This story documents an extreme medical situation and focuses on the moral argument for universal quality healthcare -- as well as Congress's willingness to focus on such an issue for a period of time in the 1970s. Some of the cost numbers appear to be "back of the envelope" calculations but that doesn't detract from the point being made.

Jennifer Nix bravely bares personal details of her own illness and recovery (and that of her father) for an admirable overall goal. It's an admirable bit of work. I think the story might even be more effective if it were trimmed down a bit, to, say op-ed length.

This is quality journalism, and here is why: the author takes something very personal and writes an accessible piece. She is also a gifted writer. She has a point of view and without hyper-sentimentalizing she speaks elegantly about the need for change in our current system based on her personal experience.

Jennifer's story personalizes and briings home the most salient issues of the current health care debate while simultaneously doing that thing that all great writiing does: making the local universal. Her story, and her father's, help clarify for those with questions and doubts about the current health care reform proposals why a public option is so important. It's simple: people deserve to be taken care of by a country that can afford to provide care. Our country can and should care ... More »

Thank you, Jennifer Nix! This is jounalism of the best order. This is exactly what this country needs in this time while the debate about health care reform rages on. I have worked in the health care industry for over 20 years. I know first hand why this country needs to provide affordable health care for everyone. I have witnessed many stories that are identical to what has been thoughtfully detailed in this article. The sad reality is-not everyone is fortunate enough to receive ... More »

This is an informative article about a little known public option that already exists in the US. It provides great insight on how a public option has saved lives and how it has performed in the competitive market that is the US health care system.

The story consists of an engaging and well-written first-person account to shed light on the current healthcare debate. The data are certainly there, but the personal account fleshes them out. Well done all around.

This is personal and poignant. It compares and contrasts changes within the political arena regarding social health care programs from the early seventies to today. It implores and engages one to take a moral inventory on the issue and to get involved.

This is a very personal story from a life-long progressive activist that reveals a side of the public option debate that you will not hear about in the mainstream media. It's a prescription for how the public option can and does work. And, for the millions of Americans who will one day need dialysis, a story of hope. Jennifer, you are truly an inspiration for us all.