Hi, Dale ~
I trust that Blue Shield, having authorized the procedure, will eventually pay the bill.
To answer your question regarding Medicare, a government-run health insurance program: It was well-intentioned (as they always are) but frankly, with it's limitations, I would much rather pay more, have 'regular' health insurance - and more options. Most government-run programs you specify (Medicaid, SSD) are poorly run, hideously expensive and a poor substitute for 'real' health insurance. Social Security Disability can be a nightmare just to be 'awarded' a 'benefit', as many of our members can attest. Frankly, I do not believe that a massive government program, administered by bureaucrats with essentially lifetime jobs and no real accountability can be in my best interests, and that doesn't address the always-increasing costs of these government programs. In prior posts on the issue of Obamacare, I've given the history of Medicare and how it's costs have ballooned into the stratosphere over it's 45-year existence. I won't bore anyone by repeating the information but it is factual and not simply an opinion. Americans that want 'ObamaCare' repealed has stood at a majority for most of this year so your characterization of these millions of citizens as 'crying' seems a bit overwrought. Perhaps they are simply suspicious of a gigantic government program that was literally rammed through congress and laden with unknown rules and restrictions and that was passed using bribery and coercion. When the government eventually becomes the 'sole provider' of our health insurance, a lot more Americans may well be 'crying' but to no avail. Of course, I hope that doesn't happen but as I've stated, I'm not optimistic on this issue, even if others, like you, are. We'll all know the reality, soon.
Dale, if you read my posts on this issue carefully, as I'm sure you do, you'll note that I never mention political parties or personalities, including the president. That is not an oversight but a deliberate attempt to separate the emotions of politics from the facts. I'm not interested in a 'political' discussion with anyone, as they end up causing hard feelings and, sometimes, misunderstandings that the folks perusing these forums don't need. Where a statement is my opinion, I say so, clearly. I do not hold political office and cannot change anything so my opinion is simply that, with no influence on anyone.
I'm enrolled in Medicare' and so far, it's fine...except that I haven't had to use it, yet. I'll let you know how it is if I actually make use of it. However, 'ObamaCare' will subsume Medicare by 2014 (if not repealed) so you may not get your wish to be on it. However, we'll all be on the government heath care insurance plan by then, like it or not. Perhaps you don't care to have choices but I do and that is one of many reasons I oppose this government health care plan. I certainly agree with you that politicians of any affiliation cannot realistically 'manage' our health care. This is why I wish they wouldn't try. Too late, now. That having been (exhaustively) stated, I'll wind up my comments on the issue, here. Should you wish to further discuss it, please use the PM system so as not to burden others with a discussion many may not be interested in, no matter who is having it. Thanks.
Jim
