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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Anita
Eagle Rock, CA
I became personally aware of the need for medical coverage for all Americans when my mother became ill and bedridden. My mother and father both worked all their lives, my mother in the nursing field. They were both prudent with their money and had a little nest egg for their retirement. My mother was covered by Medi-care and had a supplemental policy with AARP. When she was unable to live alone, my sister moved in with her and we both took turns taking care of her. We both work full time and were unable to stay with her during the day. When it was obvious she could no longer stay be herself during the day we hired a Home health care aid. I became aware that others in similiar situations were having their health care aid paid for by medi-cal. We tried to call different programs to see if my mother was eligible for help in her home. She was not. So all the years that she and my father worked and saved were for her to have to pay for her health care deductibles,expensive medication that was not covered under medi-care and home health aid. It was extremely frustrating to see the inequity in our system.
I am also worried about my future. As long as I am working I have no problem being covered under my group health insurance. My fear is, when I am unable to work I will not be able to get health insurance or supplemental insurance, secondary to Medi-care. I have diabetes and hypertension and when I was looking into the price of health insurance coverage in case I am unable to work I was told by my current carrier that I probably would not be able to purchase health insurance due to my illnesses, despite the fact that they have been well under control for the past 10 years.
I am definitely an advocate of health insurance for all Americans despite income level. It is a shame that people who have worked hard all their lives are put at risk of losing their life's savings and their homes just to cover what should be a right and not a privilege, for every single American.
*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.
