[krying_krab]

You could have saved keystrokes by saying "I totally believe in the Capitalist version of Marx's Socialism-Wins theory. All socialist things will fall! MUAHAHAHA"

Please, approach the debate with some sensibility or an eye to analysis. This isn't a debate of ideologies, this isn't Marx vs. Smith, this is real people trying to get real health care, and not being able to.

[sixspeed]

When I was laid off a few months ago, I was told to call a Plan Administrator if I wanted to continue my health insurance plan out of my own pocket. Of course I wanted to - I've a family with 3 kids. When I called the woman she said she would send me the forms. The cost, she said, was around $600 per month for my Family Plan. "And let me give you some advice", she added. "If you are even one day late with a payment, your insurance will be canceled." "Don't be late with a payment."

That $600 is right around my total Unemployment Compensation. So yeah, I've little interest in debates on ideologies. I doubt any of the windbags above would be interested either if they had to decide between providing healthcare insurance for their family or paying their mortgage.

[bitdiddle]

Well don't lose hope. Look into a high deductible catastrophic policy that will cover you for the god forbid large events. That deduction requires you pay out of pocket for wellness care, visits for shots, strep throat, etc., but if you can buy one for a year out of savings it may be a cheaper option.

Never underestimate the kindness of strangers and don't be ashamed to let your doctors know your situation. Offer to trade services, presumably your reading HN so you can work with computers. I know a good number of doctors who get a lot of severely discounted home maintenance services from folks who got free or reduced payments for care.

But above all don't ever hesitate to sacrifice the mortgage payment for the sake of your children. They come first. You can swallow your pride and keep the mortgage and bank wolves away from the door for a good period of months by knowing a bit about the law.

I agree with you about ideology. This "healthcare" debate is really about a lot of issues boiling over in our society and it's not really a debate or discussion. There seems to be no common sense left.

[sixspeed]

Thanks man. Things are looking up considerably now. I was quite hesitant to comment on what had become a rather emotional issue for me. At any rate, I really appreciated your thoughtful response.