How Health Care Reform Would Affect Me

With the election of President Barack Obama, few things have weighed greater on the political conscience of Americans than that of the public health care debate. From a personal standpoint, I see many of the same things that continuously frustrate me about present day politics. Democrats and liberals are casting anyone who opposes the new health care bill ignorant, clueless, or simply selfish. Meanwhile, Republicans and conservatives seem to spend most of their time these days doing the political equivalent of cupping their hands firmly over their ears, stomping their feet, and generating mindless noise--all with the simple goal of denying their "opposition" the ability to claim a success. Neither of these approaches toward the issue particularly appeal to me.

Full disclaimer: I'm a registered independent, but I can't say I'm without strong leanings--it's just that most of them contradict with one another when placed in the context of a single ideology. I'm generally a fiscal conservative with strongly liberal social leanings. When an issue such as the current health care bill arises, these values begin to pull me in entirely opposite directions. An action has been proposed which holds the potential to improve general well being--but at a cost that could stretch far beyond the impact of money.

I'm bothered by the fact that some are unwilling to even discuss the merits of a government-run health care plan. In most cases, I avidly oppose placing anything other than lawmaking and the justice system in the hands of the state. While I haven't determined whether I support or oppose it in this particular case, I do believe it is at least worth the discussion. In select instances, the government can be a useful tool for the community--it provides a legitimate way for the public to collaborate and provide for one another.

The idea of public health care affects me on an extremely personal level. In recent discussions about the issue, people have often referred to personal situations and scenarios in an attempt to prove the necessity of state-sponsored health care. I believe that my own experience exists not as direct opposition, but as a very overlooked side of the issue which at least warrants caution.

I have an eighteen-year-old younger sister currently in her freshman year of college. When I was three, she was born with a rare heart defect by the name "Ebstein's Anomaly." The disease, which affects approximately 1 in 20,000 people, is characterized by a defective tricuspid valve. It carries a high risk of stroke, tissue damage, and blood clotting.

When she was fifteen years old, the condition had progressed to the point where open heart surgery became necessary. Doctors were able to make repairs to the faulty valve, and while the defect has not disappeared, her condition, quality of life, and future were significantly affected.

The surgery took place at the University of Michigan Hospital, where Edward Bove, M.D. practices. He is recognized around the world not only as an authority on this particular condition, but as one of the most renowned doctors of his time. Without Dr. Bove, it's possible, or even likely, that my sister would no longer be alive. Without the current American medical system, however, Edward Bove would likely not be the accomplished surgeon he is. Not only does the competitive American system encourage doctors to constantly improve their practices, it leads the world in countless fields of medical research and development.

The technology and knowledge required to preserve my sister's life are relative infants. Had she been born even a decade earlier, it's unlikely the life-saving surgery would have been available to her. I'm incredibly thankful to those involved in every aspect of these developments--and that includes supporters of the current competitive health care market. My family, for now, has dodged a bullet. I fear, however, that the introduction of socialized health care may severely slow the progress of research and prevent other families from doing the same.