Reply #188: To the people on this thread who sadly think this is a token gesture

[Politicub]

If you've ever gone through the fear of having your loved one in the hospital as I have, you will not understand the sheer terror of the prospect of the hospital admin or their family not letting you back to see them or care for them.

My partner was in an accident in Georgia and rushed to the hospital. I was terrified that I would get the run around in this backward state or be asked to not be in his room at night to help care for him. Luckily his brother said it was OK that I be there. So can you imagine how horrific it would be if your partner was unconscious or dying and you would be denied seeing him or her? Or if their family stopped you from being at their side? This type of cruelty happens all too frequently.

So fuck the naysayers on this thread. I don't think any them know what they're talking about or they're just always negative.

There will be a powerful enforcement of the new rules, or hospitals will be sanctioned for not following the medicare/medicaid regulations.

I don't know where you live or your relationship status, but I am suspicious of anyone who would kick sand in the eye of progress, no matter how "token" it may be. And you are mistaken about the line many are quoting from the memo about the new rule that will go on the books not being enforceable. The memo is correct in saying that a memorandum can not be enforced. But the rule change to medicare and medicaid will certainly be enforced.

President Obama has started the ball rolling for a tremendous gift to most of us - GLBT, unmarried couples, friends, etc.

I'm just so livid reading some of these replies. If you don't like this "token" or it is beneath you, please, don't take advantage of it.