Health Care Talk (HCTalk.com)

[Denver Dave]

Humiliation and Shame: Part of Being Insured in America
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article25738.htm

Suddenly, as quickly as I had felt the anticipation of some relief, the flurry of activity ground to a halt. The doctor left the room. Another office person came in. She said, "I'm sorry Ms. Smith. Your insurance will not cover what the doctor wants to try." Matter of fact. She's said these words before - many times. I ask how much it would cost to pay for it myself. She answers. I cannot pay that much. The visit is ending. The hope is shriveling. I could feel the muscles in my face tense as the humiliation spread through my body. This body, just moments ago worthy of plans to relieve pain and head for some better health, now was deemed unworthy of care. Shame. All that old shame I used to feel before our medical bankruptcy was rising in my gut. It hurt so badly. But I was determined not to show my anger or my sadness.