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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Brian
Los Angeles, CA
I am an American citizen who has spent 6 years living abroad in Paris, France, where, as in every other developed country, they have universal health care. During my stay, my experiences with the health care system were wonderful. The quality of the care was excellent and I never had to wait more than a few days to get an appointment or to see someone. Now, I am self-employed, with a small and growing business, so once I came back to the States a year ago, I had to purchase an insurance plan with low monthly costs and minimal coverage. Now I'm terrified to go to the doctor because I never know how much the visit will cost, and if anything does come up during a routine check up (high blood pressure, etc.), I'm afraid that they'll report it to my insurance company, which will then increase my monthly payments. The French system is not perfect and certainly does have its own problems. But these problems pale in comparison to the anguish and anxiety caused by a routine medical visit under our current, exploitative system.
I am a strong advocate of universal health care, and am delighted to talk to anyone about my health care experiences abroad. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help spread the word of this essential cause.
*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.
