Welcome to Gaia! ::

So here in the UK we're hearing a lot about the current controversy over the pond.

Mr Obama wanting to give cheaper healthcare to the people of the USA, clearly a terrible crime rolleyes

Just wondering what those of you in the States that have recurring, chronic illnesses feel about it all. Are these reforms going to help you in the long run?

And before anyone says it, yes the UK does have free healthcare (which is excellent if you need emergency care, less good if you have something that involves being put on a waiting list) and no we do not have "death panels" xd

I think it's a step in the right direction. What our president is trying to do is not true socialized medicine like you have in the UK, it's a public option you could buy into. Personally I'd like to see it go even farther to true socialized medicine! One part of the bill that is particularly important to me personally is that it would make it illegal for insurance companies to drop you or deny you for "pre-existing conditions". Considering that I have cost my insurance company half a MILLION dollars that is a particular concern of mine! If I lost coverage today, it would be next to impossible for me to find a company willing to insure me with the history I have, and if I DID find anyone, my premiums would be unaffordable.