Health care in this country is in trouble.  Between soaring costs and costly mistakes, it’s a wonder anyone makes it to their doctor anymore.  As someone who works in the health care industry, albeit not in a clinical capacity, I see day in and day out the many reasons for health care reform. Insurance companies charge expensive premiums to only fight you on coverage.  Doctors are caught between caring for their patients and filling out endless reams of paperwork. Patients have no clue how to handle their medical bills or deal with the insurance companies.

With the latest health reform legislation, I see good and I see bad.  But what I find most irritating, is not one politician is into telling the truth.  I feel the republicans are more interested in lying and coming up with the most absurd comment for the day than actually helping the American people.  Being the party of “No” is not helping anyone.  We need jobs, health care, and more funding for education.  We don’t need politicians blocking every bill just because they can.

I’m frustrated with the democrats, as well, and I consider myself one.  I feel they are more interested in gloating and trying to push things through Congress than actually listening and telling what legislation will actually do.  I would have more respect for the Democrats and the White House if they would stop and breathe for a second before pushing legislation through with obscure Congressional Rules.

I’m tired of additional laws being added on to legislation that have nothing to do with each other.  Case in point, school loan legislation being added on to health care reform.  I think the student loan legislation will help a lot of people, but pass it on it’s own merit!  At the same time, politicians are holding out for pet projects for their states.  I live in Illinois, I don’t feel I should have to pay for your pet project in Nebraska just because you can hold out your vote for the highest bid.

Last but not least, I’m tired of the average American citizen spouting off before they have a true understanding of what the legislation will do.  People complain that they don’t want the government to interfere with their health care.  What do insurance companies do everyday?  And we keep paying their ridiculous premiums.  People complain about the health insurance mandate.  Ummm… how about auto insurance?  I’m not 100% sure but I think just about every state requires a driver to have auto insurance to drive?  I know my bank requires us to buy house insurance every year. The uninsured is one the main factors driving health care costs.  Mandating everyone to have health insurance will drive down premiums for the average American and help to reduce overall health care costs.

As Americans and patients, we need to educate ourselves, not spout off the latest sound bite from politicians. We need to work together to solve problems, not attack each other at every chance. We need to make better choices whether it be our lifestyles, health care or candidates for public office.  Educate yourself, be bipartisan, and make better choices, or keep your mouth shut!