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I have good health insurance IMO, but I know that the amount it costs every year is increasing. Co-pays are going up every year, etc.
I've been on medication to treat a pre-existing medical condition for almost 12 years. 12 years ago the cost out of pocket was $90, the out of pocket cost is now $172 for a thirty day supply - for a one/day tablet. My copay is $27.
My insurance allows me to pick who I want to see, without referral, although most specialists generally require it.
I think the availability of healthcare for a lot of people is getting worse. In this I mean, I generally have no problem calling my current primary care physician and getting in that day to see him. This is probably because he's my age and hasn't been in the area much longer than me.
However, I've been seeing neurologists for almost 12 years, and have often found that I have to schedule appointments sometimes up to a year in advance in order to see a doctor. At least six months is preferable. That's a lot of planning - especially if something happens. The fastest I've ever been able to get into a neurologist was six weeks.
When I lived in Michigan, the neurologist recommended by my Iowa neurologist required a referral from a PCP in Michigan, despite the fact that my neurologist in Iowa was more than willing to provide one as well as all my history (requirement of the neurologist not my healthcare provider). I had to wait two months to get into a PCP - because I was a new patient and they were so booked up and then another six weeks for the neurologist. I guess I just don't see how the current system is working all that great for us in some respects.
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