I like to share an local article in one of papers, ABOUT THE MEDCAID CUT HERE IN IDAHO.and here is my comment to the facebook page about Idaho Medcaid...There’s no doubt that our healthcare system needs improvement—but cutting people off Medicaid will only make things worse.
Here in Idaho, qualifying for Medicaid is extremely difficult. The income limits are tight:
A single person can’t earn more than $1,800/month.
A two-person household is limited to $2,433/month.
A family of three: $3,065/month.
And four people: $3,598/month.
These numbers alone show how many working families fall through the cracks. Even if you’re working full time, you may still earn just enough to not qualify—but not enough to afford private insurance. And that’s just the income side. There are resource limits too. Depending on the program, your home and assets might be counted, and when a person dies, the state can come after their estate to recoup costs paid by Medicaid. That’s a scary reality.
In most of my adult life, I’ve had no health insurance. When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) passed, it was the first time I had some sense of medical security. It was a turning point. I’ve never understood why the U.S. doesn’t have some kind of single-payer system, where people can buy in by paying a percentage of their income. That way, we could share the responsibility—and people wouldn’t have to fear losing everything just because they got sick.
Maybe I’m being a little self-centered—I know I’m scared of losing what little we have. But I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that way. Kicking people off Medicaid doesn’t fix our system. It makes the gaps wider, and the safety net smaller. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But I do know this: we can’t afford to let people slip through the cracks—especially in rural communities like ours.
I'm linking the BONNERS FERRY FACEOOK PAGE. Not sure if it will work or not. But by some of them comments. Some people think it funny that people is loosing there medical insurance.
I just need to learn to pace myself. Not sure if I over did and hurt my hip. The next day I felt fine. Plus I tried to cut back on my MELOXICAM. See the last time I saw my doctor. I told my doctor I didn't think the Meloxicam was all that effective. I still hurt. She suggest I go off of it for a few days. And see where my pain level was. By the third day my pain level was sitting at 8.5 to 9. A few time I was about ready to go to the emergency room. So I got back on the Meloxicam, and the worst my pain has been was 3.75. I can mange on that. Actual I have fairly high pain tolerance. Plus on my left side I have Osteoarthritis. Then there lack of muscle tone. If my muscle tone was tighter it would help my joints.
Clean the toilet, and start anther quilt block. Now for the embroidery blocks I have just passed over the half way point. On number 7 out of 12.
It really is a crazy system where those who need medical assistance might end up without any coverage.
ReplyDeleteIt’s heartbreaking to hear how many hardworking families are caught between earning just enough to be disqualified yet not enough to afford insurance. Your perspective reminds us all how fragile the safety net can be, especially in rural places where options are limited.
ReplyDeleteI hope you’re taking care with your hip — pacing yourself sounds wise, though it’s frustrating when pain gets in the way. It’s good you’re listening to your body and working with your doctor to find the right balance with medication. High pain tolerance can be a strength, but it’s still important to give yourself grace.
And on a brighter note, your quilting progress is inspiring. There’s something deeply comforting about creating stitches and blocks—almost like building a little sanctuary with each one. What kind of embroidery designs are you working on?
You are not at all self-centered. When it comes to Medicaid, I don't think Idaho is any different from Michigan or any other state -- there are enormous numbers of people who are going to fall through the cracks and have no medical care whatsoever. It breaks my heart. I am lucky with insurance-- my university program was excellent and I got to keep it as a retiree. I never forget it for a minute that I am extremely lucky, especially as I have many somewhat serious (at bay) medical issues requiring both doc appointments and medication. Rick, on the other hand, as a self-employed person, now has Medicare but for years no real insurance to speak of and then finally Obamacare. Very useful when you end up in the hospital with a cycling accident. (We've often said that the primary reason we might someday get married after 30 years together is my insurance!)
ReplyDeleteI hope your hip is easing and the meds are helping. Pain is wretched and when your hip hurts it messes up everything you do, from getting up from the couch to walking. Hang in there.
People have been brainwashed into believing that medical insurance for all would be too expensive. That it'll hurt them personally. And they won't be dissuaded.
ReplyDeleteAwful about medicaid threat
ReplyDeleteI couldn't imagine living in a country without universal health care.. it would be like only the rich receiving food or housing. Thankfully I have only lived in 3 countries, and felt well protected medically....and this was particularly important when the children were young
ReplyDelete...health care should be luxury.
ReplyDeleteRating our pain level is difficult. A 4 for one person might be an 8 for another. Good luck with Medicaid.
ReplyDeleteI almost cry every time I read of all the cuts Trump is making just so the rich can have more. He needs to be impeached or voted out or omething else that means he is no longer president, he certainly doesn't deserve to be.
ReplyDeleteCutting out the middle man, the big insurance companies, might really bring down medical costs. I don't know. Lots of people around here are going to lose it too, and probably a lot of other things. Big huge rich companies like Walmart need to pay their employees enough so they can get medical insurance instead of medicaid. Lots of companies do that, to save on costs and let the bosses and shareholders get richer.
ReplyDeleteOur medical system is crap. Full stop.
ReplyDeleteI’ve always had good medical insurance. Even with insurance…ugh….
The threat to Medicaid is awful. People will suffer.
ReplyDelete25 years ago, I wrote that real health care reform won't happen until we have people dying on the streets for lack of access to health care. This is a double whammy, especially in rural areas with large numbers of lower income families, many rural hospitals are at risk of closing as the majority of their patients are covered by Medicaid. Kentucky published a list of 35 rural hospitals that are expected to close in the first year.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you – Obamacare was a helpful step forward in the U.S., and it's truly disturbing to read about the decline in your healthcare system. (Though sadly, it’s no surprise that things haven’t improved under Trump…) 😞
ReplyDeleteHere in Austria, I grew up with a public social insurance system. That meant my parents, as working people, were covered for illness and unemployment, and I was automatically insured as their child. The contribution was simply deducted from their wages – no one felt they were “losing” something that used to land in their bank account. It just felt normal and fair.
Wishing you all the best for your health, and a good start into August!
Warm greetings from Austria,
Traude
🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/07/musikalischer-juli-blogparade-urban.html
I hope your hip feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan