Faced with back pain, a limp, carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis, James Richard Verone went around getting medical attention the only way he could: He robbed a bank. Right after being sent to jail for his crime, he had the opportunity to see nurses, and he’s scheduled to see a doctor tomorrow. This is America, ladies and gentlemen.

After reading about this case on Tuesday, and having just started The Healing of America by T. R. Reid, which describes many cases like this one where the patient wasn’t so lucky (they died), I couldn’t wait another day to shed light on this life-threatening dilemma faced by so many Americans. Why is ours the only developed country that doesn’t see to it that all their citizens receive healthcare? Sarah Berkley, a graduate student of Public Health, happens to be studying—and stuck in the middle of—this problem as we speak. Here is an Op-Ed she wrote recently that contains a lot of information, notably some that may be important for you and your family if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Guest post by Sarah Berkley, Graduate Student, CUNY School of Public Health

In 2009-2010, just as hundreds of thousands of Americans were losing their jobs, and subsequently their health insurance coverage, I decided to leave the workforce behind voluntarily to pursue a Masters of Public Health (MPH). I was fully aware that leaving my full-time job would put me in some kind of predicament in terms of health coverage but shouldn’t a full-time student, and soon-to-be expert in health care, be able to find health insurance?

The answer, as it turns out, is no, unless you have a lot of money. I got a part-time job to offset some of my expenses but because I am only part time, I am ineligible to receive health insurance from my employer. I felt confident that the insurance provided to students by my school, the City University of New York (CUNY) would be affordable. I was wrong. Insurance through the school is about $300 per month, which is out of the question for someone like me. I scrambled to call health plans about individual plans, which I learned range between $650-$1500 per month. Could it be that I would qualify for Medicaid? Sadly, no. My part-time job gives me slightly too much income to qualify. I found myself in a special group about whom I have been learning in school: those who fall between the cracks, into a bottomless pit and are forgotten. We are not “poor” enough to qualify for Medicaid but do not make enough money to actually buy health insurance.

Currently, there are about 45 million people who are uninsured in this country. Many of the uninsured are just like me: we understand the importance of health insurance and prevention, and are desperately, but fruitlessly, seeking out options that could work on a measly income. Those who do not believe in universal healthcare make the argument that there are options out there and that individuals choose not to take them. Or, some assert that those who qualify for Medicaid but do not choose to enroll are at fault. Unemployment rates are on the rise at 9.1% as of May 2011. Every month there is a fresh batch of people who have unwillingly lost their insurance for themselves and their families. Healthcare coverage needs to be an accessible and viable option for everyone who wants it, no questions asked.

Americans need to realize that the effects of the uninsured are felt by all. For example, it is estimated that in 2008, the total cost of uncompensated care for the uninsured was $56 billion, with over 60% of that amount from hospitals. The government covers about 75% of those uncompensated costs but that still leaves about $14.5 billion. If current cost trends continue, physicians and hospitals may be forced to raise their rates to offset the uncompensated costs and that amount could be shifted to the privately insured through increased health premiums. Additionally, because the uninsured have less access to lower cost preventative services, they not only resort to using more expensive acute care, driving up costs, but also contribute to the spreading of infectious disease to the larger population.

Those who are uninsured need options to easily and affordably obtain healthcare coverage. In most other developed countries where health insurance is paid for through the employer, an individual does not lose his/her coverage when he/she is let go from a position.Rather than leaving the unemployed without coverage, the government steps in and pays the employer’s portion until the individual can get a new job, however long that may take. This takes away the sting of losing one’s job and being kicked when down by losing one’s health insurance too.

In other countries with universal healthcare, job status does not affect coverage status because healthcare is available to all. Most of these other countries, in which everyone has access to care, spend a smaller proportion of their gross domestic product on healthcare expenditures than the US, which spends about 17% of its GDP.

Clearly America is missing something if other countries are able to offer more people better care at a lower cost. The United States cannot allow those of us already in a seemingly bottomless pit to fall deeper into oblivion. Instead, our nation needs to rescue us by enforcing a system that is supposed to be keeping us healthy and alive. Not only should you write your member of Congress, but find people in your community who are likeminded and work to influence the outcome of this debate. The healthcare system within which I will soon be working must not be allowed to continue to fail me, and so many others, as it has for so long.

To find affordable healthcare in your area, visit www.healthcare.gov. Here you can input your information (age, location, gender, family size, chronic illnesses, etc) and find some relatively affordable options. Expensive options are also listed so be sure to look at the monthly premiums (how much you will pay each month). Tip: if you think you are a healthy individual who does not need to go to doctors often, it is still important to have health insurance! Everyone will get sick and need healthcare at some point so you must be prepared! A high deductible plan might be good for you. This means that your monthly premiums are lower but your deductible is higher.

And my solution? New Yorkers, here is the unique plan I discovered that works best in my situation: HealthyNY. This plan will give you basic coverage for emergencies (hospital visits) and some preventative care (physicals, maternity care, etc). Check out the website to see if you are eligible and for full benefit package details.

We sent guest blogger Sarah Berkley to test out one of our Spa Week treatments, a Thai Poultice Massage, because she spent last summer in Thailand, giving her an authentic basis for comparison. Turns out things happen a little differently in Las Vegas… (and there’s definitely no Spa Week in Thailand)!

Having been to Thailand and gotten a few fabulous full body massages on the beach there, I thought I knew exactly what to expect when arriving at The Spa at ARIA in Las Vegas for a 50 minute Thai Poultice Massage. What I did not know, was what a poultice was. A poultice is basically a little warm sponge type thing (think of a half a lemon you sometimes get in a restaurant when you order salmon) infused with lemongrass, ginger and some other delicious smelling herbs.

I arrived about an hour early to take full advantage of the spa’s hot tub and steam room. I also spent a few minutes laying out on their outdoor deck which overlooks the main pool area with it’s own private pool. After that first hour, I was already completely relaxed, however the Thai Poultice Massage melted my body even more.

There are aspects of the massage that are very common, it’s a full body massage but then they rub the warm poultice all over you in a way that massages, exfoliates, warms and lightly tickles your body all at the same time. Mix that in with some stretches (which was perfect after my 4 mile run the day before) and I could not be anymore blissful.

When the massage ended and I wiped away a tear, I was taken to another area of the spa, which one can take full advantage of after a treatment. There is a room filled with hot stone beds (called Gabanyoku) where you simply lie down on a hot surface and close your eyes. After that, I visited the Shio Salt Room where you sit in a comfy chair with headphones on, and the chair vibrates to the music. My masseuse, Renee, explained that the walls are made of salt, which is extremely good for your upper respiratory system. Apparently, salt miners are in the right profession because they have a history of rarely ever getting respiratory diseases.

Book an appointment now for Spa Week at the ARIA! Check out the treatment offerings for Fall Spa Week, September 13-19.