Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comSteven Jones, 18, got limited care from charity, Medicaid after being shot in the face in 2006
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Giffords' care will be the best, BUT it is not typical of what government workers can expect. When I was injured I had to fight the Labor Dept. tooth and nail to get my worker's compensation and it took three years for them pay some of the providers who were ready to send the bills to collection agencies. Without help from my Senator I would have been screwed over. The second time I was hurt at work they said they didn't cover heart conditions so my Blue Cross had to pay for it and they don't pay everything, I had to pay what was left and Blue Cross didn't pay for rehabilitation either. So don't think that Government Workers are getting the best benefits; good, sort of, but not the gold plated version. Heck, even the military gets crappy care from the VA if they can qualify to get care without a fight.
You were not an government official of higher caliber. At least that is what the US is telling you. The regular US citiizen is NOT important enough for our government except to subsidize the beast with our tax dollars.
I am happy for Gabby Giffords’ quick recovery. It’s just hard not to feel bittersweet while my husband, Steve, lays in bed, essentially bedridden after suffering a head and neck injury at work nearly a year ago. Workers Comp - the same system that Gabby Giffords' apparently falls under - has done everything possible to continually delay medical treatment. Steve hasn’t received much care at all, except for narcotics and other medications that cover but don’t treat the cause of his pain. Oxycontin, Percocet, Flexeril, Ambien, Topamax, Imitrex, Prilosec, Laxatives... His career as a commercial pilot is likely over due to his injuries, his benefits don't begin to cover the salary he once earned, and the benefits end after 2 years under Florida's system. We are preparing to lose our house. Chief Neurosurgeons and rehabilitation don’t exist in "our" Workers’ Comp system. (We live in California but his injury happened while flying over Florida and his company is based in Florida.) Our primary insurance providers refuse to treat Steve because they say that his condition is due to his work injury, while the W/C carrier, Chubb Insurance, refuses to treat Steve because they say they say that his work injury limits treatment to his neck, period. And they are disputing the neck surgery recommended by a W/C neurosurgeon that he finally saw last November...8 months after his accident! It is a hellish nightmare of bureaucracy that has left me not knowing where to turn. Once active, fit, and vibrant, I have painfully witnessed my husband disintegrate into a frail, emaciated man. Last week I finally convinced a neurologist to see him outside the Workers' Comp system he diagnosed Steve with a traumatic brain injury and several herniated disks in his C-spine and L-spine. He told us that the Workers' Comp system keeps patients sick and he would have nothing to do with it. I'm happy to hear Gabby is recovering but Steve's "work injury" has been devastating for our family due to lack of quality heathcare under Workers' Compensation.
only in america is money more important than your health ... Our elected officials see no harm in using taxpayers dollars to protect themselfs ... We have to blame ourselves by allowing this scam to go on ...
I'm glad that her care is covered. I'm really sorry others don't have the same coverage. My youngest brother struggled for years after his traumatic brain injury from a car accident. He had absolutely no therapy after he was released from the hospital. He couldn't find work and wasn't able to fill out forms for disability coverage. He was ashamed and somehow managed to hide from those who loved him. The star of our family died broke, hungry, and alone 11 years ago. Such a waste. Our country can do better.
I am sorry he could not find work, he should have received disability. He needed a good injury lawyer, so sorry for your loss.
A government that allows it's people to suffer with health conditions for lack of money to pay for it through no fault of their own should not go around the world telling how great it is when it comes to human rights and all the other great freedoms they brag about.... Then sit in washington with the greatest health coverage money can buy just for themselfs and you the people that pay for their coverage must figured it out on your own and take what ever the insurance company wants to pay for.... Our elected officials don't have that problem they help the insurance companies to write the rules that others must live by...
I can only say that Gabby Giffords agrees with you completely on the need for good health care for everyone.
Worker's Comp is a JOKE!
Try being a teacher and getting assaulted from behind, by a student who was special ed and you did not know and never saw until the day he was escorted into your classroom. 30 minutes later, he attacks you from behind and somehow it becomes your fault. The WC insurance company saying there is nothing wrong with you, but your in pain. Three MD's who treated you, all say different. You paid for most of your own care. After the assault, get fired so that you cannot tell....if you say something, your just a disgruntled employee....you also lose your insurance. Comp does not pay your weekly benifit either....FOUR +YEARS later....still fighting for money that is owed me.
NOTE* What ever you do...DON'T GO OUT ON COMP!!!!!
lie and say it happened at home. Use your short term disability and heath care insurance. Get treatment, recover and go back to work.
Dump worker's comp!
If Ms Gifford for whatever reason cannot return to her duties, you know she will not have any problem receiving disability payments. Disabled or not disabled our government officials are set for life.
Hange in there.... surely there is a light somewhere for you
Thank you
Seriously? A teacher who can't spell nor use grammar correctly? Sounds fishy to me. Or even worse - it is true. We wonder why our children are so poorly educated. YIKES.
Thank you for being so nice. Life goes on. Fortunatly for me, I have a loving family and a lot of emotional and financial support. I'm looking into alternative self employment.
Why should Ms Gifford receive better treatment than those listed in the article? Rationing of health care benefits is what we have and accordingly have always had. Ms Gifford's affordability for health care indicates the sad state of our health care. Why should anyone be denied the same care she is receiving? What makes Ms Gifford more important than any other citizen of the US? Our representatives and government officials should have to be covered by the same insurance they insist on suffocating their constituents. If Ms Gifford and her family had to endure the same frustrating health care the patients and their families have had to combat in the article, I can just about BET you Ms Gifford and fellow officials would make drastic changes to health care. It is this idea of privilege that most Americans find intolerable. We are all created equal and that has nothing to do with any religion or faith. We are all humans and in the US all citizens should be allowed the same GREAT healthcare Ms Gifford has received.
thank you
Yet another story of the sad state of health care in America. Instead of acting to care for our citizens, the current Republican House and Republican Senators instead are intent on making political hay on the backs of the sick and dying. Of course, selfishness is a basic element of the Republican Party - the party of " I got mine. Screw you if you didn't."
To rationalthinker: Once again this traygety has been politicized by the left for political gain as was done by an electided official of this great city, Do us all a favor and keep you're ignorant political byas opinions to you're self and quit being part of the problem and try if possible helping with a solution.
Well "someone who cares," it isn't ignorant to look at real world examples like Gifford case in order to highlight deficiencies and/or unfair treatment in the system. And "helping with a solution" is definitely different than maintaining the status quo which is what the Republicans want to do with healthcare. Actually, let me ammend that statement since the Republicans proposal would actually INCREASE the number of uninsured people over the next ten years.
Yes, it is sad that in the richest country, America, access to quality rehab after a brain injury is limited for some people. However, Senator Giffords was a supporter of greater access for all to affordable health care and signed the bill for this. I am sure that if it were up to her, everyone in this country would have access to the best care. I am also sure that she would advocate for more care for mentally ill individuals and early intervention in cases like the man who shot her.
I hope she recovers fully and fights for us that need the same care she got. I had a stroke 2yrs ago and still am recovering and spent 3 months in a rehab hospital. They do wonderful work but now I have no insurance and am bankrupt because of my health. People you are all just 1 bad dday away from this nightmare and you can lose everything. I hope this will wake everyone up about healthcare. God bless Gabbie and hope her rehab goes well. It is a tough struggle.
VERY well said, mountainsister.
Our political leaders have great coverage- why would they care about the rest of Americans with no or limited health care? Let the private sector offer coverage, allow the insurance and pharmaceutical companies continue making profits with no regard for offering true health. Rationalthinker- spot on! I got mine attitude can not be part of the American psyche- we need to be better than that.
We can send millions of dollars to other countries but we can't take care of our people here. Something is wrong with this picture.
So much for equality.
Yes and that has been their mantra since the good 'ole "trickle down" theory! I am disabled and do I get the same treatment as a politician? of course not, nor will any one who isn't a rich republican constituent that can afford the "Cadillac" type insurance that these politicians have voted for themselves! I have not seen them vote themselves a pay cut to go along with this current economy, yet they have not given those on SS any cost of living raises for two years!! What a bunch of cowardly hypocrites!!
Uh...the democrats and the government union member also receive benefits from these Cadillac plans.
There are no "Rich Democrati Constituents"?Come now let's be fair......
Think of the number of TBI wounded service men and women who are also struggling with these injuries and how inadequate much of their rehab care is. Without some one to advocate for the patient, the bureaucratic systems (public and private) are more than willing to let the expensive rehab cases just slip on through the crack.
I am truly grateful that Congresswoman Gifford is being given outstanding medical care for the tragic event that occurred in Tucson. Howeve,r in God's eyes we are all equal and it is an equal tragedy that the majority of citizens in our country are not given the identical care that the Congresswoman is being afforded. Somehow I believe that Congresswoman Gifford would completey agree that all of us should be given the same medical care as members of humanity not just members of congress.
Just so you understand that "equal for all" does mean less for all. We cannot afford "Cadillac" care for all. With only half of the country paying federal income taxes, the government can't afford to give everyone unlimited, quality care. Afterall, the government is you - assuming that you are a taxpayer.
If everyone agrees to fewer benefits so that all can be covered, that is one choice. I agree that our government has spent foolishly however, it is water under the bridge. We cannot afford it now.
Although I am extremely happy for the improvements in Ms Giffords condition I have to wonder why those that essentially work for us "the taxpayers" have unconditional benefits while we "the taxpayers" who foot the bill for these benefits are not granted the same unlimited care. Those that are determined to do away with an affordable healthcare bill that will benefit the citizens of this country should stop being the hypocrites they have shown themselves to be and renounce their government subsidized healthcare plans. Yeah like that'll ever happen.
There you go better health care for the weathly and famous. SUCKS!!!
It is sad that we can raise billions for other countries, but we cannot take care of our own that need the care. It is nice that Giffords gets to get 100 percent care and hopefully will recover to 98 percent or better like Bob Woodward. Others should have the same chance. I am a Veteran and I see that the Veterans coming home today in pieces are being discharged and left to fend for themselves, contrary to the picture that the Government puts outs. Those that you see are Officers that get the most care.
I agree with you that we can raise billions for other countries but nothing for our own county. Our Veterans should not have to worry about how they are going to get the help they need it should be taken care of with the same skill and resouces that the congresswoman in receiving.
I totally sympathize w. Steven and his family. My son suffered a TBI (and other injuries) in a horrific car crash. His emergent care was covered by my family medical plan. However, funds were limited for his rehab. Indeed, he spent more time travelling to out-patient rehab than time spent in rehabilitation. At 28, as a result of his injury, he has anger management issues, sequencing difficulties, and judgment problems. Like Steven, we don't know what he may have been, but we know he will be with us for a long time, and then what?
Even though she gets preferential treatment, paid for by my tax dollars, while I may not get Social Security, I pray for Sen. Giffords' recovery because, as a supporter of accessible medical care, her full recovery may ensure her devotion to such a cause.
This is the way Republicans and some Dems. want it. They NEVER suffer and get the world's best welfare.
If they're so against "Obamacare", why doesn't congress graciously give up their government healthcare (and their +$80,000 lifetime pensions after they're booted out of office)?
Giffords and everyone else should get the best healthcare possible, but they really know how to give us a lecture on entitlements and "free-enterprise".
Health care in the USA is and always will be inconsistant. If you are very poor or very rich you get taken care of. if you are the middle class person you are paying through the nose and getting minimal care. Life is not fair to all.
It would be interesting to find out how much more rehabilitation care Steven would have received under Obama's Health Plan requirements (if it was in force) as compared to the typical (average) current health plans, including whether there would be a maximum coverage when comparing the Obama Health the two plans.
Does anyone know?
MartyG
Concur with Paul, The number of Veterans that have come home with brain injuries are pretty much left to the responsibility of their family or on their own fighting for everything and this is tragic.
Rational Thinker......your out in left field Buddy, it doesnt matter if your a Republican or Democrat, the issue is about the care and rehabilitation the good Senator received in comparison to the regular every day citizen of the US regardless of what party they represent!
Some get better health services than others especially where is pertains to civil servants. According to some in congress the decrepancy in health services does not exist. It's tort reform, less regulation and, for-profit hospitals that will make everything better.