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
Robin
Strongsville, OH
For myself, I have not had healthcare since I was laid off in 2001 and COBRA helped me to become bankrupt in 2002. Since then, I've taken temporary jobs but have had no healthcare. Because of my weight, I am told I do not qualify for an individual plan. It does not matter that I am otherwise healthy and only filed claims for regular dental exams and an occaisional minor medical service for the 25+ years I had insurance thru employers.
That is bad enough, but what is worse is what is happening to my younger brother who was diagnosed with lymphoma in October 2007. Because he was laid off and 'between' jobs when he was diagnosed, his cancer is "pre-existing" under his plan through his new employer. Even though he pays for his group coverage with his employer, he must also carry an individual policy to cover anything cancer related. His policy only pays 70% and he is facing thousands of dollars each month that is supposed to come out of his pocket. He is currently in collections with 6 different providers. As of this date, he is still able to work, but the chemo is zapping his strength and the medical bills, with collections people calling him and threatening him, are taking away his spirit to fight the cancer. Soon he will lose his job and then he will lose his house. What incentive is there for someone fighting cancer to but mind body and soul into getting well, fighting the cancer, when in fact, if by God's grace he manages to beat cancer, he is faced with bankruptcy and financial ruin? My biggest fear is that he just gives up...
He never asked to get sick. He did not lead a life-style or did anything that would invite this condition into his life. It, the cancer, is random and cruel. It is not something you can plan or save for the way you do a house or retirement.
IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE AT ANYTIME.
To think this happens to people everywhere all the time. With the healthcare system the way it is, with greedy insurance companies cherry-picking WHO they'll cover and what conditions they'll cover, and at what price, this is probably the biggest threat to American families --- and nobody is aware of it or talking about it --- at least not until it hits them or somebody close to them. What good are all these medical advances if people cannot afford them or face financial devastation? This is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!! We are ALL a diagnosis away from financial ruin in what is supposed to be the greatest country on the planet. If Canada and England can come up with a way that EVERY citizen has heathcare when they need it, why can't the good old USA? The only one reason is GREED! America is turning into a place where common decency isn't common --- unless someone is making a buck; saddly, this 'great' nation is no longer for the people, its BY THE RICH AND FOR THE RICH. And it stinks.
*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.
