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
Southfield, MI
Up until January of 2007 I had worked my entire adult life. At that point, I was "released from my contract" by a bullyish boss. Since then I have worked up to three contingent/sub jobs at any given time, working Sun - Sat in most weeks of each month. I have been diagnosed in the past with three chronic diseases that I no longer have insurance to pay for the medications. I am lucky enough to have a doctor who is willing to give me samples. I am lucky to have parents in a position to assit me with an indiv. insurance program - with a $1,000.00 deductible.
Since I lost my job I had to go to an ER one time. I have an outstanding total of about $2,000.00 I am trying to pay off bit by bit. I was also diagnosed with skin cancer and had to have the area removed. That brought the total up to approx. $3,000.00 I work multiple contingent/sub jobs at any given time (often I have three at a time). I work every day of the week. I haven't been to the dentist in almost two years. I am a certified teacher. I was a program coordinator for a non-profit before I received my certification. I am only 5 classes away from a Masters and yet, because I can't find a full time job teaching, I don't have comprehensive benefits that ensure that I am able to be healthy, balanced and on track as I age, live, etc. etc.
And yet, because I have family members who are able to help me... even with a program that has so many limitations, I am one of the lucky ones. I am lucky to only have $3000.00 in debt from two different experiences as opposed to those who don't have any support or insurance for themselves, their children.....
Even when I did work full time, I was most often paying an additional 200 -300 amonth to put my daughter on my inurance.
We need a society that values its citizens, children, quality of life. We need an insurace revolution.
*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.
