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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Lorna
Roseburg, OR
This is my best friend"s story. After 15 years of marriage to a husband who wanted her to be a stay at home mom, Pam was suddenly abandoned by her husband. She had two sons to care for, no real work experience since she was a teenager, and no high school diploma. She was 38 years old, but never fear, she was eligible for health coverage under the Oregon Health Plan. Our plan had been hailed by progressives as a cutting edge approach to health care for the poor. I will not bore you with the various times when she did not get the care she needed to concentrate on what I call "the big one". While covered by Oregon's state plan, she was informed that the problems she was facing really needed a hysterectamy. Going thru the proper channels, her Dr. requested pre-approval for the surgery. It was denied because OHP does not provide this surgery. Her OB-GYN specialist then got permission to do an endometrial ablasion which she hoped might work. It made things better for about 6 months. When my friend's doctor then tried for approval again. Pam was told she had to fill out a new application for the Plan, as guidelines had changed. At that point, she was making $640/month, but was told she made too much to qualify for the plan. At that time her meds were costing her about $500.00/month. Enough said, my blood has reached the boiling point.
*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.
