Election 2012

If you are tired of hearing about the election, then stop reading now. But I feel like I need to get some thoughts down on a semi-public place, and I REFUSE to do so on facebook. So this is probably a venting post. So, like I said, if you don't want to read it, stop reading now. I won't be offended, heck, I won't even know.

A few weeks ago, I told David that if Pres. Obama gets re-elected, I honestly fear for our country. Well, it turns out just over half of America decided to see if my fears come to fruition. Our country is $16 trillion in debt, unemployment is high, same-sex marriage on the way in, oh yeah and Obamacare is on its way also, to name a few issues.

I have never been so emotionally affected by an election. When I heard the projected outcome on my way home last night, I didn't want to believe it. So I hopped on the internet to see for myself. I almost cried when I saw the results. Then, this morning, I did cry. Several times.

The biggest problem I have right now is Obamacare, because it will personally affect me, and my family's future, in a very real sense. Not only will it raise my private health insurance amount by about $2500 per year (according to projections) but it could significantly negatively impact David's future as a dentist.
First, the increased private insurance: with families paying more for private insurance, and the economy not getting better, they will have to be more selective in where they spend their money. $2500 more in health insurance means they will most likely choose medical procedures that are most necessary. Dentistry, strictly speaking, is often more elective than mandatory.
Second Medicaid: More families will be eligible for Medicaid, so in theory, more people will have insurance. Great! Except, where is the money to pay for this added care. A lot of doctors already don't take Medicaid because the reimbursement rates are so low. If dentists are forced to accept Medicaid, there will probably be a lot less dentists in the country. That may sound selfish, to the person who doesn't understand how a dental office works. To put it as simply as possible: David went and shadowed a dental practice recently. He found out that after all of the overhead expenses, and everything else that does in to making a practice run, the dentists come away with 2-3% of the office income, for their paycheck. Basically, dentists might as well be paying the government to care for the Medicaid patients, since they won't be able to actually make any money on these patients. And if the amount of Medicaid patients in creases, and dentists are forced to accept them, good bye dentistry in America. Ever wondered why there are very few dentists in England? Socialized medicine....

I won't continue with my thoughts. I truly believed that Romney was the man for the job, to get our country back on its way to profitability. Romney 2016?

One of my friends wrote on her facebook that she is going to pray for Pres. Obama, just as she would have for Romney. I disagree. I'm going to pray harder because this country is going to need those prayers.