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
Diane
Pittsboro, NC
I've been a cabinetmaker for 28 years. Three and a half years ago I required spinal surgery. It didn't go well and I was left with spinal cord damage: constant numbness, hand pain and tingling, leg spasms, neck pain, no fine motor control in my hands, osteoarthritis in my hands and spine, and when the swelling gets bad, speech stutterance. I was unable to sue because the Doctor covered his tracks when I awoke from suregry unable to move. I had to empty my savings and live on debt till I could get life back together. Consequently the cost of my insurance rose, and I was no longer able to afford it. I am now working again part time, and still can't afford healthcare. I'm using alternative practicioners to control my pain. But it's a constant struggle to pay even those bills, and deal with the days when the pain overwhelms me and I can't work. Even though, in other ways, I'm a healthy person, I would love to be able to afford basic things like annual checkup, medical and dental, and affordable MRI's when needed instead of the $8000 for 45 minutes that it cost me.
*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.
