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.
for
Ramona
Bellingham, WA
I was in four car accidents in a period of 2-1/2 years. In the first one, I hit an oil slick and slid down a hill into the back of a mini-van. The second I was rear-ended, third sideswiped by a fellow who changed lanes without looking, and the fourth, nearly killed by a teen who stole his dad's car, was on acid, cocaine, the date rape drug and one other that I forget, and who then commenced to drive for the first time in his life.
I had full auto insurance, but had been laid off not long before the first accident. I couldn't afford the COBRA coverage I was offered. (Or, I *thought* I couldn't. If I could go back in time....)
Five years later, with over 30 thousand of my own money in doctor bills and medication costs, I 'won' the lawsuits against all the insurers (including my own). In 'winning,' I did not even get my own costs fully reimbursed.
I was one of the 'lucky' ones - I had a house I could sell to pay all my debts. Many don't. But I sure don't think it was fair that I got to sell a house to pay bills incurred from other people constantly hitting me.
The insurance industry is completely stacked against the user, who pays for years into the system. Having full auto coverage is supposed to protect you, but we shouldn't be having to cover our health costs that way. Neither should we be having to trade our homes for them.
Both my husband and I now work on single-payer coverage issues. We know what happens when you have a medical incident - or multiples. I will be on medication for the rest of my life, it appears. I will be seeing doctors also for chronic pain, and there's a high likelihood of future surgery. None of that is covered. In fact, for years after, I couldn't even GET health coverage because I scored too high on the submittal form from all the accidents.
This is no way to run a country. In fact, it's criminal. I have stories aplenty of things that happened along the way - and they all reflect quite poorly on my auto insurance carrier, and the legal system there to help address situations. (Supposedly.)
And the young man who nearly killed me and numerous others driving up the wrong side of a six-lane arterial in Seattle, weaving from side to side in a semi-conscious stupor? One night in jail and that's all, folks. Never paid a dime in money or time aside from that. His parents were very wealthy....coincidence? I don't think so.
*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.
