Letters to the Editor  From the week of February 28, 2002  The
Unkindest Cuts  Banned aid:I just finished reading Stuart
Steers's "Cutting Edge," in the February 14 issue. Has everyone
become so wrapped up in glittery profit that they've forgotten
about the people who are sick? I am a single mother who works
menial jobs so that my daughter can qualify for Medicaid. I
myself do not have insurance, because that $80 per month (or
whatever) needs to go toward clothes and the electricity bill.
So even though my girl is covered, I am the mom who lies in bed
at night thinking, "Gee, I hope I don't get sick or sustain any
sort of bodily injury that two aspirin and a Band-Aid can't
fix."  Once, I slipped on some ice and split my face in two
places. I'll admit it: I went to the emergency room and used a
fake name because I couldn't afford the bill. I always put off
seeking care for illnesses and hope my blood cells will take the
place of medical attention.  Okay, so people doneed to get paid,
but insurance companies ar