Petey,

Ask your uncle why the US is rated 37th in the world for quality of health care, while we are rated first for the amount spent. We are probably on the cutting edge of most treatments for diseases, but only the well insured or rich can afford it. I agree something needs to be done, it can't go on the way it is. My sister who belongs to an HMO has an individual plan too, since her husband is self employed. Once they have spent $3500 a year/ per person, they no longer have to pay copays for her. Since the first of the year, fighting this C, she has finally reached her limit in copays, but has the monthly premium of around $600 for the both of them which does not include prescriptions. Thank goodness she was able to get the insurance, before she became ill, otherwise like you she would be uninsurable under our system of health care. Good luck to you in your fight for both health care and against this awful cancer. You should have been able to apply all your energies to the healing process, I know this process has to be extremely difficult and challenging for you....never give up!
Best to you and your family.

Nancy