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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emily
loveland, OH
8 years ago, when my husband and I married we were able to buy a small house and still maintain savings. Since then, we have had 2 children. My husband works for a small company, with only about 30 employees insured. Each ofour children cost us over $10,000 despite our insurance with premiums of $2000 a year at that time. Since 2000, our premiums have increased to almost $6000 a year, our deductibles are $2500 a person, or $5000 for our family for the year. We have had only minor medical problems, except for my chronic allergies and asthma. Our co-pays at the Doctor are $35 a visit and $50 for a "specialist -- but everyone is a specialist!!! Last summer our middle child broke her arm and we are STILL paying the over $1200 a simple fracture cost us DESPITE our medical insurance. I cannot take all of the allergy medications that I am prescribed because of our high co-pays and we spend more than a car payment everymonth in medical costs. Over 20% of our income is spent on medical costs alone. Our savings are completely gone, and we have had to seek charity from the hospitals we sstill owe money to. I need a root canal, but have no way of paying for it so I am putting it off. We are just an average middle class family, struggling to keep afloat and being taken down by the exorbitant cost of medical care in America. Anyone who says a nationalized health care system would cause rationing, clearly has better medical coverage than we do. Our medical care is rationed -- BY COST. Thanks.
*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.
