My Email to the President

There are certain things you probably should not admit in life. You shouldn't admit if you have some stomach issues and you can blame the odor on the dog. You shouldn't admit you tripped over your own feet. There must have been something there! You should not admit it if you forgot and asked someone, "Hey, what's the number for 311?" I will add to that list, you should not admit you emailed some friendly advice to the President of the United States of America.

Since I am pretty foolish, I am willing to admit I did just that. I wanted to make a difference, damn it! I heard that President Obama wanted the American public to email him. He wants to be totally accessible. Seriously, it even says that on the web site. Of course, I needed to email him. I had some advice and I wanted to give it. So I went on the White House site and I emailed our president. I am not sure what I thought would happen. I mean, I am sure I am on some FBI list somewhere now, but I guess, deep in my heart, I thought he would email or call me back. I thought maybe he would think I was pretty awesome. I know that is really naïve and idealistic. Coming from a sarcastic little snot like myself, it is also pretty funny. Which is why I am going to post my email to the president for everyone to enjoy.

Yes, I saved it. I was that proud of my achievement. It was exhilarating hitting that send button. After all, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. I was just trying to help.

Dear President Obama,

It is my understanding you would like suggestions from the American public concerning the Health Care Reform Act. I have a few ideas.

What I think Americans would appreciate most is simplifying the health insurance system. Every time I go to the doctor, I pay a co-pay. Months later after the doctor's office submits the paperwork to the insurance company, there are always items / services the insurance company will not cover. I then receive a "surprise" invoice in the mail and I have to find a way to pay it. Sometimes the whole process takes months. Health insurance companies should use an easy pricing system that all doctor's offices can understand so there is less work for the doctor's office staff and less worry for patients.

If this policy was in place, then the doctor's office would have no reason to send out bills so late. This is something else that should be included in the Health Care Reform Act. I don't think it is fair for a doctor's office to bill a patient after a certain period of time. Personally, I feel like there should be a 90 day limit. Sometimes, the bill comes so late I don't even remember why I went to the doctor and my Flex Spending Account is no longer valid for that time period.

Also, it would be great if everyone could use their Flex Spending Account to pay for over the counter medicine again. I understand if I have a doctor's note I can still make an over the counter purchase. However, I still have to pay out of pocket and apply to be reimbursed. This does not help me if I am sick and need medicine, but I don't have the money for it at that time. I really wish you would reconsider that policy.

If you are reading this email, President Obama, I really appreciate you taking the time to read this. For that matter, I appreciate anyone at the White House who is taking the time to read this email. Thank you for taking on the task of reforming our health care system because we really need it. Also, thank you for being so accessible to the public.

Sincerely,

Jeannie

Yes, clearly I was kissing up at the end. President Obama seems like a really nice guy, so I thought a compliment or two would be a good idea. I am sure he probably did not read the email. I have to at least believe someone on his staff read it. The web site said someone would read each email and so it must be true! I guess in some delusional way I still believe he will hold a press conference in the future, he will talk about some changes he is making to the Health Care Reform Act, and he will say, "I just want to thank Jeannie. Without her ideas, none of this would be possible." It could happen.