Make me pay more

By Adam Ross

I’m 28, healthy and willing to pay more so that all Americans can afford health care. Call me an ignorant idealist -- Michael Gerson does in this latest column, in which he argues that paying for health-care reform will require Congress to selfishly shift another burden from old to young. But my mother can’t afford health insurance. She is 59, has never had a serious illness, doesn’t smoke and exercises regularly. Blue Cross Blue Shield quoted her $500 a month for coverage, which is more than a retiree should have to pay.

In the case of health care, it’s not a burden we’re shifting, it’s a responsibility. It’s my responsibility and one day it will be my children’s responsibility to pay disproportionately into the health-care system. Universal health coverage can’t be achieved solely on the backs of America’s young, but if we can do more, we should. Americans my parents’ age -- people who now walk slower, eat more, see less and, yes, require more medical attention -- gave me all I have. So, Mr. Gerson, your next CAT scan is on me.

Comments

Bravo, Adam. I'm with you. God knows we have lot's of money taken from our pay checks for things much less important than the health of our seniors. Conservatives will argue that we don't need the government to take care of us, but there are some things that require the participation of all citizens, such as defense. Healthcare is also one of those things. American's are very infrequently called upon to sacrafice for the sake of others. That's a shame. Like our parents told us "it builds character".

Posted by: mdonnelly1 | November 5, 2009 5:06 PM | Report abuse