August 2007
The weather has been beautiful this month. I can’t say my topic for this month will be beautiful, because to be honest life has been somewhat “overcast” lately.
It really isn’t all that complicated. I have cerebral palsy which causes balance problems. I can be seen falling, anywhere and everywhere. Most of the time, I can handle it. But lately, I’m beginning to wonder how much more my body can take. I was bringing in the mail the other day, missed a step and landed on my face. The only thing I can remember is the pain. I felt so frustrated. I thought, I just can’t take this anymore. Pretty soon, I’m going to break a bone or worse.
Sometimes, I think about what it would be like if I just stopped getting up. I have other thoughts too; like what will happen if I injure myself so badly that I can’t work and I lose my health insurance? What if I need a major medical procedure and it costs so much I have to declare bankruptcy? I have lots of positive thoughts too; just not so many when I’m in close personal contact with the ground.
All of this self-reflection is leading up to the topic of health care reform. I know if I’m having these thoughts, other people with and without disabilities are having them too. There are several heath care reform measures currently under consideration in the Legislature right now.
Senate Bill 840 (Kuehl) would create a system to cover all Californians regardless of income or employment status. The system would replace private insurers but they may still provide supplemental coverage. All residents and employers would be required to pay into the system.
Assembly Bill 8 (Perata/Nunez) would not cover all Californians, but would cover the majority and expand eligibility for public health care programs. It would require employers to spend 7.5 percent of their payroll on healthcare.
The Governor has his own reform proposal. It would cover more residents than AB 8 or basically three-quarters of the uninsured. It would require every resident to have a minimum level of health coverage. The Legislative session ends on Sept. 14th, which leaves a very short time to make major decisions.
People with disabilities must have health care reform that includes architectural and programmatic access to services and programs. They must be able to use facilities as conveniently as everyone else. Accessible examination rooms are vital, as is accessible medical equipment like high/ low exam tables, wheelchair scales and x-ray machines.
Health care coverage must be provided for people with pre-existing conditions. Employees with disabilities must be able to work without the threat of losing their health care as their income increases. There is no reform unless it is reform for all.
For more information on the various health care proposals log on to www.calhealthreform.org Tell our legislators what you think health care reform should include at www.cfilc.org