So now that a lot of the hoopla about “healthcare reform” has died down, can anyone explain to me in clear, concise terms, just what exactly this reform is? Yeah, that’s what I thought. We’ve all heard the talking points; 30 million uninsured now covered, no more pre-existing condition based denials, higher taxes for the rich, etc… I’ve heard a few reasonable attempts at it , but it seems there are still so many unfinished intentions in the bill, implementation will be questionable at best. And forget the “what”, let’s talk about the “when”. Some changes go into effect now, but most not for another three or four years?? And then depending on who’s in office between now and then, some things may get reverted? what kind of “reform” is that??
What…when…I’m not even going to touch the “How”. Let me just say this, COVERAGE IS NOT CARE. I assure you, healthcare reform is very important to me. I cast my vote in the last election based primarily on that singular issue. As a provider and recipient of the current system, I am the first to say it doesn’t work well, and it needs to change, for many reasons that I won’t bore you with. But the biggest failure I think of this new bill, and the thing that I think will ultimately make the emerging system worse than the current, is it’s equation of “coverage” with “care”. Yeah it sounds good to say you’ve “covered” everybody, but if you dont also provide the necessary infrastructure and supply to deal with the increased demand, well, that’s a recipe for disaster. Economics 101
There’s going to be more patients, sicker patients and less doctors (with lower reimbursements, higher student debt, higher liability costs and higher taxes..but that’s a whole different issue)
But I’m going to be optimistic, and hope that it works. Why? ‘Cos our lives and the lives of our loved ones depend on it. Literally.
Which brings me to my idea of true reform. It’s a reform that can’t be mandated or legislated. It comes from within, not without. It’s called Volunteer-ism.
I’ve been involved with several charitable/non-profit organizations that provide free healthcare to those who can’t access it anywhere else. I will confess it’s almost a selfish act; there’s no greater feeling than giving to another, something for which they cannot repay you. For the past few years I’ve been serving with Medical Teams International. An awesome group of people, committed to sharing love, compassion and health, where ever they can. I really believe that if we all spent more time thinking about helping others (and actually acting on those thoughts), a lot of our social injustices would vanish overnight, and frankly, politicians would be out of a job. But I know that will never happen (and that also, is an entirely different discussion). So in the meantime, please keep giving back to your communities, and when you think of reform, think of the man (or woman) in the mirror 
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