever-worsening form. Paul makes valid points in his comment. The United States stands alone among developed countries in it’s bias towards filling doctor’s pockets and insurance company’s coffers at the expense of good medical care for all of its citizens.
It would be nice if we could pry health insurance out of the political realm. That is unlikely to happen anytime soon.
As much as I would prefer that we own our insurance, I believe that eventually govi-care is going to be the only solution left. Rev. Wirth gives an hearty amen to your last statement.
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