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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laura
Charlottesville, VA
I was born with a very minor heart murmur. I have no side effects, no health restrictions, nothing. I wouldn't even know it was there if I wasn't told so. However, I have to see a cardiologist once a year to "keep an eye on it." Ever since graduating college and getting off of my parents insurance, it has been a nightmare trying to get my own insurance. The insurance I was on my entire life told me that I could get my own plan for $700 per month! I just started graduate school and paid $1800 for the school's insurance plan. I specifically asked if they covered my pre-existing condition (the heart murmur) because I had been stung in the past when "pre-existing conditions" were not actually covered. They said that they would cover pre-existing conditions as long as had had a history of insurance coverage, which I did, and I provided proof of. After my yearly cardiology check up however, I was stuck with a $2000 bill because the school-offered insurance did not cover my "congenital condition." So I get screwed because the condition that used to be labeled pre-existing is now labeled congenital. I'm beginning to think I'll never have insurance to cover my heart condition.
*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.
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Read the Statement of Common Purpose.
