Health insurance is a joke. Remember, the insurance companies are in the business of making money. They funnel money to the politicians to make sure a good system doesn't get implemented. And everyone is happy, at least, those in the money making cycle are happy. The rest of us have to suck hind teat.

Way back in 1980 we got dropped from a group plan from Met (Get Met, it pays... the stock holders!) and ended up paying for our firstborn out of pocket.

Many years of being slung over a barrel and I'm still dealing with the different ways they have of either NOT covering us, or worse, taking so long to actually do something that we might as well not bother seeking help. For the torn cartilage in my right wrist it took about 8 months from first "ouch!" to finally getting the surgery I needed. Remember the Republicans scaring people by pointing out how long it takes to get help under the existing national plans? Wakana needs help too. It will take so long and cost so much that she will wait until next summer and have it done in Japan. Fortunately she can wait. Many can't.

I have problems with my feet and knees. I have had these problems for at least 23 years. It's getting worse. No doctor can do anything. I believe they could but the insurance won't cover the tests and procedures I need. So I live in pain.

Rant over... for now.

Sorry to hear about your problems, Mary. Life under a capitalist system can suck sometimes.

By the way, back in 2005 when I first went to a doctor for knee pain in my left knee I had to see the family doctor and he sen me to see a specialist. The specialists office set me up with an appointment three weeks later. Wakana was shocked. As she said, "But you hurt NOW!" You see, in Japan, a country with a national health system, if you need help you get it then and there.

A friend of ours, an American, was studying in Japan. He had a bicycle accident. In one evening he saw a generalist, two specialists, had treatment, and was sent home with appointments to return the following week for follow up. He had no insurance. Total out of pocket cost? About $200.

I had a dental problem past time I was there. I went to a dentist who took x-rays, examined my teeth, ground down a new filling that the American dentist had left too high, and charged me $21 for the visit.

American health system? It's a joke!