These stories come from the real people who live with a broken health care system. Some have health insurance and some do not. Many of these stories suggest potential solutions* that lead to quality, affordable health care we can count on. One thing we all agree on is that the we cannot trust the insurance industry to fix themselves. To learn more about what Health Care for America Now stands for read our Statement of Common Purpose.
We wanted to give you a chance to speak for yourself, in your own voice, about the need for Health Care for America Now. Do you have something to say? Tell us your story.
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Joanie
Jamaica, NY
My name is Joanie, I am 18 years old and live in Queens, New York City. I have had a progressive condition for many years that affects the joints in my jaw. Left untreated, this can cause a facial deformity that results in a large open bite, pain, and the inability to eat properly. I have been receiving treatment under my mother's health insurance since the age of seven, and was slated to undergo reconstructive surgery this summer. For the first time since the age of thirteen, I won't have to wear braces anymore. I'll finally be able to eat an apple without wincing in pain.
However, both of my parents recently switched careers, and we lost our health insurance. We are having difficulty getting our new health insurance to cover my surgery because they slate my condition as a 'pre-existing condition'. We parents are fighting with the company and the hospital over this, but we may end up having to pay for the costly procedure out of pocket. Next year will be my sophomore year of college, and my sister is getting ready to go to college herself.
My family does not have the resources to pay for my surgery out of pocket and pay for my college tuition at the same time. I may have to miss the coming two semesters. I worked so hard to get into that college.
Do I really have to throw it all away because my health insurance won't cover a routine surgery necessary to my well-being?
*Health Care for America Now is not responsible for the content of these stories. These stories are submitted by individuals in the online audience and have been edited in some cases. Health Care For America Now does not endorse any of the solutions or policy positions suggested in the content of these stories. Health Care for America Now is a coalition of organizations that agree to the Statement of Common Purpose.
See our coalition partner list.
Read the Statement of Common Purpose.
