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I think I speak for many as I continue to age, necessarily requiring more encounters with our healthcare system. It has become more than academic for me now.
Yes, I used to speak of our need for a single-payer healthcare system plan in the U.S. I reminded people I knew about the fact that we are the only industrialized nation in the world that doesn’t provide healthcare for its citizens. And I participated in organizations and committees volunteering to encourage my political representatives to make the changes needed to bring about that end. Was it all for nothing? Now that I truly need healthcare where am I?
Our Maine hospitals are cutting departments or even closing down for various reasons — Medicaid cuts, nurse shortages. Nursing homes, birthing centers and even local medical practices, especially in our more rural areas, are suffering as well. And we hear many explanations. OK so now what?
I have friends who have looked for solutions — everything from alternative medicine locally to traveling to specialized treatment centers in other states and even to using eye surgeries, dental care and joint replacement in other countries. I’m not likely to do any of these things. I’m simply hoping for my government to provide the healthcare we all need.
One thing I do know: The government we have now won’t come to my aid. I hope my fellow citizens will come to the polls in November and vote to make the necessary changes in governmental leadership. I believe the only hope for the changes we need will come under a government led by Democrats.
Betsy Braunhut
Deer Isle