A Mother's View on Lack of Health Care

As a mother, not being able to provide healthcare for my children; I feel as if I have failed to uphold my responsibility. I have four children, all covered with health insurance however I struggle to find a doctor that accepts our insurance. I am not the only parent going through this, in fact New York Times states, "One in four children in the United States did not have access to essential health care, though a record number of young people now have health insurance." and "20.3 million people in the nation under the age of 18 lack access to care that meets modern pediatric standards." Families of low-medium income often times can't afford private health insurance, and are stuck with 'public' or government sponsored insurance. Being stuck with 'public' insurance makes it hard to find care providers that accept our insurance. The American Academy of Pediatrics states, "all children should get health maintenance visits for immunizations and other preventive services; management of acute and chronic medical conditions; access to mental health support and dental care; and have round-the-clock availability of emergency services and timely access to sub-specialists." So why are all insured children not receiving this care? Change needs to happen. Healthcare insurance needs to be a necessity instead of an option. All health insurance needs to be accepted by care providers.