This is my Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield identification card. It has taken 165 days, two visits to the doctor, 15 hours on the phone, 3 conversations that made me cry, and the acceptance of the fact that no thyroid-related conditions will be covered for another ten months to obtain this card. My battle to be protected from bankruptcy if I get hit by a car was won; and the victory was a quiet arrival of a slim envelope containing this precious card. I feel relief and exasperation.