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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Catherine
Creve Coeur, IL
First of all, I am handicapped due to a severe head injury I suffered in 1975 between seventh and eighth grade. I take over $500 worth of medication a month and see many specialists. I have since graduated from grade school, high school and college. I cannot get a job as I am discriminated against because I am handicapped. Also, if I was to work, I would not be able to afford my medication nor would I be able to afford to see the physicians I see.
Also, the man with whom I live has bladder cancer. He worked for one company and had insurance with that company. The money to pay the insurance was taken automatically out of his paycheck. After he had already been diagnosed with cancer and treated twice, he went to fill his precriptions at the pharmacy. His pharmacist told him that his insurance was not good anymore. Danny, the man with whom I live, came home and called his insurance company. He found that his employer had not paid his premiums for a couple of months. Danny has since worked for about three companies. He still works. He has no insurance. He cannot afford the insurance. He said he was just going to die of cancer that is treatable. As a matter of fact, my sister in law's parents former neighbor has bladder cancer and has had it for seventeen years. The BCG treatments work for the type of bladder cancer Danny has. He will just die because he cannot be treated.
*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.
