Don't think this will change your perspective, but yes, there are thousands, maybe millions, abusing the medicaid system.

There are also thousands, maybe millions, who are not. My daughter's mother-in-law is paying upwards of $1,000/month for a high deductible policy because she had breast cancer about 17 years ago. She's tried to find a job that has health insurance but she is 64 yrs old and lives in a depressed area and didn't work outside the family business (which her ex-husband retained) until she was in her 50s. She's a real estate agent, works basically to pay her health insurance costs.

Someone I met at the pool a couple of months ago was on retiree healthcare insurance from his former employer, got a letter stating there would now be a maximum payout of $100,000 per year per person. He has a history of prostate cancer and his wife a serious blood condition. He finally, after a year of looking and applying, got a job paying $10.00/hr at the Villages Regional Hospital, with healthcare insurance. He's lucky he CAN work, what if his health didn't allow it? What if he had a recurrance and couldn't work?

One of my daughters has MS, is in her early 30s, doing well, and has a good job. What if she starts not doing well, can't work anymore, and has to find coverage after her 18 mos of Cobra (assuming she lost her job because of her health)? Whom do you think might insure her and at what cost?

I'm currently on Cobra, my co. closed its office Dec. 31st. I've been applying for jobs ever since - had 1 interview. I'm lucky - I think I can afford to retire. Am afraid to get a physical (which my Cobra policy would cover) because I don't want to be diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I was borderline last year. I'm almost 60. I will have to get a private helathcare policy next July.

I have a nephew who is a senior in college, diagnosed a couple of years ago with ulcerative colitis. He graduates soon, who knows if he can get a job with healthcare insurance. He's not brilliant, just an average kid. Do you think he could get his own policy at a reasonable cost?

Do you truly think this is fair? Do you really not see the need for healthcare reform? Under what rock are you living???? Sorry, but this subject just pushes my buttons.