i know we don't know anyone's health status but every single time someone associated with the arts passes suddenly i wonder if it could have been avoided if it was easier for everyone to have consistent access to quality healthcare

Not to mention the incredible art that *could* be created by people with health problems who are tied to the job that gives them insurance.

Someone I'm close to lost their steady health insurance when their spouse passed a few years ago, and only got insurance again when they started as a backing musician for Mavis Staples. The times they've needed care since then and I've thanked heaven they were covered again … whew.

Yes, this was almost certainly the cause of Jay Bennett's death.

I'm convinced corporate America uses healthcare as a club to keep employees in line in the US. The "shut up or die" ethos of American capitalism.

I think about this every time I see Chuck Grassley.