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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Tom
Golden, CO
My wife and I work for a non-profit. I have worked for the organization for ten years, and my wife for seven. The organization has made the same contribution to our health-insurance plan since I began working for it. During that time, the cost of my health insurance has resulted in a $2,000 per annum reduction in my take-home pay for the last two years (according to my Social Security Administration statement) even though I have received "cost of living" adjustments (though no raise).
In fairness to my employer, the rise in health-care premiums is not something the organization could sustain. But that means that my wife and I have to do so. Our family is the engine that picks up the slack when the cost of health care rises.
The quality of our heath care over that period has diminished dramatically. Our co-pays have more than doubled, and just recently when I underwent a medical procedure, I began being dunned by the anesthesiologist's office to pay my bill weeks before I even underwent the procedure.
Tactless as that was, I can understand their urgency to get their money, given the excuses the insurance companies give health care providers.
I think it is time for the United States to join most of the rest of the world in recognizing that the profit motive is not a good incentive for health care.
*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.
