http://nmindependent.disqus.com/enSun, 13 Jul 2008 07:47:13 -0000http://70.32.121.217/739/guv-expands-special-session-agenda-to-pocketbook-issues#comment-2502063It makes no difference whether NM can afford universal health care or not. If you don't have doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers to actually see, then it doesn't matter if you have insurance or not. NM is experiencing a critical shortage of healthcare providers everywhere. Rural areas are especially hard-hit. My doctor called it quits and left the state about two months ago. Luckily, there is a physician's assistant in that office who has taken me on as a patient, but she is so overworked and overwhelmed, I predict she'll be leaving soon too. And, even if you have insurance, transportation and can take a day off work to go to Albuquerque to see a doctor, you'd better be prepared to wait anywhere from six weeks to six months for that coveted appointment. You'll either be better or dead by the time you get to see someone.<br><br>None of this makes any sense to me, considering that we have an excellent teaching hospital right here in the state. Why not offer tuition assistance to the doctors and other healthcare professionals coming out of UNM in exchange for their services in New Mexico for a specified period of time?commonsense57Sun, 13 Jul 2008 07:47:13 -0000