Impact of HR 4872 on an Uninsured American with Psoriasis

The new health care bill has been the source of significant stink. Everyone's got an opinion on the subject, and most of the ones I've heard aren't favorable. I live in Pennsylvania - one of several states pursuing legal action against this bill. Personally, I can't understand why more people aren't championing this bill as President Obama making good on his campaign promises of change. This may be due to my vested interest in the new legislature - being able to afford health care will improve my quality of life.

I've been fortunate enough to enjoy good health for most of my life. I've had colds, and a bout with chicken pox, but nothing terribly serious -- until 2004, when I was diagnosed with psoriasis. This is a very common skin condition: according to the National Psoriasis Foundation it affects over 100 million people worldwide . My case is moderate, meaning that at any given time 3-10% of my body is covered with affected skin (sometimes even more). Some of the locations I suffer psoriasis outbreaks stay covered, such as my lower back and the backs of my thighs. Others, like my face and elbows, aren't so easy to hide. To say that psoriasis has affected my self-esteem would be an understatement. I've actually been denied jobs based on my condition, which feels every bit as devastating as it sounds. Being a young woman was difficult enough before psoriasis came knocking, but walking around with a condition that makes me feel like a leper takes things to a whole new level. Psoriasis is not just a cosmetic issue, but its effects on self-esteem cannot be overlooked.

In the years following my diagnosis, I've had limited access to medical care. Since 2006, none of the jobs I've held have offered health insurance benefits due to employer costs. As a college student, it's been impossible to find a job that pays enough to support myself and pay for medical coverage. Having psoriasis has also made me fearful of finding a job that offers health benefits, considering I have a "pre-existing condition" that might deem me too expensive to insure.

Lack of insurance has caused me to seek treatment in unusual ways. I've sought opinions from medical professionals in my family. I've self-treated, using sites like WebMD and some good old-fashioned Google research. I've been seen at health clinics whenever possible - which has only been a few times due to their overwhelming wait lists. Last but not least, I've swallowed my pride and applied for government-subsidized health benefits - though welfare. They also have a long waiting list, so for now I can only self-treat and pray that nothing more serious happens. All in all, it's a stressful situation - which gets made worse since psoriasis outbreaks can be brought on by stress. It's a vicious cycle that can only be broken by proper medical treatment.

For me, the new legislature is a light at the end of the tunnel. Under the new bill, I will be able to afford insurance. The bill offers cost sharing and lower rates for people who make within 400% of the federal poverty level. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, the poverty level was $10,830 for a single person in 2009 - 400% would be an annual income of over $43,000. I make much less. Knowing the government will automatically give me a hand - rather than me having to beg for a handout - really eases my mind. Most importantly, I won't need to worry about being rejected by insurance providers. Over the course of the next few years, it will become illegal to deny me insurance coverage based on my pre-existing condition. I'll finally have access to real treatment for my psoriasis - prescription-strength drugs and ointments to help me minimize outbreaks, as well as UV light therapy to manage more severe outbreaks. I'll look better, feel better, and never have to worry about being turned down for a job because of my skin's appearance again.

Sources:

National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis Statistics & Psoriasis Research Info.

U.S. Government, Department of Health and Human Services. 2009 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

U.S. Government. H.R. 4872.