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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Amanda
Stephens City, VA
In July 2007 I had my first child. We had great health insurance, although we paid almost $500.00 a month for it, but I only paid $40.00 to the hospital for my delivery. In September of 2007 my husband changed jobs to better our financial situation. Therefore we lost our insurance because his new job had a 90 waiting period and we could not afford the $2,000 a month cost of COBRA for our family. November 11, 2007 I woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating stomach pain. I could barely move. I called my husband at work and he came home and rushed me to the hospital where I was diagnosed with appendicitis. We had no insurance coverage. The total bills for less than 24 hours in the hospital was over $11,000. We make a decent amount of money so we do not qualify for any assistance from the state or from the hospital. Now I have to endure harassing letters and phone calls from the hospital - because they want exactly $235.00 a month or they will send us to collection. My husband is now working 2 full time jobs so that we can pay our bills and avoid ruining our credit.
*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.
