Guaranteed Healthcare

As a pharmacy technician at a national retail pharmacy chain, I feel blessed and emotionally exhausted at the same time. I feel blessed that I have a job at a union store that negotiated for me a great package of benefits compared to what most Americans have or rather, what they do not have. I get satisfaction knowing that I help raise people's quality of life through my work.

Before starting this job, I was a student and had health insurance through my dad's work and after turning 23 I was fortunate that my dad was able to pay my COBRA premiums. As a recent graduate that could not find work, it was very hard for me to meet those demands alone.

I then tried to sign up for a personal plan because the COBRA premiums were too much. I was denied coverage because I had taken an antibiotic for an infection, had taken a followup visit to the MD, had an ultrasound done on my liver, and wanted to have surgery to correct my cross-bite. I was able to find temporary insurance and kept that until I found my job plus six months until I was eligible for health insurance through my union.

I consider myself to be very fortunate to have my health. I am a few extra pounds but my blood pressure is very good at the doctor's office and do not need to take any medication to treat a pre-existing condition whatsoever.

I am scared to leave my job though because I was denied health care coverage in the past. At the same time I am burnt out at my job because of dealing with insurance companies. I understand that costs need to be contained and that I am the first person people see when they react that their expensive antibiotic is not covered.

I am burnt out because I am tired of being blamed and twice have been accused of killing the patient for their medication not being covered by their insurance company. That is very hurtful and it is sad that because the workload is high almost all of the time, I have to be emotionally numb in order to help the most number of people. There are many problems in this health care system we currently have. I want to switch careers but I will do my best to help people get their medications in a caring manner until then.

I look forward to the day of single payer system where we can just put in the person's name, DOB, and social security or other number and the medication will be covered. There would be no need to waste time verifying eligibility and figuring out what information is needed. Patient care will dramatically improve!

Thank you for considering my point of view. Steven