PBS will air its film, "Critical Condition," at 9 p.m. Tuesday Sept. 30. Here’s what PBS says about the film:
What happens if you fall sick and are one of 47 million people in America without health insurance? "Critical Condition" by Roger Weisberg ("Waging a Living," P.O.V. 2006) puts a human face on the nation’s growing health care crisis by capturing the harrowing struggles of four critically ill Americans who discover that being uninsured can cost them their jobs, health, home, savings, even their lives. Filmed in vérité style, "Critical Condition" offers a moving and invaluable expose at a time when the nation is debating how to extend health insurance to all Americans.
Immediately after the film, Susan Dentzer, health correspondent for
"The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer," will moderate a discussion with
spokespersons for McCain and Obama and other health policy experts.
The correct air date is Sept. 30, not Sept. 3 (click on the “Critical Condition” link).
It’ll be hard to find the necessary money to rescue the uninsured after this Wall Street bailout. Investment bankers and irresponsible corporations count more than struggling citizens – even Obama couldn’t say no. Look for early golden parachutes before firms apply for taxpayer rescue money and their capped compensation. Warren Buffet has locked in his 10% profit on his investment in Goldman Sachs, subject of course to getting the taxpayer bailout money. Life is good. I wonder how many congressmen will be watching “Critical Condition”?
I’m of mixed emotions on this topic. One truth is that those without healthcare are in trouble in this country, mainly because they can’t get preventative medicine, the proper medications, etc. The other side of this is that anyone in trouble who presents to the emergency room has to be taken care of, and of their injury or diagnosis is life threatening, they have to be given the full care that they need, whether they can pay for it or not.
My thought on all of this is that the federal government should sponsor more FQHCs across the country, where affordable health care can be given and where a wealth of services are offered. For instance, in my hometown is a FQHC that offers services that include drug and psychological rehabilitation, dental, and all the other services that one might need at a regular doctor’s office or hospital. Even urgent care types of services.
True, it may not be the choice for someone who has insurance, but it’s not bad care; I know because I used to work there.