BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

How many of the people featured in this video know that UPMC offers free service to those who earn $22k a year or less and discounts to those earning up to $45k a year?

http://www.upmc.com/about/community-commitment/financial-assistance/Pages/policy.aspx

I'm glad that middle class families can keep their kids attached and people with pre-existing conditions can get insurance, while at the same time, now the government is going to tax me if I don't support an inefficient profit driven system that makes money by denying care.

As far as I can tell, before this law goes into effect, people didn't have to choose between having their foot looked at and paying rent.

Now they may very well have to choose between paying some insurance company, getting taxed by the government or paying their rent.

I agree that the ACA (aka Obamacare) is flawed. I think UPMC doesn't advertise it's free service because it cuts into their profit margins (especially now that they're at war with Highmark).

Not only does UPMC not advertise it, they won't even make it known to those that self pay like I have had to do for my whole life. I needed an MRI for my shoulder and UPMC said it costs over $4K! Yes, you read that correct, $4K! I had it done privately for $350 on the same machine. UPMC is one big rip off it you ask me. Hope there is more competition in our region. It would be better for those of us that pay our own way.

There are very affordable plans you can purchase through various insurers for hospitalization coverage to protect you from a big bill after an accident or illness. Maybe it has changed but at least that was the case back in 2005-2007 while I was employed part time and not eligible for benefits through my employer. It cost less than a current iphone (yes, a pre-existing condition and other factors could make it far less affordable). Although I grumbled each time I made a payment because I thought, "I'm young and healthy. I won't use this crap".

Then I needed emergency surgery and a few days in the hospital...

It may not work for everyone but if you call around you could be surprised at what plans or programs are actually available. It saved me from being responsible for a bill higher than some cars.

Thanks for the debate on available healthcare. I was wondering what everyone thought of the video.

Threads seldom go the way you intend around here, but being a jerk about it will only make it worse.

I don't think the OP is being a jerk

You could probably cut the first 38 seconds and start with "the night of the accident was terrifying"

In general, I think the piece is unnecessarily character building heavy

On that note, I'd cut 1:53 through 3:06 and jump to "he shattered his spine"

@riccipt . I was wondering what everyone thought of the video.

Too long.

Would greatly be improved if edited down to half it's length.

This video also probably annoys disgruntled single people

I agree that the Affordable Care Act is woefully inadequate in many ways. It is a reform that will have to be reformed. The video is very poignant about the dangers for cyclists who are uninsured.

I've updated this post in light of recent tragedies while biking with links to relevant websites like Healthy Artists and the Bike Pittsburgh Blog.

http://push-hc4allpa.blogspot.com/2012/06/healthy-artists-video-on-bicyclists.html