Medicare for all

I'm sharing a post from a woman who lost her daughter because medical treatment was denied to her. I believe in medicare for all and it breaks my heart that people fall through the cracks. We need to change this.

This is Callie. Her daughter, Venus, died. Literally. Because she had no access to preventative healthcare. She was in her 30’s when she found a small knot in her breast. After over 25 visits to the ER (why? Because she was poor. Because she could not afford health insurance. Because the ER is where poor people without health insurance are forced to go for primary care) she finally received treatment on the last visit because her breast was literally rotting on her chest and the doctor smelled the stench when he entered the room. She was taken for an emergency double mastectomy. The very same day. But now. What had been a knot over 25 visits ago. Was now stage 4 breast cancer. Venus was denied timely care even after that. Every treatment. Every prescription. Every doctor’s visit had to be pre-approved. Because when you are poor, others feel authorized to determine your value. As the cancer metastasized to her lungs and brain....she waited for preauthorization. She waited 2 months to be approved for an in-home oxygen tank. 2 months in which her breathing had deteriorated so much that her father was forced to carry her to and from the bathroom. Because she could not walk and breathe. Venus complained of severe headaches and a CT Scan was needed to determine their source in this cancer patient. She was waiting, yet again, for preauthorization when she had to be rushed to the hospital once again because of excruciating pain in her head. She received her delayed CT scan in the ER that day...only to discover two tumors growing in her head, one of which had ruptured. Venus slipped into a coma that day...and she died. Her death was preauthorized by the callousness of our souls. I promised Callie. I would speak Venus’ name. I promised her I would cry out loud. It kept me awake last night. I want to join her in wailing and in war. I want to find a lawyer who knows this case is ripe to bring suit against this nation. I want justice for Venus. What makes your soul weep? What does the Lord require of thee?