In case you have been living under a rock, you know by now the SCOTUS has ruled on the religious exemptions for Hobby Lobby (and the other company that escapes my name at the moment) regarding contraceptives. The point of this post is not to argue this ruling - in fact I'm probably the worst (read: boring) person to argue this with as I do not use hormonal birth control and if I did, I am blessed enough to be able to afford to pay for it. Thus, the whole thing is a really a moot point for me, personally. Sure, there are greater social implications to be argued, and I'm sure there are people much more interesting and qualified to debate with about this topic. The ruling did, however, make me start to think about my own life - and specifically my own medications - and how these federal, governmental based decisions actually affect me.
When Obamacare first went into effect, it truly had no impact on my personally whatsoever. I already held qualifying health insurance through my employer and when I left that position was easily able to obtain private insurance. However, about 6 months ago I got a shock when checking out at CVS. In the new year, with the new regulations, my prescription was no longer covered by my insurance. Let me introduce you to cobalamin, aka chemical B12:
I was diagnosed with pernicious anemia over four years ago after several episodes of unexplained syncope. I get the pleasure of injecting myself with cobalamin weekly - and I have the bruises to prove it. Without this drug, I will not survive. And yet, it miraculously stopped being covered by my insurance under the new federal regulations. And while yes, many people who did not previously have access to health care previously now do, I wonder how many people are in my same position. How many people now have access to health care coverage, but that health care coverage doesn't actually cover the things people need?
This is why I have such a hard time when people make such a big deal about contraception being covered. Remember, we aren't talking about making contraception legal, people still have access to it, we're talking about funding it. It is a hot topic with lots of religious and political routes - and let's be honest - people love to talk about both on social media. All the time.
And believe me, I understand people's desire, and occasional need for, contraception. But people are vehemently screaming about two companies not being required to fully fund the cost of two specific types of contraception. Why is no one screaming about this? Why are we "entitled" to free birth control, but not entitled to live saving, necessary drugs? Where's the awareness? It's my government, too.
There is no doubt that health care and insurance in this country needs to be addressed and reformed - but every day that goes on I can't help believe that ACA was the absolute wrong way to go about doing it. And it is officially time to get politics out of health care.
