Guaranteed Healthcare

For the last two years I have been only sporadically insured, depending on whether I have an employer that will provide it. It's not that I can't hold a job, but my choices of income are considered self-employment. The argument by some is that I need to find a different line of work that provides the benefits I need, but in this capitalist economy, if I fill a niche in the market and enjoy my work, shouldn't I be entitled to the same health coverage as everyone else?

Apparently, the answer is "no". Truthfully, I am insulted and saddened by the fact that I live a society where my life is less valued than that of a criminal or suspected terrorist. Since I have no coverage of health insurance, and have tried to apply for insurance on several occasions, each time receiving a notice of denial. For the record, I am a healthy athlete who participates in triathlons, multi-sport endurance races, and soccer matches, to name a few. Over the past four years I have trained university athletes (as head coach of a soccer team), and take pride in being able to maintain a high level of fitness, not only as an example to my players, but for my own benefit as well. I keep myself informed on the most current studies concerning health, diet and exercise, and can confidently ascertain that my level of fitness is on par with many professional athletes.

My greatest health concern at this time in my life is the risk of catastrophic events, however, the insurance industry suggests that I am too much of a risk to offer coverage. Things such as migraines and an irregular heartbeat (a very minor one, that I had checked out as a precaution and was never treated for), have been absent for years, but listed as reasons for being denied, as they occurred in the past ten years. I have no major health problems that require monitoring more than during a yearly checkup, and the most complicated procedure I've ever had was the removal of my wisdom teeth.

It's absurd that I am pooled with high risk patients and my only option seems to be California's Major Risk Medical Insurance Program. At this point in my life I am still trying to establish myself, and cannot afford the premiums of high risk insurance plans, so I am forced to risk the perils of being uninsured. Without the security of health insurance I find myself making risk assessments nearly every time I step out the door. I enjoy the outdoors, but is mountain biking too dangerous of an activity for the uninsured? Skiing? Soccer? What if I'm hit by a car on my morning run? What if I slip in the bathroom? Chances are that I probably won't die in the near future from a lack of health care, but a crippling injury could put me in debt for the rest of my life. But for 47 million of us, death might be the best option if we ever find ourselves in that situation.