We just finally got around to watching Sicko, Michael Moore’s movie as indictment of our health care system in America. All I have to say is, now that I’m a tad closer to 50 than 40, I may have to rethink where we’re going to retire just on the basis of dealing with the medical issues that can come in later decades.

Yes, I am a Michael Moore fan, but I am able to admit that there are times he can go a little too far over the edge when trying to make a political point.

But after watching Sicko, I am worried sick about my semi-retired parents, as well as what the “golden” years hold for us here in the United States when it comes to health care. My dad, who has been a farmer all his life, drives a school bus part-time just so he can hang on to his medical insurance and not have to rely on Medicare and Medicaid. But, as Moore shows us, not even having a premium insurance policy will guarantee us needed treatment. And that’s what makes this documentary part horror movie.

Love him or hate him, Moore provides plenty of food for thought on how and why our health insurance system is set up the way it is –a for profit system that is focused more on making money for shareholders than providing needed health care for patients.

After Moore interviewed people in Canada, England and France about their ability to get medical treatment and tests and medications without worrying about pre-approvals, co-pays or insurance company denials, I was ready to pack my bags and look for a place in Paris. Plus, those lucky French get at least five weeks paid vacation, unlimited sick days, six months paid maternity leave and a variety of amazingly humane and reasonable time off from their jobs for the stuff of life — time off we would NEVER get here.

Sicko is a timely movie to watch, especially with the presidential campaign in full swing and candidates talking about how they would “fix” our system. All I have to say is this — when I’ve figured out how much each candidate has received in campaign contributions from the health insurance industry, then I’ll be closer to deciding who gets my vote. And it won’t be the one whose contributions are into the six figures and beyond.