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.
for
Bette
My first child was born in Dallas in 1970. It was a simple birth: no anesthetic and in the hospital only 1-1/2 days. With the best insurance we could get at that time our cost was was still about $1,200.
My second child was born in Canada in 1979. I had complications with the pregnancy and had an induced labour some 5 weeks early. I was in the hospital for two weeks and my little premie was in the hospital for another two weeks after that. We both needed lots of extra attention including specialists and a private nurses for me and intensive care for my daughter. Using the public health system, our total cost was $7.00 (50 cents per day for my telephone).
Now I'm facing retirement. I would like to consider moving back home, but with no universal health care I feel I have no choice but to remain in Canada. Life here is great, but as a US citizen (who's been paying taxes in both countries) I feel I'd like the option to return as I had originally planned.
Like public schools and highways and even libraries... health care is our social responsibility for all citizens.
*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.
