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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Beth
San Marcos, TX
I am 63 years old--too young for Medicare--and am working at a job that is killing me with stress; it's wrecking my marriage and my health and sanity. And the ONLY reason I put up with this madness is for the health insurance coverage offered by my employer. I keep trying to find another job that offers ANY kind of health coverage and so far, no luck. I simply cannot afford to try to survive with the ongoing health issues I suffer from now without health insurance. It's bad enough with the deductibles and percentage of each doctor's visit that I pay for from my own pocket, but I know from first hand experience what a doctor or hospital charges to someone WITHOUT any insurance! My grown son fell and broke his wrist a couple of years ago. He suffered for two days before he finally went for treatment. He had no insurance and luckily I had a credit card because they charged top dollar for every bit of treatment they provided. At least with an insurance company, the asked-for amount by the health service provider is reduced substantially before the insurance company pays anything. But I'm so tired of putting up with the nonsense from the insurance company. I wish we could get them out of the picture altogether and have a single payor system--like Medicare--and cut out the middle man altogether. When I say like Medicare, I don't bean this sorry excuse that passed congress during the last 7 years. The prescription plan is a joke--donut hole indeed! Plus, the congress made sure that the government is forbidden to negotiate for lower prices. Such foolishness! Bottom-line, I feel like a bonded servant, working for less than steller wages at a job I despise, but still a hostage for that single thing between me and financial ruin: health insurance.
*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.
