"That estimate reflects two factors. First, Mr. Romney proposes repealing the Affordable Care Act, which means doing away with all the ways in which that law would help tens of millions of Americans who either have pre-existing conditions or can’t afford health insurance for other reasons. Second, Mr. Romney is proposing drastic cuts in Medicaid — basically to save money that he could use to cut taxes on the wealthy — which would deny essential health care to millions more Americans. (And, no, despite what he has said, you can’t get the care you need just by going to the emergency room.)"

— Paul Krugman, NY Times, ” Romney’s Sick Joke”

That paragraph alone should scare the crap out of you, even if you don’t live in the states.

Let me say this, I live in the states, am relatively healthy and have health insurance. I am currently in the process of switching health insurance because the one that I have is just too expensive and I don’t even know why it offers me except the fact that even though I am currently paying $1000/month, I still have to pay some sort of deductible if I access health care. (the best part about that is they just send you a bill a few months later and you have NO IDEA what it will be for. I tried to look up the cost of an eye exam and nowhere was it listed. In Canada, most people have to pay for eye-related things because eye health was taken out of standard plans, but even then they let you know: an eye exam is $80.)

My only reassurance for health care related things in the states is: (1) hoping I stay healthy enough for the next two years that I will not have to access health care, (2) I have can clean pap tests for the last three years and my doctor has given me the okay not to get one here and also that I will get my birth control from planned parenthood out of fear of seeing any other doctor (although, gynecological visit as covered — woot), (3) I am a Canadian citizen, so if harm befalls me I will just jump on that plan and head back north.

I just keep think, among many terrible circumstances, that if some asshole hits me with a car here (which could very likely happen) I will be the one paying deductibles and rates on the ambulance, my care and recovery and drugs. 

HOW IS THIS A THING?!

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