We're rich. Who knew?

We're rich; wildly wealthy, in fact. At least that's the verdict of Florida Medicaid. Of course, we knew we made too much money to qualify for straight Medicaid. But there's a program called "Share of Cost" which takes only assets, not income, into account. We gave that a shot, but were denied. We just have too much money saved up. Never mind that it wouldn't be enough to get our family of four through even six months at anywhere near our current standard of living which, mind you, is not lavish. Never mind that it would be only enough to pay for maybe one month of 12 hours of nursing most days of the week. We could spend it all tomorrow paying off a small fraction of our student loans and, no doubt, qualify for Medicaid. Talk about perverse incentives.

Much as I differed with some of the champions of welfare reform in the 90s, I have to agree that our government's system of public assistance doesn't incentivize (how you like that MBA word?) people to do the right things, the things that will lift them out of poverty and allow them to stand on their own two. Since we've started trying to get some help with medical costs for Brave Baby, we've heard all sorts of stories about the lengths people go to in order to qualify for SSI and Medicaid. One spouse will quit their job to get the family's income under the acceptable level. Married couples will get divorced so that the mother can file as unwed and impoverished. Welcome to opposites world. Here's a thought. Shouldn't we be trying to support people to do the things that would be healthy for them and for society?

Need I explain further why I fully support the President's plan for health care reform?