Healthcare and Bankruptcy - Has This Happened To You?

Thursday, June 28th, 2012 the Supreme Court decided it was constitutional to mandate health insurance.  This blog is not about my opinion – rather it’s what this decision can avoid.  So many people have had to file bankruptcy, Chapter 7 to get rid of their unsecured debt, and/or Chapter 13 to ultimately save their home because they could not afford to pay their medical expenses.  Devastating illness for many families has resulted in devastating bills.  It truly is heartbreaking to see folks who have worked hard all their lives and consequently had to file bankruptcy to get out from under the stacks of bills they incurred while fighting to get well.  Overwhelming debt puts a huge burden on any family and it’s especially difficult for the ‘patient’.  The guilt, responsibility and fear the ‘patient’ feels as a result of his/her illness is truly painful to witness.
I’m still a flower child at heart and frankly I really hate for our government to tell me what to do.  I promised this blog was not going to be about my political preferences, however, I can’t deny how long I resisted wearing my seatbelt just because it was the law.  Well, I’m older and hopefully a bit wiser and I for one truly hope this new law  eliminates people having to file bankruptcy because of their medical bills.  Fighting to get and stay well is hard enough.  Isn't that the point??