According to national statistics, over fifty million people in the United States of America do not have health insurance, which, for over a year – included yours truly. But as of August 1st – I am very happy to say that I am now 100% covered.

The only reason I have health insurance is because I will find The Holy Grail before I find a job. And considering the fact that I have no income coming in at all – the State of New York’s Healthfirst Program considered me eligible – and gave me full blown health insurance. The coverage I have now includes medical, hospitalization, eye care, dental – and thankfully – prescription.

Due to my heart condition, I have to take two pills twice a day; 150 milligrams of Propafenone, and 25 milligrams of Metoprolol. Without any insurance, these prescriptions cost me $125 per month. Combine that with routine doctor visits and follow-ups – and it’s cheaper to pay my rent than to keep myself healthy. So when I heard about Healthfirst, I made an appointment to sign up on May 10th – and was finally approved for coverage at the beginning of this month.

I can’t tell you how great it felt to go downstairs to the Pharmacy I live above, fill my prescriptions – and see “$0.00” in the “Amount Due” box. After over a year of no coverage and over a thousand dollars out of my pocket just to keep my heart beating normally – just the fact that they were free lowered my heart rate. And to know that there will be no co-pay when I go to see a doctor makes me feel better already.

In fact, as soon as I got the book containing all of the participating doctors on the plan, I began to choose healthcare providers and even had an appointment today with my Urologist, who gave me a clean bill of health. I did not need to see him as nothing is wrong with me in that region of my body – but now that I have health insurance – I plan to see every type of doctor under the Sun. I can’t remember the last time I had completely free medical insurance. But now that I do – I plan to take full advantage of it.

Although I am ecstatic that I have free medical coverage – I am infuriated at our Government that I only received it because I am not making any money right now. This country should provide health insurance to everyone, just like England and Canada does. I can’t tell you how many friends of mine make just enough money to be considered ineligible for the coverage I have – but do not make enough money to afford coverage of their own. I remember many times during my year without medical where I was very sick, but chose to tough it out rather than pay the exorbitant amount of money that doctors charge just to tell you to get some rest. Despite my heart condition, there are people in this world that need the coverage I have much more than I do, but are denied it – and in my opinion – that is the real disease in this country. If our “President” wants to leave his mark on history rather than scar it, perhaps he should consider working on a national health care bill – instead of his invasion of Iraq…

…because that would make everyone feel better.