In most professions it is a common courtesy to “take care of your own”. It’s a nice benefit of of the job. Cops do it. Doctors do it. Nurses do it. Fast food employees do it. Its not that anyone else will received poor care/service, but it is something that is usually done and understood. We will often do a little extra if we share the same word with someone. Its almost an unwritten rule or standard, and most people agree with and continue this tradition.
I have been made shockingly aware of the facts that apparently the government, the military, and the American public are not doing a very good job of taking care of our own. What I mean by this is that our Veterans, the men and women who selflessly give their time and energy and make a commitment, often over many years, to protect our country, are not being taken care of. In fact, it appears, at least in many circumstances. they they receive less care and benefits than those who have never even held a job. I speak specifically in the realm of healthcare on this matter, as I have little experiences with veterans benefits on any other regard. I was heartbroken to be made painfully aware of just how little respect we, and by we, the people we elect to office, have for 0ur Veterans.
For example, a young female, who earns less than 200% of the poverty level ,29,148 per year for a family of 2 (and its automatically 2 if you a pregnant, because they count your unborn baby as a person for this), in the state of Georgia, can receive 100% of her medical expenses covered during the gestation of her pregnancy through the Medicaid program. She has her choice of nearly any doctor or hospital she would like. She can also receive food for herself while pregnant, and formula and food for her child up to the age of 5, after her child is born. All of these benefits are completely free and encouraged through WIC.
However, a Veteran must visit a specific clinic, which he often must drive to and still has to pay out of pocket. Basic medical supplies, such as insulin and routine medications still have to be paid for out of pocket. And although the cost of these is usually reduced, there are usually requirements to buy several months supply at one time, which can, unfortunately, be nearly impossible for some to afford. It is sad to think that many of our loved ones, our elders, our veterans are spending upwards of $200 to by the medications they need in order to live some resemblance of a normal life. Its even more upsetting to think that they often have to face a choice in medication or food. And when given the choice, starvation is a much more scary reality, and they will naturally choose to eat.
I am still unsure of what my feelings on on universal healthcare… or Obamacare as it is often coined. However, I am sure that those who work hard their whole lives to contribute to this world, make a positive impact, serve our country, and who would still get out every day and work, if they could, should not have to ever be faced with a choice of food or medicine.
We reward those who are young, financially unstable, experienced in life and having children with free healthcare. We reward them with free healthcare, food, housing, and even cash. There are many who have never worked an actual job, have multiple children and have never paid a hospital or doctor bill.
I am 24, have worked since I was 15, pay taxes, and work hard to support myself and my family. I had to finance the birth of my child, and did so lovingly and understandingly. I might also add bitterly, as I was reminded by a gentlemen, just days before the birth of my son that he loved having babies because “the government practically pays you to have them”.
The youth of this nation are far too entitled. We reward mistakes and punish hard work and commitment. We punish those who have worked themselves to the bone by making them choose between eating and insulin.
Something has to be done. People have to be held accountable for their actions.
Veterans should not have to choose between starving to death or a diabetic coma!
Contact Veteran Affairs, and tell them we, America, want to take care of those who take care of us.
So true. People seem to think they’re doing their bit if they slap a bumper sticker on their car with the words “support our troops.” There is a difference between saying support the troops, and actually taking action to support the troops.