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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David
New York, NY
I am an attorney at a non-profit who works exclusively with elderly and disabled clients who are having trouble getting medical treatment, primarily home health care and prescription drugs. There are two notable things about the mere fact that I have a job doing this. One, that the system is complicated enough that people need lawyers to help them get healthcare. Although it puts food on my table (barely), I am first to admit that if lawyers need to be involved, then the system is broken. Two, that almost all of my clients HAVE HEALTH COVERAGE. They are generally not the folks with no health insurance whatsoever. These are people who have Medicare, or Medicaid, or employer-based coverage, almost always through a private managed care plan. And they're STILL not getting the care they need. The kicker is that I see everyday how these private health plans aren't even saving the government (or employers) any money. They claim to need major subsidies to justify insuring such a disproportionately sick population, but actually cost more than the old-fashioned, government-run, fee-for-service model. Don't believe the hype! Free market doesn't mean cheaper! It just means worse care and profiteering. The market simply fails to ethically and efficiently allocate healthcare resources.
*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.
