As you read my last few blogs, it might become obvious that I haven't been very inspired lately. I don't know why I write when I'm not really clear on all my thoughts - probably with the anticipation that writing will help sort them out?

Regardless, today I am feel inspired. Inspired and a little heartbroken. In the wake of Brown's Senate win yesterday, and the subsequent blow to the Healthcare Reform initiative, I stand completely dumbfounded. I don't even feel the need to comment on how irresponsible it is to elect a one-issue politician OR how ignorant it is to disregard healthcare reform when we are all one bad car accident or cancer diagnosis away from reaching our lifetime limit on our insurance policies (a limitation that will be revoked under Insurance Reforms), so I won't. Instead I will talk about why I still support federal healthcare reform. Because I whole-heartedly do.

I volunteer at a free clinic and I have noticed a new wave of clients in the past year. They remind me a lot of my dad - hard working men who were very well established in their careers, only to be laid off two or three years before they are eligible for retirement. Under healthcare reform, insurance coverage would be expanded for early retirees. Not only will this benefit the individuals, but the companies and our workforce in general, by opening up positions or preventing lay offs.

The state of Minnesota has the best "medical loss ratio" in the country. A "medical loss" is the money insurance companies pay to healthcare providers (yes, they count doing what they are supposed to do as a loss). Minnesota's insurance companies are required by law to use at least 91% of what you pay them to then pay the providers. Other states in our country don't "lose" even 60%. That means the patient is paying 40% more for healthcare than it actually costs!!! Under healthcare reform, minimum medical-loss ratios would be established, thus decreasing the insurance companies profit off of disease and disability.

95-98% of Americans would be provided with coverage & children will be covered until age 27. I think that one speaks for itself... especially when you consider how many new college graduates are unable to find jobs, let alone jobs with benefits.

Pre-existing condition clauses prevent people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and then go into remission, from being covered if the cancer should return. Healthcare reform would eliminate this entirely.

Increased affordability, through the institution of non-profit co-ops and the expansion of Medicaid, could be in our future. Instead, our country is choosing to continue down a road where 80% of all bankruptcies filed are due to high and unavoidable healthcare costs. Most of which have been accumulated by privately insured individuals (also part of my "lifetime limits" point).

Sure, this will take awhile. Best case scenario, it is up and running in 2014. And, I understand the hesitation of investing in an initially very expensive program. That's why the billions this reform will save our country over the next 10 years is important to keep in mind (if you are on the more money-conscious side of the argument).

The worst part of healthcare reform is that hospitals will be seeing less reimbursement for services rendered. That is why many institutions (the smart ones anyway) are preparing for this by evaluating costs and looking to high efficiency industries to get pointers on eliminating waste, increasing efficiency and ensuring that the quality of care provided does not suffer. Providers may need to run cheaper and less invasive tests when a patient initially presents with a headache instead of immediately rushing them down to the MRI room. But, is that really a bad change?

There are so many reasons I support Federal Healthcare Reform and I've really tried to show how it is not just a "theory" but something that is happening to people. Please see this as a part of discussion - I'm aware of all the other sides that exist. I just wanted to say my peace (/piece) about this particular side. I hope it's helpful....

twenty five in twenty ten. has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

I have no idea what I should (want to) do with this year. I am tempted to make a resolution... my way of saying, "I have control!! I'm going to rock this year (instead of it rocking me... again)". Hm, not sure if that's actually how it works. But, how can decide to "roll with the tide" without sounding a bit apathetic about my life?

I am in a better place (whatever that means) this Jan 2 than I was last. Significantly better. There are reasons for this - mainly good decisions and a lot of love and support from my people. But, also I think a lot of this happiness has been sustained through a focus on my reaction to life rather than getting so distracted by the desire to control it. Because, as it turns out, control is quite impossible. And incredibly agonizing.

I am looking forward to discovering a new year... I have no idea what it holds, which is really exciting! Mostly because I know that I will be in good company, and that is all I need.