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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Glenn
Charlotte, NC
I'm 21 and Ñ as of a few months ago Ñ living on my own for the first time. Right now I work two jobs, though one's an internship, so it's unpayed.
I get payed every two weeks, and each paycheque immediately goes to bills (rent, power bill, etc.). After paying the bills, it's a matter of asking myself, "Do I have enough left for milk, bread and sandwich meat, or just the bread and sandwich meat?"
Not surprisingly, I had to give up my $208-per-month health insurance at the same time I started living on my own. I really didn't have a choice. My parents were moving hours from my university, and I need to stay close by until I finish school (one year left).
A year and a half ago, my health insurance was $138 each month. It then went up to $168 each month, and in January of this year, it went up to $208. Within a year's time, it went up $70 per month.
Even when I was living with my parents that was stressful. Now, it's not even something I can call an inconvenience since I had to give up the insurance altogether.
It doesn't help that they refused to cover my last doctor visit from the month I canceled with them.
As things stand, I can't afford to miss a day of work. Unfortunately, if I get sick, a doctor visit to speed up the recovery process won't even be an option. Every day I have to hope I don't get sick, or that if I do, it's something I'll still be able to go to work with.
As long as the insurance companies Ñ who happen to be big campaign donators (surprise, surprise!) Ñ are setting the agenda for health care, there's going to be even more people like me who have to deal with this daily worry.
In a country that's boasted as among the most-advanced and an example of a free government system where the voice of the little man is taken into account ... it's sure puzzling that the prices for the necessities of life aren't something the little man can afford. In fact, it sure doesn't even look like their voice was considered at all.
*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.
