Guaranteed Healthcare

I had MediCal for many years, and with it always had access to sufficient choice and quality of care. My then-diagnosed conditions, ulcerative colitis and ovarian teratoma/dermoid cyst were supposed to be monitored and proper diagnostic testing administered periodically. After losing eligibility for MediCal in 1995, I joined the National Association for Female Executives in order to be eligible for their group health insurance. I had United Healthcare through that arrangement for a time, but when my rate went from $258.62 monthly to $895.02 monthly, because I used the insurance, I no longer had access. I also applied for SSI, which would have given me MediCal, but was declined even though I am unable to be employed. I am medically uninsurable.

In 1996, my boyfriend moved in with me and has provided the sole support of the household ever since through his jobs as potter, dishwasher and newspaper jogger. While insurance is offered for purchase through his job, it is not possible for us to do that and still pay the rent. He has lost most of his teeth and has a family history of heart conditions. We both need appropriate medical, dental and vision care provided by the professionals of our choice. Since we cannot have that, we either go without, or on rare occasion use the emergency room. He has never done that, as he has seen what incompetent yet expensive care I received.

In April 2007, I awoke with extreme pain in my shoulder that radiated to my chest. I asked myself whether I should go to ER, because such visits are usually futile. Of course, I wouldn't have had to ask myself the question if I had a doctor of my choice, because I would have had appropriate care sooner. I thought about how much the man lying in bed next to me loved me and needed me, and about my granddaughter who loves us both so much. And I knew that medical professionals do save lives on occasion. So we went to ER. I was treated as though I were having a heart attack, and staff there wanted to inject me with a drug that would push my heart to the limit - and then after doing that, they would "save" me with another drug. I don't need to attend medical school to know that such a concept is dangerous, so I opted instead for using a treadmill to stress myself. After all, I know I can stop my feet, but I have no confidence in the foolish use of drugs and "science". After 17 hours or so, it was determined that I did not have a heart attack and my heart was fine. However, I was not diagnosed at all, even though more blood testing could have been done concurrently to diagnose my condition.

I had heard of a particular medical group that would take patients without their paying first, so I went to a doctor there and found I had tendonitis in my shoulder. I was glad to know what was causing the pain and making me unable to use my arm, but this doctor strongly pushes drugs like Chantix and Cymbalta, and that kind of doctor is not one I would ever choose.

My medical expenses for that ER visit total over $11,000. That and related medical services bills will be turned over to collection agencies. We cannot pay any part of the bills.