I’m probably not the right guy to be writing an editorial about health care reform.

Since I entered the workforce in 1993, I have been lucky enough to have never been without health insurance. Even the year I spent without a job, I was carried under a family plan. No single medical expense in my life has ever cost me more than an average car repair — including each of the births of four children.

Likewise, I have never been responsible for paying for the health care coverage of my employees. During my stints as supervisor, others in my corporation have taken care of paying those bills — not I.

In fact, no member of my family has ever been denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition or a lifetime cap. My parents have had their share of hospital visits — including an open heart surgery, but they both work in government jobs with generous benefits.

I’ve known people, of course, who have been prevented from looking for a better job or have been crippled financially due to health care expenses. I’ve also heard secondhand the fear that grips people when they lose their job. They don’t worry as much about eating or keeping their homes warm as they do about their children getting sick.

The health care reform debate, for me, has always been an abstract exercise. I watch with mild interest as Republicans do what they do best — form a unified front against a President they revile — and Democrats do what they do best — fail to organize a cohesive unstoppable political movement even when they hold an overwhelming majority in both chambers of Congress.

I was pleased to see the House and Senate each pass their versions of a health care bill, and look forward to seeing what emerges from Capitol Hill for the President’s signature.

However, it’s unlikely I’ll be personally affected. Like most Americans, my insurance benefits will still be decided for me by the upper management of my company. If I leave this newspaper for another job, my benefit structure will change for better or for worse, but I’ll still have those benefits.

I’m well aware, if I were to leave the job through layoffs or an extended illness, the story could be much different — but again, knowing something and living through it are two different things.

I’m pleased that the Senate passed a bill this week that removes lifetime caps on insurance payments and bans the “pre-existing conditions” clauses that deny people medical assistance. I wish I were allowed to carry an insurance plan I like throughout my entire life — or periodically shop around for plans whenever my insurer raises rates, as I do for my car insurance or cell phone. By my own complaints are minor compared to those who have to do without.

If you want a more valid opinion on health care reform, speak to a family who does not have benefits — or one whose benefits have run out. Talk to someone who works part-time or on contract and does not qualify for benefits. Talk to a business owner about the rising cost of group plans.

However we do it, America needs to regain control of the cost of health care. We must take the fear out of staying healthy. The system we have now is an embarassment among civilized nations.

Tagged as: health care reform, Senate