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 Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:04 pm
Stay-at-Home Moms ArticleI've been thinking very seriously about writing a letter to my congressman, asking if women in our state of Missouri who decide to stay home to raise their children get medical benefits (I'm pretty sure of the answer, though), and if we don't, we should. SAHMs are extremely hard-working, and we sacrafice a lot to ensure that our children are raised at the utmost of our motherly abilities. I think we have the hardest job in the world, and I really think that we should be able to get a little help. My plan is really for SAHMs in low-income families. Families that make less than $25,000 a year. It would basically work just like Medicaid for pregnant women, but it would be extended much, much longer. I know, if I were to get sick and need to be hospitalized, it would put my family at such a financial strain that we'd probably never get out of. Not to mention, my husband works hard enough as it is. I know if I wanted, I could go out and get a job, but I don't want to miss anything my children will accomplish, and I don't want someone else co-raising my babies. Call me crazy. I just thought maybe we could all discuss it for a little while, because I seriously plan on trying to get the attention of my congressman (and maybe some federal attention if the issue is big enough) about this issue that is really close to my heart.
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Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:10 pm
First off, I understand where you're coming from. I'm a stay at home mother myself struggling with not having insurance either. Believe me, the lack of a healthcare system for those struggling angers me more than a lot of people know.
However, I do think it's a bit unfair to say a mother who has no choice but to put her child in daycare is having someone else "co-raise" her child. Some people don't have the choice. And for most, staying at home is considering a choice. That they don't want to be there for accomplishments and such. I think it's also completely unfair to the people who DO love doing childcare and make a difference in children's lives. I think it's sad that so many jump to the conclusion that childcare workers are nothing but molesters and abusers. Statistics clearly show that the vast majority of all abuse comes from relatives and those at home with the child. Yes, there's bad apples, but like my son's teacher, I'm very blessed to have more influences in my kid's life. Sorry, going off track.
Yes, I don't work. The cost of childcare versus my lack of a skilled labor doesn't equal out. However, there ARE programs out there to help those low-income (and even stay at home moms) get back to school. It's really hard for me to juggle that with my husband's schedule (he works nights), but it's doable. I have to accept that this is the risk that we took ETSing out of the military and me staying home. However, while I do get quite upset, knowing we're both in school and trying, it won't be like this forever.
Honestly, I think having better coverage for ALL americans struggling and not just stay at home mothers is the answer. I'm more upset about my children being barely over the qualifications for assistance, but not making enough to afford the high premiums for monthly insurance. There's parents out there who BOTH work and still can't afford insurance.
My big example is the system Canada has setup for families. A muich better maternity leave, care, AND paternity leave? It's unheard of here in the States. Sadly, I don't think the US is willing nor ready for a universal health care system. That's why when I vote, healthcare positions are often number one for my candidates of choice.
edit: Wow, I don't like the tone of that article. I did pick it apart out of anger, but I'm going to be nice and leave it be. I just think it's a rather insulting and stuffy article. There's better ways to be proud of your decision to stay at home then making those who work feel crappy. sad
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Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 5:31 pm
I'm going to nitpick a bit, but I really disliked the condescending tone of the article as well as the assumption of the writer that all SAH's are moms and didn't include Dads--not to mention its hintings that this is the way things should be. "Patriarchy" is a dirty word in my book. I also did not like that it assumes that being home with your child all day means that you know them best and that somehow makes you a better parent then one who works. On that note, my dad was home with us all day and our mother worked and she still knew us better despite having less time during the weekdays. She was a fantastic mom. It depends on the personality of the parent, not gender or time spent with the child. I'm home all day with our children but my husband still knows them better in some aspects then I do.
Anywho, onto the actual subject.
I happen to agree that it's sad that SAH spouses/parents do not get medical insurance and they can not be insured for disability. Just because work is not paid, doesn't mean it lacks in value. However, that is the crux of the argument as to why they are not covered. Until thinking of "work" changes, I highly doubt that will change.
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Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 10:08 pm
One of the reasons I'm grateful to live in Canada is I have healthcare coverage, always, no matter what my income is. It's completely and utterly free to those that make less than $30,000/year.
I work in the hospital where I live, and for a woman who is not a Canadian citizen to give birth the fee is $3,500. For Canadian citizens, our healthcare coverage pays for it completely. You walk in, have your baby, and go home. We actually have American women who cannot afford the hospital fees in America, come up to Canada, go into labor, have their baby, and skip out on the bill.
I cannot understand America's lack of healthcare. America is supposed to be a wealthy country.
I heard someone passing a rumor that President Obama is planning to initiate a healthcare system like Canada's?
In England, the government covers not only your healthcare, but your dental care as well, now THAT is something I think both Canada and America ought to strive for.
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Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 5:20 pm
I love it when people spout the magical number $25,000. Like anything over that and you can afford health care, no problem!! Forget making the choice to stay home, in North Carolina, you're lucky to get a job right now.
My daughter was recently denied Health Choice (a state health insurance for children) and was told that she would qualify if I wasn't collecting unemployment. With my unemployment, we make just over $4000/mo, but for a family of four, it's just not enough to pay $200/mo for her health care, never mind me or my husband. The government, with all its forms, doesn't take into account the individual cost of living before they deny assistance.
Personally, I'd love to have a job, be able to afford health care and to put my kids in daycare. Well, my son's still a little too young but my daughter desperately needs the interaction with other kids her age. I also wished the US took care of those deserving families who by choice or economy stay home to raise their children.
Deserving meaning: not those people who do not pay a cent into this country through taxes and wages, but rather spend most, if not all, of their time in this country leeching off the welfare/assistance systems... but that's a rant for a different thread.
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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:17 pm
Move to Wisconsin. We have Badger Care plus for families that make too much money for Badger Care, but can't actually afford regular insurance. 3nodding
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