Why I’m jealous of my dog’s insurance [View all]
Nelson’s doctors found the bulge in his abdomen on a Monday. An ultrasound and a CT scan showed that a mass was crowding out his stomach and kidneys. It was one of the largest the doctors had ever seen. If they didn’t do something, he’d be dead in a couple of days.
The hospital gave him a blood transfusion because he was anemic. A radiologist noticed that something might be wrong with his adrenal gland. His surgical team removed what turned out to be a 12.5-pound tumor, lifting it out like an overgrown newborn. Nelson’s intensive-care nurse called his family that night, and his internists gave them regular updates until he was discharged.
Nelson’s health insurance covered 90 percent of the costs after a reasonable $500 deductible. I’m happy that he has such good health coverage. He’s my dog.
And I’m jealous of him. Nelson has the kind of health care that I’d hoped the Affordable Care Act would usher in for those who, like my wife and me, have to buy health insurance on the open market. I’d long been frustrated at how health care shackles people to corporate jobs. I believed this legislation, signed four years ago this month, would free people to pursue their dreams, start new companies and not worry about the health insurance penalty.
More at http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/sunday-commentary/20140328-why-im-jealous-of-my-dogs-insurance.ece .
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