May 30th, 2010 was the day I graduated from PLU but also the day that I joined the millions of uninsured Americans. For seven months, I just hoped and prayed that nothing too serious would pop up that I couldn't just fix myself or wait out. Thank goodness I was lucky and only had to put up with a few medical situations that were more of a hassle than harmful (my eyes, dental, OB-GYN).
While uninsured, the Obama Administration passed legislation that requires insurance companies to cover anyone under the age of 26 as a dependence under their parents. Despite the ridicule and controversy this law as imposed, myself and many of my friends have regained insurance as of January 1st, 2011.
When my mom handed me my new insurance card, I felt a flood of emotions. I had once again joined the middle class lifestyle that my parents can offer and with that included the ability to see a doctor when I need to. I was now lucky enough to own a square of plastic that holds so many underlying issues related to economic indifferences and privilege. Why is it that I deserve medical care now when in all actuality my situation is no different than it was as a student at PLU? I feel as if one second I wasn't good enough and then the next second I was all at the whim of my legislators. After living as an uninsured individual, I understand now the injustice involved with our healthcare and insurance systems. I think that anyone opposed to healthcare for everyone should take their insurance card and hide it for 6 months to see what it feels like.
When I went to my first appointment after regaining insurance and I handed my insurance card to the receptionist, I literally felt like I was handing her a card that said "hello, I am apart of a family wealthy enough to deserve this card." I felt guilty that one day a law deemed me privledged enough while other millions of people still sit waiting for the day that legislation helps them.
While uninsured, the Obama Administration passed legislation that requires insurance companies to cover anyone under the age of 26 as a dependence under their parents. Despite the ridicule and controversy this law as imposed, myself and many of my friends have regained insurance as of January 1st, 2011.
When my mom handed me my new insurance card, I felt a flood of emotions. I had once again joined the middle class lifestyle that my parents can offer and with that included the ability to see a doctor when I need to. I was now lucky enough to own a square of plastic that holds so many underlying issues related to economic indifferences and privilege. Why is it that I deserve medical care now when in all actuality my situation is no different than it was as a student at PLU? I feel as if one second I wasn't good enough and then the next second I was all at the whim of my legislators. After living as an uninsured individual, I understand now the injustice involved with our healthcare and insurance systems. I think that anyone opposed to healthcare for everyone should take their insurance card and hide it for 6 months to see what it feels like.
When I went to my first appointment after regaining insurance and I handed my insurance card to the receptionist, I literally felt like I was handing her a card that said "hello, I am apart of a family wealthy enough to deserve this card." I felt guilty that one day a law deemed me privledged enough while other millions of people still sit waiting for the day that legislation helps them.
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