While doing research for an article on health care reform I have to ask myself if life an option when it comes to those suffering from pre-existing conditions?

The largest uninsured population in the United States are those between the ages of 18 and 29. For those in that age range life with a pre-existing condition can mean poverty and early death.

It's sad that one of the most developed nations in the world has to have groups like Remote Area Medical to help take care of their sick. RAM sets up clinics in poorer areas and treats patients for a week for free. Last month they took care of thousands in Los Angeles.

This is America.

Young people die, not because there isn't the facilities but because they don't have the money to take care of their medical conditions. By the time they surrender and go to the local ER they are beyond help.

This is America.

For those that do survive they are faced with heavy debt. The mountain of bills can seem unending. Criminals have it better. They get free health care. Whoever said that crime doesn't pay wasn't sick and without insurance.

This is America.

If you are pondering if health care reform is really needed think about what would happen if your child was diagnosed with cancer. While you may have insurance would it be enough? When they make it to adulthood would your child be able to obtain insurance for themselves?

Or would they have to take a chance that the cancer never comes back. If it does then they have to decide if living is an option open to them

This is sadly, America.