Before writing this post, I did a (small) bit of research on the web about other point-of-view's regarding socialism, as well as what socialism actually is. I understand there are pro's and con's of it on a large-scale.

But here's the thing: I don't really care about the politics of it all. I don't really care about the governmental workings in Denmark, or in the US, or anywhere. And I am sure a ton of you are scoffing and rolling your eyes at me right now, thinking "how can she NOT care about something that impacts everyone's lives and the future of our world." Answer: I'm too busy trying to live the day-to-day to focus on everybody else's future. And maybe that's not the BEST perspective to have... but it's an honest one.

What I can say for sure, is I have noticed many pros of the Socialist society here in Denmark, especially in regards to healthcare. So as you read on, keep in mind I am speaking about my situation alone. And from my limited grasp on the society and governmental makeup as a whole. 

So chill out. And take a stroll in my shoes for a minute...

Healthcare in Denmark is provided, free-of-charge to all Danish citizens and those with the right to reside in the country (like us). This means we can go to the general doctor, specialists and hospitals as needed, free of charge. The kids are able to go on a very regular basis to their specialists, and I do not have to worry about the co-pay or lab fees. I don't have to stress about creating a savings account for unexpected procedures or hospital stays (which, in the states, have run over hundreds to thousands of dollars over the last few years). It's not an issue here. And the removal of that HUGE burden gives me hope. 

Now I understand the healthcare is not really free. It's paid for in taxes. REALLY REALLY REALLY high taxes. But here's the thing... we would be paying these taxes whether or not we were going to the doctor monthly. Whether or not we were USING the services these tax dollars are providing.

But we are using them. WE are the people that OTHER people are paying taxes to help! 

It seems so simple to me... We are all working together - paying our part - to help society as a whole. To help the people who NEED it. Rather than some people getting richer and richer, and others barely scraping by because of unsurmountable and unavoidable expenses... it's a system created to help your neighbor. For the good of all. 

Let's get personal... See the giant stack of envelopes in the photo? This is the mail I received the other day from the Danish Medicines Agency. Over the last few weeks, I have been working with our doctors and social workers to figure out how we would pay for our remaining medical expenses.

MEDICINE IS NOT FREE. For the average joe, it's no big deal. You're not paying any insurance premiums like in the states, so there's not problem paying a little for the one time you get sick and need an antibiotic... but for Cystic Fibrosis... this is hard. CF meds are very expensive. The regular monthly maintenance meds can run the equivalent of THOUSANDS of dollars a month. And let's be real: no one can afford that. So the government helps... we just had to ask for it, and wait.

We were just approved for full coverage of nearly 30 medications. When I received these letters, I just stared at papers. I just laughed to myself. I was amazed. In awe. Completely shocked. I am so use to having to BEG insurance companies to cover certain drugs. Then still having to pay a (high) monthly co-pay in addition to the monthly expenses to even have the insurance in the first place. And we STILL were denied at times, even with letters and phone calls from doctors. IT WAS STRESSFUL. SAD. IRRITATING. AND HARD.

Because when the health of your child is on the line, you can't ignore the sickness. You can't just decide NOT to get the drugs. You have to. Even if it means you go in debt. And turn gray before you're 30 years old...

So now... our policy we are approved for is to meet a base out-of-pocket level each year (about $1000 per kid), and then everything else is covered at 100%. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!!!!

We ALSO met with a social worker at the local kommune, and we have been approved for additional assistance. 

    >>>We will receive a monthly grant to assist in the remaining expense of medications. Meaning... by next year we have ZERO out of pocket cost for medications. 

    >>>We will receive a monthly grant to help assist in the EXTRA COST OF FOOD for the kids due to Cystic fibrosis and the needed additional calories per day. Food is expensive. And basically, they are helping cover the difference between our kids and a "normal" kid. I think this is amazing. It's no longer "our issue" since we have sick kids. There is an understanding that it's not our fault we have this extra expense, so they're helping us out!

    >>>We will receive an additional grant to cover the high cost of GLUTEN-FREE FOODS from Colin's celiac. Because GF foods can cost almost double the normal versions. So again, they are helping cover the difference.

    >>>We also get grants to help cover various other expenses like travel to the hospital, and the additional cost of laundry since the kids sweat a lot due to CF. It's unreal.

So please understand me... THIS is why I love this system. We are not just being cared for on a base level. We are being TAKEN CARE OF over and above anything I ever dreamed. And it's not just us --- they offer this to anyone who needs it!

All I can do is compare to my own experiences in the states. We made too much money to qualify for medicaid. At one point we even considered DJ taking a lower-income job so we could get coverage, and therefore bring in more expendable income. (ridiculous!). But we didn't make enough money to pay our bills on our own. It was a tough place to be. It meant we depended on credit cards, and family helping us out, just to make ends meet. It meant we lived life in a financial debt-filled hole. 

But now, I see a future. There's light at the end of this long tunnel. I see the opportunity to move forward - or at least get by - even with two kids who have a couple really hard and really expensive diseases. So I'm in favor of this Socialist society. 

Denmark is giving me hope.

*PHOTO: Getting ready for a round of morning treatments. This is DAILY.

*PHOTO: After treatments, all the parts must be cleaned, and then sterilized by boiling.

*PHOTO: I found a store in a nearby town with a HUGE gluten-free (glutenfri) section. AWESOME!!!

*PHOTO: Fredensborg Kommune Rådhus is basically our area's "city hall". This is where you register when you move to a new address, sign up for day care or school, and where I met with the social worker about all this medical stuff.