For Obama's to do list: Fix health care

I shouldn't complain. I have health care. And I realize I'm fortunate and I'm grateful.

According to the National Coalition on Health Care statistics:

-- Nearly 46 million Americans, or 18 percent of the population under the age of 65, were without health insurance in 2007, the latest government data available;
-- The number of uninsured rose 2.2 million between 2005 and 2006 and has increased by almost 8 million people since 2000.

But my issue is that my health care stinks.

I went from a pretty good plan when I was working to a pretty crummy plan through my wife when I retired. And going from a good plan to a crummy plan has been a blow to my wallet and, perhaps long term, a blow to my health as I begin to make decisions where cost of treatment trumps need for treatment.

For those fortunate enough to have had health insurance over the years, we've seen its character change, and not for the better.

First with HMOs then PPOs, the alphabet soup of health care for those fortunate enough to have health care has not changed for the better. If you never see a doctor, it's not such a big deal, but if you have some recurring health issues, which I did in 2008, it hits you wear it hurts ... in the wallet.

Co-pays of $5 to see the doctor became $10, then $20, now $40. Insurance companies are devising ways for the insured to spend more out of pocket for their care. Besides the higher co-pays, there are deductibles you have to pay: $500 a year or more. And there is co-insurance. For certain medical treatment you have to pay 20 percent co-insurance of up to $3,000 per year.

For example, if you have a lab procedure that costs $1,978 your out of pocket expense will be $565.19 -- $111.99 toward your $500 a year deductible and $453.20 toward your 20 percent co-insurance. It's like paying for insurance that I'm already paying for. If you maximize the deductible and co-insurance it can amount to $3,500 a year out of pocket.

As a result of all of this, I am much more challenging to my doctor and his recommendations for certain tests or care. That's a good thing, to be more proactive about one's health care. But not at the expense of your health.

Then there's the whole issue of prescription medication. The co-pays there have jumped too.

You have to give an outfit like Wal-Mart props for stepping up, seeking to help curb the growing cost of prescription medicine by offering a slew of generics for a very affordable price. I switched from a name brand cholesterol medication to a generic at Wal-Mart because the price difference was remarkable.

It just seems odd to me that a retail concern is more out front on this issue than our government.

There's a lot on the plate of incoming president Barak Obama, and health care is a priority. I hope he makes it a priority priority.