Growing up, my parents always stressed to me the importance of a good education. "Son," They'd say, "One day you'll be happy you stuck with it, you'll have your University degree and the world will be yours."

God bless them for that advice. However, they never considered that one day I'd be living in America trying to get health insurance.

Over the last few years, I had gotten away with paying $60 a month for Blue Cross. What did I get for that $60? I have no phucking clue. PPO, HMO's.. Co-Pay, Preferred Providers, Non Preferred Providers.. needless to say that during my coverage, I never had to find out. Why, because I'm not a hypochondriac.

Anyway, I had the pleasure of turning 35 a few months back and with that - I got a card from my mom and a notice from Blue Cross letting me know that I'm an old fart and will now have to pay an extra $40 a month. Not much I can do as it seems that every provider increases your rates when you turn 35. But when I got another increase this past month, I snapped.

At first I thought my payment was late so they were tacking on a few extra bucks - I wish. As of March 1st 2005, Blue Cross will be increasing their rates - when asked why... Blah, blah, lip service, lip service...

So within a 3 month period I went from paying $60 a month to now $120. That's weird, I'm no sicker and more importantly, I'm no richer.. so why the phucking increase... weren't you listening? "The Increased Costs have forced us to increase our premiums. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you."

If by, "inconvenience" you mean, having to cancel your health coverage.. then apology accepted. Assholes.

Fueled by rage and the fear of $10,000 ambulance rides, I started looking for a new plan. Fool I say.

An hour later, I was stuck in color coded hell. Charts, graphs... acronyms... It was like the S.A.T.S all over again. But this time, my life really did depend on it.

I called Blue Cross to figure out what would be a better plan. Move to Canada.

For about $80 a month I can get onto a plan that only covers me for hospital visits. So what would prevent me from going to the hospital to get a chest cold looked at? NOTHING!!! Which means that half of all hospital emergency care patients are simply there to avoid paying HMO - or PPO or FUCK rates.

The health care system in America is a joke. It needs to be based on income level. Every human being should be afforded the same care and access to the same providers.

I can't wait until I turn 40 - perhaps they'll let me keep the pole they shove up my ass.