DIY health care

From the archives - Here’s another one from the archives at the old site. This is particularly relevant though considering the current health care legislation hysteria debate.

Do-it-yourself health care is a growing trend, according to Cara Buckley, writing in the NY Times yesterday. Increasing numbers of uninsured, young adults are relying on Internet research from sites like WebMD to self-diagnose medical problems, borrowing or swapping prescription drugs from friends to treat ailments, and stockpiling needed medication and supplies whenever they are able. Skyrocketing medical insurance premiums put coverage well outside the reach of nearly everyone without employer-subsidized insurance (and a growing number of those with employer-subsidized insurance) while rapidly rising medical costs prevent many uninsured adults from seeking medical care.

My first reaction while reading this article was to empathize and relate to the situation. The only difference is that I am a decade older than most of the people profiled in the Times article.

I do not have medical insurance, have not had medical insurance for many years and, even if I had an employer, probably would not be able to afford the premiums anyway. The last few benefits eligible jobs I have looked at would have required employee contributions equal to more than half of my salary if I wanted the medical insurance. As several people profiled in the Times piece noted, the choice often becomes purchasing medical insurance or paying the rent and buying food. Some choice. I’m sure the landlord would appreciate my “responsible” choice to buy medical insurance and not pay the rent. Not!

I frequently self-diagnose medical problems. Fortunately I am fairly good at this game… Like a growing number of my fellow Americans, seeking medical care at a physician’s office is not an option for me since I cannot pay the medical bill. Consequently, I treat things myself and hope the problem goes away. Sometimes it works and sometimes I end up in a hospital emergency room since they cannot refuse treatment – only screw up my credit a little more when I can’t pay the $4,000 bill afterward. I don’t like this approach but I do not have an option at this point in my life.

My second reaction after reading this article was that we increasingly sound like a third world country here in the USA.  This is the wealthiest country in world history – yet significant parts of our population are routinely denied access to medical care because of an out-of-control and out-dated system of medical access.

Does anyone actually think this system works? People who end up in emergency departments without insurance do not receive “free” care. Rather, that care is subsidized by the federal and state government in the form of hospital grants and by higher rates for patients who do have medical insurance or who can afford to pay privately. Society pays the medical bills for the uninsured – whether directly or indirectly. Further, untreated medical problems frequently result in more serious medical problems that cost even more money to treat. Untreated medical problems also increase the likelihood of long-term disability – another problem for which all of society pays.

Every crisis seems to bring some good though. One positive result of this medical crisis is that people are slowly starting to take better care of themselves. Some people are eliminating fast food from their diets, eating healthier, and exercising more in an effort to stay healthier. This trend toward taking responsibility for our own health can only be viewed as a good thing no matter how disgraceful the catalyst behind the trend.

Link – NY Times: For Uninsured Young Adults, Do-It-Yourself Health Care