Today seems to be one of those days where nothing sticks in my mind. I seem to be suffering from many random thoughts but no solid ones. Sometimes, when I feel like this, I just want to be able to record my inner thoughts. It would definitely make for an interesting conversation. One of those random, stream of consciousness things. I have found several websites I can submit my writing on, now I just need to focus my thoughts.
I feel like I have a lot to say, but I'm having trouble organizing it. I might have to just sit down with a pen and paper in a quiet place and see what I get. Could be interesting. I'll let you know.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Here's my opinions on a controversial issue...
I know I'm about to ask for it with this post, but I'm throwing my opinion in on the health care law. My view on it is based on several positions.
One, as a consumer: I have been unemployed for over a year and uninsured. In Texas, insurance is a limited option. If you don't have a policy through your employer, your only options are purchasing a private policy, which is very high with only a few companies to choose from, get on the county program you qualify for (which can lead to changing doctors and driving moderate to long distances to the nearest clinic) or trying to qualify for medicaid. Unfortunately qualifying for assistance is practically impossible (See my post about medicaid). I also have chronic illnesses, which until now, excluded me from private insurances. I also have a daughter with autism. So, I do support the policy of getting rid of preexisting conditions. I also agree with the ability to keep my daughter on mine or my husband's insurance until she's twenty-six.
From another standpoint: I used to work in the medical field. So I got to see things from a different standpoint. I got to see how little the doctors got paid by the insurance companies. I also saw the bureaucratic nightmare that is created by the policies themselves. It makes it difficult to provide appropriate care for patients.
I feel that the entire insurance industry needs to be revamped. Payments to doctors need to be regulated and brought into accordance to standard prices. In other words, quit paying doctors under market value. The money that these companies earn from premiums and other forms of profit should be reorganized. That's why I like the stipulation that a certain percentage of all profit in the company must be paid toward patient care.
I also like the idea of insurance exchanges. I like the idea that I could shop for insurance and get the same rates as people in other states.
I know the law has a great deal of work that needs to be done to make it efficient and workable. I'm not saying it's perfect. But I have felt for a long time now that something needs to be changed in regards to healthcare. I have never felt that in this country, that so many people should be without basic healthcare while insurance companies among other companies get richer and richer. I feel that it's time these companies give back to the people who built them up in the first place. I just hope this law can be worked out, streamlined and efficiently put in place to allow everyone in this country to quality healthcare for a REASONABLE price.
One, as a consumer: I have been unemployed for over a year and uninsured. In Texas, insurance is a limited option. If you don't have a policy through your employer, your only options are purchasing a private policy, which is very high with only a few companies to choose from, get on the county program you qualify for (which can lead to changing doctors and driving moderate to long distances to the nearest clinic) or trying to qualify for medicaid. Unfortunately qualifying for assistance is practically impossible (See my post about medicaid). I also have chronic illnesses, which until now, excluded me from private insurances. I also have a daughter with autism. So, I do support the policy of getting rid of preexisting conditions. I also agree with the ability to keep my daughter on mine or my husband's insurance until she's twenty-six.
From another standpoint: I used to work in the medical field. So I got to see things from a different standpoint. I got to see how little the doctors got paid by the insurance companies. I also saw the bureaucratic nightmare that is created by the policies themselves. It makes it difficult to provide appropriate care for patients.
I feel that the entire insurance industry needs to be revamped. Payments to doctors need to be regulated and brought into accordance to standard prices. In other words, quit paying doctors under market value. The money that these companies earn from premiums and other forms of profit should be reorganized. That's why I like the stipulation that a certain percentage of all profit in the company must be paid toward patient care.
I also like the idea of insurance exchanges. I like the idea that I could shop for insurance and get the same rates as people in other states.
I know the law has a great deal of work that needs to be done to make it efficient and workable. I'm not saying it's perfect. But I have felt for a long time now that something needs to be changed in regards to healthcare. I have never felt that in this country, that so many people should be without basic healthcare while insurance companies among other companies get richer and richer. I feel that it's time these companies give back to the people who built them up in the first place. I just hope this law can be worked out, streamlined and efficiently put in place to allow everyone in this country to quality healthcare for a REASONABLE price.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
A little insight into chronic illnesses and conditions...
One thing I have noticed is my tolerance level for things is greatly diminished. I get frustrated very easily and don't like dealing with stress. This is making finding work very difficult. It also makes it difficult to drive and do things on my own.
I have learned to slow down. That's something I never thought I'd do. But it has not been by choice. I sometimes look back and get angry for the things I struggle to do that used to come easily. But I'm learning to view things with grace and patience.
I will admit, my sense of humor has vastly improved. I either laugh or cry about things, so I've decided laughing is better (doesn't make my eyes hurt as much!).
I do have to admit that my friends and family have been a huge part of my ability to learn to cope with this. I know the road for the last few years has not been easy, but with everyone's help, I have learned to accept this as part of my life. I wanted to take this time to say thank you to everyone who has been there.
I have been sitting in front of this computer for a while now. I sit for several hours every day looking for work. I'm trying to find something virtual....anything. I have sent out so many resumes that I feel like I'm probably hitting the same companies again. It's frustrating trying to find something when your own health and mental outlook stand in your way. I'm hoping to find anything other than customer service or sales. I can do them, but I'm afraid it would send me on a downward spiral mentally and physically. Hopefully, with all the emails, resumes and posts I'm sending out, someone will give me a chance.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Still looking for work...
I am getting very frustrated with this job search. Not much out there, and the few jobs I find are low pay for high education and experience. I'm centering my search on virtual and freelance work now. Hopefully something will come through. Trying to get out there as much as I can, but it's frustrating.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
My page...
I will be using this blog to deal with issues that are important to me..
Tonight, I will be addressing a problem that is really bothering me. Most of my friends know that I lost my job over a year ago. Most also know that I deal with some health issues that have made it very difficult to find work. I have been looking for a job, but in the meantime, my family has struggled to stay afloat. (This is not the issue!) When I lost my job, I lost my insurance. Without it, my medical costs are a major expense. I have applied for help through the Texas Health and Human Services for medicaid. Here's where the problem begins.
I have been denied assistance because...according to medicaid, I don't qualify because of finances. When I asked what was counted as income, I was told that ALL dollars count, which means your gross income (who here lives on gross income?), and any child support you might receive. (Last time I checked, child support is support for the CHILD, not for my own use). To add insult to injury on that point, if you have your child support through the attorney general's office, your support is taxed before you receive it (so you don't get your full amount).
When I asked if there were any other options for me, I was told I'd have to apply for a gold card through the hospital district. Two problems with that idea.... 1) It's at least twenty miles to the nearest clinic (I don't drive very far by myself right now) and 2) I'd have to change my doctors (with my health issues, NOT going to happen!)
I can't help but wonder what has happened to assistance programs for Texans. I find it incredible that unless you're living out of a box or are willing to lie to the agencies, it is practically impossible to get help. According to what I was told, for a family of three to qualify for adult medicaid, they cannot exceed $275 a MONTH!! (Yes, you read it correctly). I just can't figure out how people like me, who are lucky enough to have a spouse that makes enough to pay our bills, is able to get any type of help.
What has happened to this country that it's citizens are reduced to this?
Tonight, I will be addressing a problem that is really bothering me. Most of my friends know that I lost my job over a year ago. Most also know that I deal with some health issues that have made it very difficult to find work. I have been looking for a job, but in the meantime, my family has struggled to stay afloat. (This is not the issue!) When I lost my job, I lost my insurance. Without it, my medical costs are a major expense. I have applied for help through the Texas Health and Human Services for medicaid. Here's where the problem begins.
I have been denied assistance because...according to medicaid, I don't qualify because of finances. When I asked what was counted as income, I was told that ALL dollars count, which means your gross income (who here lives on gross income?), and any child support you might receive. (Last time I checked, child support is support for the CHILD, not for my own use). To add insult to injury on that point, if you have your child support through the attorney general's office, your support is taxed before you receive it (so you don't get your full amount).
When I asked if there were any other options for me, I was told I'd have to apply for a gold card through the hospital district. Two problems with that idea.... 1) It's at least twenty miles to the nearest clinic (I don't drive very far by myself right now) and 2) I'd have to change my doctors (with my health issues, NOT going to happen!)
I can't help but wonder what has happened to assistance programs for Texans. I find it incredible that unless you're living out of a box or are willing to lie to the agencies, it is practically impossible to get help. According to what I was told, for a family of three to qualify for adult medicaid, they cannot exceed $275 a MONTH!! (Yes, you read it correctly). I just can't figure out how people like me, who are lucky enough to have a spouse that makes enough to pay our bills, is able to get any type of help.
What has happened to this country that it's citizens are reduced to this?
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