A couple of things have gotten me thinking about our situation the last couple of days: Barack Obama and Ed McMahon.
First, the heavy stuff. President Obama's plan for health care, while noble, scares me to death. I will be the first to admit that the hurdles we have faced in dealing with William's therapy have been mind-numbingly difficult. The bureacracy and slow response at even the county level of government is truly a wonder to behold. But, on the flip side of that, Nickie and I are the ones making the decisions about what therapies to pursue. (Well, mostly Nickie, but we'll get to that in a bit.)
Everything I have read indicates that in a single payer system, the first thing to get cut back on is physical therapy. Think about this - if coverage for therapy for an 35 year old recovering from knee surgery is extremely low, what chance does an otherwise physically healthy young boy have of getting much needed (in the eyes of his parents) physical, occupational, music, hippo, water, and behavioral therapies? Sounds pretty gloomy to me. I am sure we'd probably be able to still get it, but the government won't be paying for it, even though my taxes will go up in some shape or fashion to support universal healthcare.
Don't get me wrong. I love the idea of a system where we show up with William, have his needs met, it's covered, we sign in, and everything's grand. But I am also a realist. It took Nickie months to get the paperwork lined up for the medicaid waiver William is currently on. Multiple phone calls a day, lots of tears (by both of us), stress, and anger. I am not optimistic about a new system run by Washington. My preference would be to let me keep my money and decide what to do with it.
Which brings me to the second inspiration for this entry. Ed McMahon just passed away, and I was thinking about how he was famous for pretty much doing nothing. He was a good guy, did was he was told, supportive of his front man, and didn't cause any trouble. That got me thinking...
Hey, I am Ed McMahon. (How's that for a Nike commercial?)
Nickie has been a rock-star super-hero in getting William the things he needs. (in addition to all the other kids) Between therapists, doctors, diets, probiotics, supplements, casein free/gluten free food, camps, money, Douglas County, and the State of Colorado, she has feverishly worked her tail end off to get it all done. What do I do? Help. Drop people off somewhere, pick them up somewhere, fax something, mail something, make dinner, and give her a hug sometimes and tell her there's nothing more she can possibly do today.
I am Ed to Nickie's Johnny Carson. (Although I doubt Ed and Johnny hugged much.)
"You can't imagine hooking up with a guy like Carson," McMahon said in an interview in 1993. "There's the old phrase, hook your wagon to a star. I hitched my wagon to a great star."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
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3 comments:
John/Ed,
Nice analogy! How are you? Hey, I was wondering if you ever read my message to you and your wife regarding your son's condition? I sent a message letting you know that I have a friend who has a son who's autistic and has had incredible results using a supplement we distribute. It's all-natural and has helped so many people in different ways, including me! It truly is a blessing and it's something you should look into. I would be more than happy to put you in touch with this person and she can tell you of the progress her son has been making. She's more than open to discussing her situation and tries to help everyone she can. You can also check out the product on my website, www.madmax.max4u.com. Please let me know if you have any questions or anything. Happy belated Father's day as well! Take care and talk to you soon.
I'm getting teared up at all of this (yes, even the Obama stuff). Though I don't know you well, John, it seems apparent from your post that you guys make a wonderful team! Keep up the good work!
Hey guys,
Interesting and scary to read about how the healthcare changes might affect you.
For the record though, socialised health care done right can be brilliant - in my experience, England's is much better than America's current system.
I realise you have immediate and practical concerns about William's particular treatments not being covered - and that is terrible. Any socialised medical system worth a damn should cover those clearly needed and beneficial treatments.
In a social medical system done right, your family would not have to pay a cent for any of William's treatments. That's the way it should work.
Best of luck with the transition, if it comes.
Jonathan
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