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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Mary
Carmichael, CA
Fear is how I would describe my health insurance/health care situation. My husband and I are both in our early 50s. We have a "small group of 2-50" plan that covers us and our two children through my small business. It costs $1100 a month for a bare bones high deductible plan ($1500 for my husband, $5000 each for me and the boys). The monthly premium has increased at least $150/month every year that we've been on the plan. If revenue stops coming into my business, in addition to not being able to take a salary, I will have to borrow from our personal funds to pay the insurance premiums. We can't afford to let coverage go, since my husband has already had quad bypass at 40, has diabetes, sleep apnea and takes seven prescription drugs. If it were not for my company, I'm sure we wouldn't be able to buy private insurance for him at any cost. Doctors won't see you if you don't have insurance. I understand that a bypass now costs $150,000! In the back of my mind there is always a fear that if anything major happens, Blue Cross would try to find a way to cancel our policy. I'm currently postponing an MRI on our son because of the out-of-pocket expense. I know that costs will increase dramatically at 55 and again at 60. At this point, I feel that one of us will need to find a job with group health benefits soon.
*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.
