2012 Goals --- going back to school and a story

So far one of the goals for 2012 has been met.

The Spring Semester at UNLV (University Nevada Las Vegas) started on Tuesday, Jan 17th. So, of course I was there (without the bells) for my first college course in nearly 6 years ... Introduction to Epidemiology. Then on Wednesday my second class started Public Policy and Health Care. Does anyone notice a theme here? I suppose since 'acquiring' Cancer a year ago, I have developed a greater interest in the nature of health care in the US. After all, last year was easier on us (financially) than it would (could) be for others because we have awesome Health Insurance. I was able to get really good care (aside from the 'usual' glitches), in both in-patient and out-patient environments. Regular testing and not having to take alot out of pocket or worrying about if we were going to have to pick and choose what the priority was ... then again, that may make us the unusual not the norm.

In Jan 2010, I had my first arm surgery for some nerve damage received several years before (falling off a bike of all things), and my mother said, "it's a good thing you have insurance, what would you do if you didn't have insurance?" I told her, "still have the work done." The condition had gotten to where I had lost functionality in my right hand (clawing and wasting, classic signs of peripheral nerve damage), so it was something that had to be done. She then asked, "How would you pay for it?" I told her then, "Everything is negotiable." Which is the case. If I had been uninsured at the time of the first surgery, I would have gone to the surgeon and asked what it would cost for the procedure if I was paying 'cash.' I imagine, it would have been about 50% less that the insurance would be billed. The insurance companies negotiate rates with their providers, the providers charge a rate (which may vary from person/person  or insurer/insurer) and then there's cash/personal guarantee of payment.

So, how does this apply to my adventure last year with synovial sarcoma?
The medical system is insanely convoluted, so I want to learn more about what makes it tick.
The much touted 'death panels' already exist if you don't have good health insurance or the money to pay for the procedures (which is why so many people wind up in bankruptcy from medical expenses)
I was terribly fortunate with the medical insurance provided by my husbands employer (group insurance rules)
The anticipated changes in the health care laws, what are the pros/cons and how much of a difference will they make to the public health arena and the people who need the care.

to be continued ...