Nah... I was too... Until I got unemployed and sick in Texas... That was a rude awakening! It varies from state to state. Medicare is federal, for over 65, and disabled people. Then each State has its plan - like Medical in California... Texas is Medicaid, but it only adds a few age groups like uninsured pregnant women and children. So...Originally Posted by ut0pia
that is just sooo scary, because I know there are so many people who can't afford health insurance...
I was under the impression medicare was in all states...wow this just shows how badly the US needs a healthcare reform.
There are county hospitals that you can use in case of emergency, like in any other city... But not Medicare - so to see a regular doctor, or to get a prescription, forget it...
My dad sends my prescriptions from Brazil, because in there he can get it generic for $30 what would cost me $300 (also generic here) for the month here without insurance - and that is only to prevent migraine... Imagine people who need SERIOUS heart, lungs, etc. meds!! Yep, life without health insurance IMO just sucks... At least in Texas it does; I am sure there are plenty of states that have similar policies out there.
There are millions out there who can not get Medicare or Insurance.