I got my first glimpse of socialized medicine today.

[larry kremis]

I just returned home from turning in my registration papers to the VA clinic in Youngstown. The waiting room and parking lot was jammed full, lots of hustle and bustle. I'm not complaining, since I lost my medical insurance and am too young for medicare, I'm all for it, I've changed my tune. Funny how that works.

[larry kremis]

No I'm not "dirt" poor. A lady called me back after I returned home and said we were a little too wealthy, and she also said that they have been more lax lately. I should know Monday or Tuesday if I qualify for any benefits at all.

[Jack Z]

Personally, I'm not hip to shifting to much of our system to socialized health care.... However, I believe that VA health care is part of the costs of a national defense, we owe our veterans... I agree with Blondie, Larry you earned your benefits. Thank you for your service...... I hope your experience with The VA continues to go smoothly, unfortunately I have known some Veterans where this was not the case .........

[larry kremis]

Thanks Jack.

[Red One]

I was in the the military during Vietnam Conflict and at that time they told us that we would always be able to use the VA system. As far as I'm concerned the Federal Government has broken a promise that they gave us back then by means testing now.

[Hu]

What! Our government breaking a promise to it's veterans......never heard of that happening before....

[Wylde Abandyn]

I believe that military, police and fire fighters (firefighters?) should be the best paid and have the best care of anyone. Thanks for your service, Sir.

[Jaylee53]

I don't disagree with this point. I also give thanks but why shouldn't I have good care available to me?
I have and will continue to contribute, I want to. I have no insurance. I have a job but need to make ends meet, i.e., rent, food and utilities. I have no extra. That is why I couldn't continue COBRA. I did and do not have $360 extra a month.
My last physical cost $197.00. That was just for a poke and a prode, no tests. It will take me a long time to pay that off.
In order to qualify for any state subsidy I will have to loose my job....this makes no sense to me.

[Bob Stepp]

There is no excuse for a country as rich as the US not to have first rate medical care available to everyone no matter their ability to pay...

[larry kremis]

Thanks for the recognition Wylde.