I don't know what to do to fix our health care system. But what I do know is that it's broken. Here are three things: two that frustrate and scare me and third a radio piece for you to listen to regarding health care. This is up for serious debate people. Educate yourself.

1) I battle migraines. Yesterday, I went to the pharmacy to refill a medication I take at the initial onset. Each refill of this medication contains six, count them six pills. If the first pill doesn't work, then the instructions say to take a second pill. I've done this a few times. So, when I went to pick up the prescription I filled over the phone I was told that it wouldn't be available until Sunday because my insurance company determined that I can only fill it once every 31 days. A phone call from the pharmacy to the insurance company for an override proved futile. So theoretically I could only have enough medication to treat three migraines per month. Mind you, I've been known to get three a week. My problem is, I'm under treatment and constant evaluation by a neurologist. Who is my insurance company to say that this limit of six pills is okay? I like to have these on hand at home and in my purse just in case. Because once I get a migraine, it's sinora to Sarah for the day. It's lights out, ear plugs in, no eating, no talking, no nothing. Just a sharp, ice pick pain to my left temple, repeatedly, for hours. These pills prevent that.

2) I have a friend who was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer four years ago. She thankfully received treatment and today is cancer free. However, her husband was laid off sometime last year, they lost their coverage and she found herself uninsurable due to her past illness. She was too high of a risk. Luckily she finally found a company who would cover her, but she now pays more in one month than her mortgage x2 in order to have it! I find this ridiculous.

3) I work extensively with billing insurance companies. To this day I'm shocked at how they finagle their way out of payment, responsibility and leave people hanging. Think I'm kidding? Listen to Act 3 of this recent This American Life. It's features the House subcommittees recent hearing on the health care industry and how buried in that industries fine print there is something called rescission--the act of taking away your insurance. These are insurance companies CEOs stating on the record that they do it.

You should be worried. It really could happen to any of us.
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