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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Daisy
Middleboro, MA
Each year the supplemental coverage - the Medex coverage that only covers the Medicare deductible and the 20% that Medicare does not pay increases.
What began as an easily affordable premium increases annually because a premium is charged to cover the uninsured.
I had an acquaintance who was having headaches, but had no health insurance. When she went to the ER, they took xrays, found nothing, told her she should have an MRI, but it wasn't considered an emergency.
When she saved up enough money to pay for the MRI, it was determined she had an inoperable brain tumor and died within several months, leaving small children.
I have a friend who is severely disabled and relies on prescription drugs to control diabetes caused by a severe car accident and congestive heart failure. When he hits that 'donut hole,' he stops taking the meds., blood suger skyrockets, heart out of control and he ends up in the hospital. Is this sane medicine? He recently filed for bankruptcy and will probably loose his modest home.
Another friend has 2 children diagnosed with a crippling genetic disorder and every single claim is a fight. Her insurance carrier approved surgery. The surgery was successful and the insurance company then determined that the surgery was 'experimental' and they wouldn't pay for it -- she then had to appeal and fight. In addition to having to deal with the stress of handicapped children whose crippling genetic disorder was not diagnosed until they were older, my friend must fight with each insurance carrier her husband's employer has had.
*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.
