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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Erika
Tacoma, WA
I am a Graphic Designer for a major furniture importer. With my job comes, by todays standards, excellent health benefits. Last August my heart stopped from Sudden Arrythmia Death Sydrome (SADS), which is basically SIDS in adults.
I went immediately to the hospital and my insurance put a hold on most of the tests that were needed right away for the doctors to make a full diagnosis and treatment plan. The reason? My HMO said I was too young to suffer from SADS or just plain heart failure for that matter, even though research has shown that SADS is unpredictable and can affect children as young as 9 years old. The doctors were told to reassess the situation. That meant taking a bunch of tests that I did not need to take. It took almost 3 weeks to get the tests that I should have had the day it happened.
After many tests and doctors visits I was left with an inconclusive treatment plan and a total of $10,000+ in copays. My doctors says if the HMO would have let the doctors do there job it would have taken a fraction of the time to assess the situation and the copays would have been a fraction of the price.
If I earn more than the average wage earner, and if I have better than average health insurance, then I can't imagine what someone with average wages and health care would have to deal with. There is no reason that anyone in this country or anywhere should go into financial ruin to get adequate health care.
Erika Savoy
Tacoma, WA
*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.
