Americans who have health insurance provided through work or Medicare can't fully understand the struggle of those who must pay for their own medical insurance and healthcare services. I understand that opinion and would feel the same if my employer covered most of the cost of my coverage.

I chose to be self employed as a younger man. I fully except the consequences of that decision. My challenge is affording healthcare at 63 years of age.

Costs for any medical procedure is outrageous today. The same procedures can be performed out of the country for far less than here. A few hundred thousand Americans travel abroad every year to receive healthcare.

We're fed a lot of propaganda from those who prosper under our current system. Health insurance is unaffordable as well. Even after paying the premium, many people have a $5,000 - $7,000 out of pocket expense to meet.

Unfortunately, healthcare has become politicized and neither side is willing to work together to bring down healthcare costs. Republicans have no intention of trying to solve this issue. It's politically damaging. Just ask Mitch McConnell. And the Democrats want a full government takeover. What has government ever done cost effectively? 

That puts people like me in a difficult position. I make too much money for a tax subsidy and not enough to afford medical care. I've worked my entire life and provided for myself to the best of my ability. It's a no win situation for people like me. There are millions of Americans dealing with this same problem.

I will be eligible for Medicare in two years. Until then, I'll do what I can to survive. But, I will not give up my life savings. I'd rather be dead than broke.

David Blancett

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I read with interest the article presented by Mr. David Blancett and I wholeheartedly agree.

The health insurance dilemma is one of, if not the biggest problem in America today. It is designed by Big Business and Big Pharma to separate the citizens from their money and has decimated the middle class. Probably 70 percent of Americans are one serious medical event away from bankruptcy and or homelessness. I know because I was semi-retired in 2010 and depended on COBRA Insurance for myself and my wife. We were paying $1,500 a month in 2014 until I found employment including health insurance. It really chaps me that not one single Congress person has even made mention of it, much less done anything about it.

In my humble opinion it is the root of many of the ills we suffer in this country now. Back in the mid 90’s health insurance companies cut mental health coverage from their polices. Then they proceeded to raise their rates with double digit increases every year. Sometimes as much as 25 percent or more. The result is what we are experiencing now with mentally Ill people covering our streets and sidewalks and no one accepting responsibility.

What do you think would happen if we cut Congressional pay and benefits 25 percent a year?

Wake up, America!

Mickey Spence