Health care crisis?

So what's the problem with 47 million Americans lacking coverage?

Even those with insurance have reason to be concerned, economists say, because they end up paying for the uninsured in various ways. Some of the costs are also passed on to taxpayers and employers. To help cover the cost of treating the uninsured, hospitals often increase charges to other patients. Insurers then increase premiums for companies that provide health benefits, and they in turn shift some costs to employees.

Ms. Readling is engaged to be married in June, to another real estate agent. But she said she may postpone the wedding because she would not want her husband to be legally responsible for her medical bills.

“I am scared to get married because I don’t have insurance,” Ms. Readling said. “If I have to go to the hospital and I can’t pay my hospital bills, what happens? Do they go after him? Can they take your home?”

To collect unpaid medical bills, health care providers often obtain judgments against a patient’s spouse, as well as the patient, and file liens against their homes. Ms. Readling says she does not own a house, but her fiancé does.

And to think that this is a solidly middle class example. This is about someone who is working and making money. Within my own circle of family and friends I also know of retired Americans who are in a panicked state because of their health care coverage that is either becoming too costly or high deductibles are making them nervous, leaving them wondering about how they will be able to face the high cost of health care when they are on a fixed income. Isn't it strange how we could afford a war of convenience but are unable to fund health care for Americans. Strange times, indeed.