Economy, Unemployment, Healthcare, Education, Foreign Affairs… The list of priorities for our country is long and trying to determine what goes first can be a task. “How do you get healthcare on the forefront of the political agenda?” Coy Barefoot posed this question to the Q & A panel on November 4, 2012 at the Virginia Film Festival following the screening of Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare.
The Great Equalizer
The only thing I added to the poignant responses of my fellow panelist just two days before the election was that voting was a means to prioritize the healthcare agenda. Voting is the great equalizer. The history of this great country shows us over and over again the value of self-determination through our vote. Voting has become a spiritual ritual in my life – a ritual to honor of the sacrifices made by ancestors so I could have the right and the privilege of casting a vote. In turn – I use my vote to advocate for the patients I see.
With flashbacks of the Bush/Gore fiasco – I was actually preparing myself not to know who would be president until December. I was convinced that precincts would still be counting votes into the new-year and the election would not have been decided so quickly and decisively. Nevertheless, American citizens have lifted their votes and voices. America will be moving forward.
What’s In It for Me?
I supported the Affordable Care Act (i.e. Obamacare), not because I believed it was perfect but because I believed it would move healthcare for the patients I see in a more feasible direction. Three inspiring things in healthcare I expect as a result of America’s vote to re-elect President Barack Obama for four more years.
Putting women in control of their health
The practice of health insurance companies charging women more needs to come to an end. The practice of not allowing a woman domain/dominion over her own body was simply a no brainer for me. Patient empowerment is a MUST.
Ending insurance company abuses
Pre-existing condition? No problem! This will be the melody that insurance will have to sing to patients applying for coverage. The serious run-around given to patients and doctors by insurance companies needs to come to an end. In addition to high medical school debt, doctors have to actually hire people to work in their offices just to deal with insurance companies. On average, this costs them $60,000 per year for the support but sometimes it costs significantly more. These abuses should end so that doctors can practice medicine based on the needs of patients and patients can have what they need without worry about insurance denials and other run-arounds.
Strengthening Medicare
Free preventive services and lower costs on prescription drugs helps people save on prevention – of which an ounce is worth more than a pound of cure. In the long run, more effective prevention will lead to more effective health outcomes.
Miles to Go Before We Sleep…
There are many other aspects to the Affordable Care Act that I expect should be good for America, but there is no-doubt, room for improvement – like a perhaps a public option that creates more competition for insurance companies and lowers costs even more. Or appropriate funding and support of the healthcare safety net (Emergency Departments) as we continue to build prevention and primary care in America – the things patients truly need more of… just to name a few.
As the law continues to roll out, I stand by ready to speak with my congressional representatives and ready to always cast my vote for the changes I would like to see. Voting is the great American equalizer and you should take every opportunity to engage.
Be WELL!
Dr. Pamela Ross, MD
