Health care crisis: do something, but think first.

• Author: Cutler, Debbie
• Position: OPINION

President Obama's proposed solution to the heath care crisis in America leaves my head spinning. Even our own leaders disagree on whether it will be good for the country and Alaskans. Overwhelmingly, I read, however, that it is a step toward the solution, but not THE solution.

I am not an expert on health care issues, not an expert on his proposed plan, not an expert on anything relating to reform and universal health care, but I do have an opinion for all it's worth.

* Health care insurance costs to small businesses are increasing at alarming rates.

* Health care insurance costs to individuals are increasing at alarming rates.

* The number of uninsured is increasing at alarming rates, with more than 45 million uninsured in the U.S.

One month without health care insurance can bankrupt some individuals. One young man I know, without health insurance, relying on medication samples from his doctor for a severe illness, went without his prescriptions, at least in part, because samples were not available. The cost of his meds: more than $1,000 a month, too much for his small budget. He owes thousands upon thousands for a life-threatening accident he had, even though much was written off by Providence Hospital. His future looks bleak financially: mid-20s with bills the size of a mortgage and a job without benefits. It's amazing he keeps such a positive outlook on life and retains his energy and motivation.

I see my senior friend, on Medicare, needing medical attention, but not going for it because she can't afford the percentage she still must pay. She has no part D insurance for medicine, again because she can't afford it. She is 67 and working away in her retirement years because she can't live on a social security check, can't pay for dentures that Medicare does not cover, can't afford health care, period. Even with some plan in place.

We need to do something. We all may be one job, one premium, one day or month or one year away from not having coverage ourselves. That is if we are among the lucky ones who have it.

ALASKANS...