Well, since we’re on the subject anyway…
Some of you may be familiar with Jay Bennett, guitarist/keyboardist who gained quite a bit of notoriety as a member of Alt-Folk band Wilco. Jay was in my brother’s original band way back when and I knew Jay – he lived in my house for awhile. Anyway, due to some “rock star” moves he made while performing, Jay suffered from a bad hip for years. Because it was a “prior condition” he couldn’t get insurance, and he couldn’t afford the $40,000 for the replacement.
So he scrimped and saved for years, and tried to make “deals” with potential doctors, incl various forms of barter, to get the operation. During this time, his pain was so great he had to wear a pain patch just to function.
A reunion of sorts had been scheduled in Champaign for the old band one weekend and my brother flew in for it. I was really looking forward to seeing Jay again and talking to him – he had always been supportive of my music. Alas, Jay bowed out, citing that he didn’t feel good.
My brother flew back on Sunday and that evening I heard/read that Jay had been found dead. My first thought was suicide – Jay did have some demons. But it turned out the freaking pain patch had leaked and he OD’d in his sleep. We were all devastated.
It was that experience that turned my opinion 180 degrees on the healthcare issue.