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Personal experiences with the health care system
Disclaimer: The stories included in this section were provided by individuals and describe their personal accounts of unique experiences with the health care system. The AMA does not endorse any particular opinion expressed, or course of action described, by any individual. These stories are neither presented as a substitute for medical advice, nor are they necessarily medically accurate. If you suspect you have a health problem, please consult a physician. AMA may have edited the stories due to limited space.
I am a nurse who provides quality health care to my patients daily. My company does not provide insurance for its employees. Believe it or not a lot of medical facilities do not provide medical insurance. What is a nurse to do?
Since I graduated high school, I have never been without at least one job. At one point I had three jobs, but for now I only have two. You would think that one of these would permit me to acquire some form of insurance, however I am not qualified. Because I have no insurance, I have not been able to go to any doctor. Therefore, my asthma, chronic bronchitis and chronic tonsillitis constantly untreated. I also need severe dental care and now I have a new chest pain that causes my family and myself a great deal of concern.
Dealing with life long mental illness is a challenge it itself but finding insurance with mental health coverage is nearly impossible. The cost is exorbitant for benefits that are sorely lacking. Mental health coverage provided by the insurance industry would be laughable if it wasn't so tragic. This issue also needs to be addressed along with providing affordable insurance. After 17 years with the same company, my husband was let go after the company was sold to a large corporation. In our early 50's, our retirement fund is now gone, we are uninsured and I can no longer afford my two medications which cost $800 a month without insurance and no generics are available. Currently, we are both employed full time but our employers do not offer insurance and we cannot afford the most basic insurance benefits let alone benefits that would cover medications and visits to a mental health provider for prescriptions. We would be classified as lower middle class, too rich for assistance but too poor to make ends meet each month and we live very modestly. Normal yearly tests are passed by and illnesses and injuries are ignored as one visit to the doctor with lab fees is over $300. We've considered moving to another country where health care is provided to all citizens as a basic need.
Being uninsured has resulted in no surgery that is needed to save my husbands life. Recently he was diagnosed with a narrowing artery in his right leg. Because of this it is getting harder and harder for him to work, his blood pressure has increased, and even walking is a chore at times. I can't afford health insurance at work because it would take half of my check every two weeks leaving us with less than we need for bills and every day living. In the mean time my husbands family doctor has put him on high blood pressure medicine in hopes to keep it down. He was also on a blood thinner but had to get off of it after three weeks because it made him so sick. I'm not real sure how this will all turn out I can only pray every day for an answer.
Being uninsured is probably detrimental to my health. The last time I saw a physician was ten years ago. I was told to have a PSA test and a blood test. I could not afford the hundreds of dollars that would have cost. I never went. So far so good, but I could be a ticking time bomb of unattended medical issues. Because of not going for medical attention all of this will be much more expensive when the time comes. Prevention is better than the cure. That is common sense.
Being uninsured has been a struggle with my husband and I. Last year I had laryngitis 3 times before I went to an urgent care, I also sprained my foot and did not go because of not having health insurance. The scariest moment was when my husband's appendix was on the verge of bursting and we were considering going to the hospital or not. Thank God we went, or my husband would not be here for me and my son. It's sad when in America you have to think about health insurance in a life and death situation. We are Americans, this is not supposed to happen to us. What do we tell our son when we get hurt and he tells us to go see a doctor, how do you explain that you can't to a four year old.
For over 12 years I owned my own business with approx 35 employees and provided health insurance. After selling the business and went off cobra, I applied for a personal health policy and was turned down 3 times because of a doctor's report. The report stated I had COPD. I confronted my doctor because I did not feel his report was correct. He submitted another report explaining that I had not had any formal testing to show this but I was already on a black list with the underwriters. I have tried to buy a policy with an exclusion but they won't do that either. I am a 58 year old female and take no medication nor do I have any health issues. In the past, the only visits to the doctors have been when I get a bad flu. My biggest fear is having some kind of emergency or sudden illness and going into the hospital. Because I can afford to pay these bills, if something would happen, the medical bills would take all my retirement.
I am 25 year old student and a married mother of two. My husband and I have been uninsured for the past two years. I suffer from Bipolar disorder and just found out that I will be needing surgery on a hernia. My husband's job offers insurance but the family cost would be $1100 a month. That's 3/4 of his net pay. My children are fortunate to have coverage through the County.
I have Health problems for a 1.5 years now. I can't afford Health insurance, so I had to use all my Savings to pay Doctors. They only do so much if you have no Insurance. And I still don't know what's wrong with me. Sad you have to live like that.
My son is five and has aspergers a form of autism. He has crowns on the top for teeth and needs to see a specialist and is on medication. This is very expensive. I am stressed and depressed I am going to a psychologist every month and I am also on medication. My husband has a lot of health problems that should be addressed but can't. He still works every day for us. I am very afraid something could happen to my son or my husband that we won't be able to do anything about.
I have type 2 diabetes. I couldn't get insurance even if I tried. I went to the doctor where I live and the bill was so high I couldn't afford to pay for it and wound up being sued. This led to depression and now I can't do most of the things I used to do and now I don't feel part of my own family.
I am a 30 year old husband and father. I have been limited on how I live my everyday life because I, along with my wife, don't have health insurance. I suffer from health issues that prevent me from going out and pursuing a great career and advancing in the work place, which hurts us financially. We don't qualify for any assistance for health, and we sure don't make enough money to afford it, so we constantly find ourselves hurting or sick and can't do anything about it. We can't afford anymore outstanding medical bills, we have enough. We need to find a better way to go about getting medical attention as needed. This is my story, thanks for listening.
I am a 64 year old woman without insurance, I am hypertensive, know I may have cancer. It does not do me any good to go to the doctor to find out because I could not pay for the treatment, or meds. My husband is on social security disability, and I am drowning on his benefits for social security retirement, medical wants 947 dollar a month deductible and we only get 2030 a month, so we cannot afford the deductible.
I am a 25 year old female, I use to have health insurance through my job, but after I had my second daughter who has a disease and needs me taking care of her 24/7 I had to quit my job to stay with her. During the process of me loosing my health insurance and looking for a new one it was to my big surprise to discover that I was pregnant. Now no health insurance will cover me and Medicaid says that my husband gets 24 dollars more for the limit??? We live check by check not even sometimes! I don't know what we will do. Just leave it in Gods hands.
I am self employed hair stylist. I struggle to keep insurance because of yearly rate increases. When I was searching once again for affordable health insurance I was sold a policy that I was told to be better than I currently had and would cover me. Surprise! after a few months I had to have some test done and found out they only paid $300.00 on my MRI. I now owe the hospital over $6,000.00 just for this test and the insurance company won't call me back. Now I really can't afford insurance with this large medical bill hanging over me and the hospital is turning me over to a collection agency which will ruin my credit.
I'm a 56 year old employed male. My employer does not offer a medical plan. For years I've been healthy and don't smoke. Diabetes has occurred in my family. I'm single and living from paycheck to paycheck. Lately I've been feeling tired. Normally I'm an active person. Right now it would be hard for me to afford a visit to the doctor for a check up.
I had planned to retire at age 59.5. My husband and I were ready financially, however I was unable to purchase private insurance due to preexisting conditions. I am not fat or obese, 68" 158lbs. I take a blood pressure medication which corrects my blood pressure to 110/66, I take Zocor which brings my total cholesterol to 160 and worst of all Insomnia! These were the reasons I was given for being refused coverage. So, I continue to work full time just to be able to have health insurance. My husband is retired and we had planned to travel etc. I just hope he lives long enough for us to share the retirement that we planned for and were ready for.
I am a 25 year old woman in the body of a 65 year old. I say this because of my many health issues which include Lupus, HBP, and Rehumatoid Arthritis among other less serious conditions. I was diagnosed with Lupus when I was 13 years old and ever since then I have not enjoyed a pain free day. To make matters worse I am uninsurable because of my pre-existing medical condition so I have to pay for all doctor visits out of pocket, the thing is that I can not afford medical care so I have to go to Tijuana Mexico to receive treatment. My mother and I have applied to many insurance companies but we always get turned down. I am not eligible for medical because I make "too much money" and yet I struggle to make ends met monthly. Oh I almost forgot I have a hospital bill of about $50,000.00 that I am slowly making payments on and will continue to do so until for ever probably. I have a three year old son that needs his mommy to be there for him, he doesn't understand that mommy is sick and doesn't have the strength to even hug him sometimes.
I'm 18 and my mom doesn't have the money for me to have health insurance. I have several reasons why I need to go to the doctor: I have a lump in my right breast, I've been having migraines, I've been coughing for two weeks and I need to be put back on birth control for my period. But my mom can't even afford a doctors appointment.
Being uninsured is frightening. In the last six months my brother has had triple by-pass surgery, four stents put in his legs and now he has fallen and broken his hip. He 46 years old and works for a local business that offers medical insurance at a cost that is much higher than they are willing to pay their employees. With all his health issues we have twice applied for state aide and have twice been rejected. Now we are in the process of contesting the states decision to deny him Medicaid coverage but I am not very hopeful of the outcome. My brother is one of the millions who fall through the cracks...he works and works but can't get a leg up. Luckily he is able to receive his medications through a low income program run by a local clinic. Thank goodness for that help. It would be a choice between his medication or his rent and bills if he didn't have that help.
I go without the normal yearly pap smears for women my age and the mammograms. I am at risk for cervical cancer but cannot afford the pap smears anymore. We are self employed with three kids. One a 21 yr old whom cannot afford health insurance himself. The other two thank God are on Medicaid. I cut my leg and had to go to the ER for stitches, I was bleeding very badly and my 16 yr old daughter was calling for an ambulance. I told her NO I cannot afford that. I had my son drive me while I held a towel tightly to my leg. I now pay whatever I can afford monthly to the hospital. Its bad when all you think about is hoping you don't have to go to the hospital for anything.
I am a single mom raising a 13 year old son with no support. I have worked all my life , and have been covered lucky enough to have been covered by health insurance. However, that insurance was usually so expensive that it caused a major burden. Now due to continuing health issues I am no longer able to work. I spend several hundred dollars a month on medication and doctors appointments. At times I am forced to choose between food and my medication. I have tried to get assistance but do not qualify since I do receive a small disability payment monthly from my last employer. I would love to get better and return to work, but I cant because I need more surgery to do so. So, it becomes a catch-22 situation. I cant work due to my medical issues but I cant get help with my health because I cant work.
Being uninsured...has hurt a lot. I have a Pacemaker and I am suppose to have three months checkups. I have tried to get Medicare and I am trying for Disability. I have moved back home to Gaffney S.C. after living in Myrtle Beach S.C. for 16 yrs. I have MS, legs and back pain, arthritis, pacemaker, valve leakage, deafness and wear glasses. My doctor tried sending me to a Cardiologist but I was turned down because of no INS. They would not let me pay cash money. What I need is a Doctor who will take cash that my daughter and ex husband will pay for me.
I am a middle class American with a husband and two young boys. My family is uninsured. By the way I am a nurse. My life is built around helping people overcome their illnesses and become healthy. I am a survivor of cancer and have endured multiple surgeries and now I can't even get a follow up visit with my doctor because I am in debt with bills from their office. My children haven't had a physical a in over a year and a half. They are three and six years old. It just breaks my heart that I give my life to medicine and cannot be provided the same level of care that I give to others. There has be a solution to this tremendous problem. We must make our voices heard and stand together if we want any ting to be done.
Being uninsured has cost me over $1600, and possibly sent me toward bankruptcy. My current employer doesn't offer health care to part-time employees, and I have had little success in finding a full-time position that would. The cost of health insurance in my area is over $350 a month, which I can't afford. My need is much lower cost, lower co-pays and deductibles, and lowered cost on a prescription that I must take. That also goes for people in my family over 65 who pay over $200 a month on prescriptions after insurance covers some.
Being uninsured is really hard on our family. Especially with my having brain cancer. I feel like I am treated differently by doctors, they hustle you in and out like cows. We cannot afford to get coverage, it is literally food, or medical coverage.
I am a 25 year old female and I was recently diagnosed with Kidney disease and have no insurance to see a doctor. I no longer can work as I can't be physically moving for more then 30 minutes before I collapse from being dizzy and exhausted. My Boyfriend works a min. wage job therefore we can't afford any insurance and we also have four children to think about.
I am 35 years old and have been without health insurance since graduating high school. I haven't been seen by a doctor or dentist since I was a small child. I am college educated from a low-middle income family but still have never been able to afford insurance. The one in seven statistic is striking since it is the exact ratio of my immediate family. All six immediate family members have insurance through their employment but I am self-employed. I have, a few times, attempted to sign up for the free government health coverage but after signing up initially, the paperwork, time constraints and documentation involved created roadblocks enough that it has been also impossible for me to acquire.
One year ago I had blood clots in my lungs, and my heart was affected by the stress. This past June I had to have a Defibrillator and Pacemaker put in. Now one of the leads going into my heart is bad. I am a US Citizen, 63 years old, have worked hard all my life to support my family, paid for health insurance for the past forty five years, and now I can't get affordable health insurance. No company will help me. Now when I need insurance the most I can't get it. I only have help for my prescriptions. Thanks for hearing my story.
I am a 40 year old female with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain and Disc Degenerative Disease. I had to quit my job due to the amount of pain I have on a daily basis. I tried to keep my job and work less hours, but my employer would not work with me. My husband has been disabled for 10 years and gets Social Security. I could not afford to keep COBRA after my job because I had to make my house payment. I tried to get help through Medicaid, but they say my husbands has to much income for me to get help. I am now suffering from depression and anxiety due to the stresses of trying to pay my bills each month and the prescriptions I need daily to try and help with my condition.
Being uninsured costs me too much money if I need to go to the doctors. It limits who I get to see, mainly I have to go to the low income clinic where I feel I do not get the best service. I have scoliosis and do not get to go do check ups for it because it costs too much. I'm sure that by now it has gotten to the point that I could probably use surgery on my back, but I can not afford to go see, and I definitely can't afford to have surgery. I work at a job that only provides the full time associates with health care coverage, and even though I work full time sometimes, I'm still not eligible to get health insurance.
I lost my job in October and with it, my health insurance. I can't afford COBRA and it is difficult to find insurance that I can afford with only my unemployment compensation. I have no health issues other than being over the weight acceptable for my height. I don't know where to turn. I am afraid that if I need to see a doctor or have to go to the hospital I will be bankrupted by the high costs.
I am a professional housekeeper who has worked for wealthy families in their homes for over 15 years.(a couple of doctors included) While the pay is fairly good, there is never any health insurance offered. I am a single mother who is sending my oldest to college right now. I have been uninsured for years and I shudder to think of what will happen to my daughter's education and future if I fall sick or am injured while uninsured. It would be devastating to her as well as to me and my teenage son that I am supporting here at home. I cannot afford the staggering high insurance monthly costs. My kids health insurance is covered through my ex-husbands insurance, thankfully, but I am their sole provider and if I continue to work uninsured, I worry about our future. It is amazing to me that the moderately high to high income families are covered, yet the servants, the blue-collared workers, the backbone of our society is left in the cold.
I'm a 22 year-old self-employed nail technician in SC. I use to be on my dad's health insurance until I graduated high school. Because I went straight to work, I was taken off his plan. At my current job, I don't make enough to pay for my own policy (not to mention the insurance companies I looked at always wanted to make 'exceptions' on certain medical conditions). I've been uninsured for four years and its scary. I've developed a muscle injury in my chest four months ago, but I can't afford to go to a doctor to get pain medicine; and I know I couldn't afford surgery if I needed it. So I have to grin it, bear it, and hope it doesn't get worse. I don't make a lot at my current job and I'm having to look for a new full-time job. Unless my future employer will offer benefits, I don't know what I'm going to do.
I'm a 19 year old college dropout. Neither I nor my family can afford the rising tuition costs, so I'm forced to work and then go back to school. But I'm unemployed at the moment, living in a town where the number of people far exceeds the number of jobs. My health insurance coverage was based on being a full time student, so now that I can't afford to go to school, I also can't afford to go to the doctor, or get in an accident, or any of the things that most financially secure and insured people take for granted. Most days my future seems quite bleak.
Being uninsured means that my family and I have to be extra careful about cold and flu season. Having three children is enough, but when you have no insurance, it multiplies everything. And some doctors don't even take medical assistance anymore. We need to act now to secure a better medical future for our children, and ourselves.
Just seven months ago, I had health insurance through my employer. Seven months ago I left that employer to pursue a career as a professional actor. I've been doing surprisingly well getting work as an actor, but then I started looking into individual health care. I did online searches and such, getting different quotes from different providers. However, I was turned down by all of them. The reason is that I am on medication for depression and anxiety and lithium is one of those drugs on the list. Due to that and because of a suicide attempt almost 20 years ago as a teenager, I can't get health insurance. So, if by some chance I end up being in a car accident or somehow get injured accidentally, I will end up with exorbitant hospital bills after treatment. And working on an actor's salary means that every penny counts. It's quite an uneasy feeling and it feels like there's no way out of it, but to give up my career to get group insurance through an employer.
I have Heart problems and can't afford to see a doctor. A recent trip to the E.R. cost me $1200. I have no idea how to pay that.
What about those of us who are insured and still can't afford care because of co-pays and premiums? I have suffered from depression on and off for years, and have hit a period of chronic depression for the past 6 months. With the high cost of living, I can't afford $20 co pays a visit to a therapist, or co pays on meds. There are no resources in my area unless you can pay your co pays, and there are no support groups. I am too depressed most days to get out of bed, so I usually don't.
I have suffered from 4 frozen shoulders (stress induced) over the last four years. Due to the pain, therapy, and amount of medication needed to treat this condition, I eventually had to leave my employment. Although COBRA was offered, I was now unemployed and unable to afford the COBRA premium. I am now uninsured, with what some insurance companies are calling a pre-existing condition, making their premiums unaffordable. Thank you for your help on this issue.
I am having problems getting insurance due to being diabetic. I also have other health problems and have to go see doctor every three months and have blood tests done. I take nine different medications a day, and some of the are very expensive. Our savings are being used very fast.
I am 38 years of age, and I don't have health insurance because I make to much money to get Medicaid and I don't make enough money to pay for private insurance. I have a 15 year old autistic son who requires a lot of attention. So my choice in employment if limited. So most of the time when I am sick I go to the drug store and try and fine a remedy for my problem.
Being uninsured has caused me to not be able to get to see doctors that I need to I need to see some specialist for the medical problems that I have and I can't see any because no insurance I can't afford to pay the cost to see the Drs. Its $4oo or $500 to even see one for a cancer test. It's ridiculous for people like me to not any help out there.
I am 23 years old and a private school teacher. I am uninsured because it costs way too much. (over 300 a month for me alone) I have health issues. It is very hard when I get very sick, I don't ever want to go to the doc because it will cost over a hundred just for going through the door. So I suffer through. I believe health insurance should be affordable for everyone, there should be no restrictions for treatments. Why do we have to put a huge price on our lives?
Something is wrong with this picture. My husband and I both work. We pay insurance on our home and vehicles and have life insurance to bury us. Yet we cant afford the health insurance through work, to keep us well, to enjoy our lives. We have one child still at home who qualifies for Medicaid. I am 50 yrs old now and worry if either of us was to get hurt or become ill how would we manage.
Being uninsured is a horrible situation to be in, especially when you have children. How would you like to watch your children be sick, and can't take them to the doctor because there isn't any medical insurance for them? Sure, you can go to the local clinical, but, everywhere you go, you have to dish out money, deeply. When will we see a serious change in this matter?
My husband has congested heart failure and we have no health insurance. He is uninsurable and I can't find a job that offers group health in our town. This is very stressful, we can't afford the medication or the doctor visits for check ups. We just don't know what to do. The needs to be a program for the uninsurable.
I am a diabetic and four months ago lost my job. I can not afford my diabetic testing supplies and am almost out of my scripts to control my blood sugar. I have no clue what to do and I can't afford insurance. My blood sugar levels have not been good and I probably should go on insulin but I can't afford to go to the doctor to get this checked. I don't know what I am going to do.
I suffer from Parkinson's Disease, Sleep Apnea and Chronic Hypertension. I have been uninsured since March 2005. I am an artist/art instructor and I love what I do. Back in 2005 I got very sick and I had to stop working. My doctor put me on disability and I immediately applied for SSDI. Needless to say the process took over a year only to be denied any kind of assistance. In the meantime I had been in and out of the hospital's ER with bills pilling up. My meds were almost impossible to buy since I didn't have a stable income. I have gotten used to suffering and my faith in our government has been shaken. I sometimes just wait for death at God's hand, otherwise I remain faithful that something will get better.
I have worked for the same company for 26 years. I was looking forward to retirement this year until I found out it will cost me $800.00 of the $1,200.00 I would get after retirement. I can't live on $400.00 a month so I guess I'm stuck here until there is a solution found. I am a Crohn's Disease patient and have treatments that cost $5,800.00 every eight weeks.
When I turned 19, my insurance expired. My family is a working family and we can't afford health insurance, nor can I find a job where I live that even offers insurance. I have some health problems that I can no longer receive medication for on a regular basis, because the medication is so expensive, and I can no longer continue to go to my doctor. It's taken a toll greater than I had anticipated.
Being uninsured is a direct result of my job of eighteen years closing down
around me and with it went my health insurance. My wife worked for the same
company. At the age of 48, all the plans my 69 year-old mother and I looked
into are too expensive for any of us with no money to spare. What is so wrong
with the economy that an entire company would need to shut down and leave so
many people with ruin lives??? We are so scared and my mother, who is divorced
and alone three thousand miles away is so worried about my future.
I am a 58 year old woman, who just got laid off from my full time position as an Administrative Assistant and can not afford paying a premium of $471.89 to continue my health benefits. This country needs to have a insurance plan for people in between their jobs.
I was self employed and could not afford health insurance when I became pregnant with my second child. It was a complicated pregnancy which ended with premature birth and a hysterectomy due to cervical cancer. That was in 1998. My child survived and is a healthy nine year old today. I, meanwhile, recovered from my surgery only to be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis three months later. It's been a long, hard road since then. I have sometimes qualified for Medicaid and sometimes not. I was without a doctor at all for three of the last nine years due to being uninsured. Because of this, I was also not on any disease modifying medications to slow the progression of my MS. I am certain, had I had access to affordable health insurance, I would be less disabled today. Because I have fallen through the health care crack, however, I am not able to play with my child the way I would like, and just caring and providing for him is a daily struggle. Please, please hear our voices. I don't want a hand out, I want help. There is a difference. I am willing to do whatever it takes including performing community service to repay the cost of providing me with some way to have my chronic, incurable illness followed and treated by a qualified doctor. Thank you for letting us speak out.
I am a health care professional. A nurse for 32 years. We are having a shortage of nurses in our country. I can't work because I can't walk. I can't walk because I can't get health insurance because I can't afford it. I can't get my total hip replacement because I can't get health insurance. I can't be a nurse and help our country with shortage.
Being uninsured has now just about ruined my life, I injured my left knee on Dec. 25, 2007 while riding a new dirt bike my cousin got for Christmas. I have been to see a doctor and have been taken off work. I have also been told I need an MRI done to verify what the doctor thinks is wrong. (torn acl and meniscus) This is where the being uninsured comes in, I cannot have an MRI done because the hospital wants an 1,000 dollar deposit. Well like most people that don't have insurance, they usually don't have the money either. I am not saying I cant pay my bill, but a deposit like that I just don't have, and what is the total price? So the bottom line is, without insurance no health care is available.
I am a 55 year old female, without any form of health insurance. I have not had a pap smear, or a physical for three years, because I cannot afford the astronomical medical bills, and them expecting payment right away or monthly payments I can't afford. I have not gone to a dentist in over three years, because I can't afford that either. I would like to have my teeth cleaned, but you have to have a full exam plus x-rays. The only thing I have gotten is a mammogram, because they offer it for $50.00 in the month of October, and have had breast calcifications, which have to be monitored. I think everybody in America should be offered affordable health insurance.
I'm a 47 yr old woman who just got a part time job and is not qualified for medical insurance. I have not been seen by a doctor in over two yrs. I can barely afford rent never the less insurance. There has to be something we can do for people who are in our situations. Won't you please help!
My family has been uninsured for the past year. My husband was self-employed in the mortgage and real estate business. His business has since become non-existent with the housing market dropping so much. Without his income we could no longer pay for health insurance. I do not make enough to pay for health insurance since I have two part-time jobs. My husband now has diabetes that is affecting his ability to function in life. He has major leg pain and his sugar level is erratic. We get insulin from a pharmacy in town to help with his sugar, but it is not enough. We also have two school age children that are not insured. I had major heart surgery five years ago and can not afford the meds I need for that. We take supplements that we pray is helping with our health problems. But I hate watching my husband go through the pain and anxiety.
Being uninsured means I can not go and get medical exams, because if there is something wrong with me I can not get the care anyway. My only nest egg I have for my family is my home and if I get medical care they would take it and leave my family with nothing. In this rich country the only choice you have if you are middle class uninsured the only choice you have is to die.
Three out of four of my grown children are uninsured. None of their jobs provide insurance and I worry myself sick because they don't have anywhere to turn. My one child who has insurance has five children and her husbands insurance doesn't over prescriptions, their monthly drug cost is $1,500.00 which means they will have to choose to drop some of their needed medications. This is a horrible way to live in this country. What about the health system in Denmark, can we move to that kind of system? I hope this can be resolved soon.
I worked for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world for nearly 15 years. In 2001, I became ill. I had a long-term disability plan, and when it expired, I was able to Cobra. It expires in September of this year. I live in fear of this daily. Why? My meds alone are 3k a month! A year and a half ago, my husband (who is self-employed and if not for me would be uninsured) was diagnosed with stage three cancer. Neither of us are insurable. His treatment has been three million so far. His meds are also around 3k a month. So, he cannot get another job and I don't know that I can keep one. Yet, how are we going to get insurance if I don't work? And I am ill as well. Not cancer, but Lupus. We are not slackers, but good people who became ill. Period. Do you know what they call people with cancer and no insurance? Dead. That isn't funny at all. I know that there are many ways that medicine needs reform, but insurance is not so much to ask.
I have taken chances, with my health. Trying to treat my self. I am highly allergic to Penicillin. I am allergic to all forms of antibiotic's. I can't just go to the Doctor. I can't afford to go. I couldn't even pay for the prescriptions. I can't afford insurance. So, I treat my self at home. I did have to go to the Doctor not long ago. I have Restless Leg Syndrome. I have had RLS for about ten year's or so. I also have Arthritis. My legs hurt so much that I could not sleep at night. I was basically a walking zombie during the day. My husband is disabled. He receives help. We have a son he receives help. But, I have been told there is no help for me. Other countries take care of their low income families. But our country does not take care of our lower income families. I find this is really sad.
I am 61 years old and have no insurance. I only can work a part time job because of my age that's all that I could get, my husband is on disability or he would be uninsured also. I know that I have things wrong with my health but insurance is just to expensive for us to afford it, by the time our house, car and utilities are paid we have very little left for other expenses.
Every day and night I am available to my town as a volunteer EMT. I provide pre-hospital care to people for free when they need it most. I am proud to offer my knowledge and experience. I am also a nursing student, and I am committed to helping the sick and injured. I have been uninsured for six months now, and although I am healthy and happy I live with the fear of injuring myself every day. I feel that it is an injustice that I give of myself and my talents to help heal people, and yet if I needed similar care I would be slammed with astronomical costs that I would have to bear the brunt of. America NEEDS to fix this situation, it is not only practical, it is the RIGHT THING TO DO!
Being uninsured makes everyday fearful. I am a 63 yr old female, single and was laid off from my job in 2005. I now receive Social Security and work 16 hrs/week. After paying rent, utilities, bills etc and my chiropractor each month, I cannot afford health insurance. I have high blood pressure and have not taken medication since I was laid off. Every night before I fall asleep, I wonder if I will wake up in the morning to ever see my children and grandchildren again.
No social security, Medicare, no savings no retirement, no future. Diabetic, heart problems, skin cancer, stroke victim. What can I do to live at 71 and my wife of 68 married for 48 years. Former school teacher, writer and without hope.
My wife and I make pretty good money, for what we do. At one time I was working 80 hours a week, with my wife working 40. We have two children, a six month and a two years old. While the kids have state paid health care, we have none. We went to the state aid office, we were denied, for dental, medical, any help there was. We were told that if we both QUIT our jobs, we could get assistance. How is that fair. We work hard to pay our bills, but we could be better off if we quit. We need universal health care, it works, its proven.
Being uninsured has been very hard for me. I have had a hard time with employment and I work for temp agency. I cannot afford the benefits and so I have not gone to the doctor or dentist. I have premature ovarian failure and Osteopenia and I do not have insurance to get my medication or to get a prescription for Osteopenia. I am only 29 and without hormones or medication to protect my bones, my body will break down at a very early age. I someday want to have children and that will not happen without having health insurance.
I am a self employed 61 year old male living with a variety of medical problems. There is no way that I can afford medical insurance. The insurance companies keep raising the price as they uncover more of my medical problems. I may qualify for total disability, since I can't walk very well or very far at one time. There just doesn't seem to be any help for people like me, so I just have to tough it out on my own.
I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and I am uninsured. This has been the most humiliating experience I have ever been through. I am 53, single and self-employed Realtor. I have always taken care of everyone else and put my self last. I just recently put my last child through college and how I thought I was my time. I am having my surgery on the 18th of this month. It has been a struggle just to get everything arranged because I don't have the funds to pay for everything. I have signed my life away including a line on my home. The fact that I own a home I do not qualify for any assistance.
Being uninsured with a chronic incurable disease in America is a shame. I have had Crohns Disease for 4 years and cannot get any insurance. I cant get it privately and my state will not give me any health care coverage. I owe so much in medical bills that I probably will never be out of debt and I am only 28 years old. Crohns disease does not go away and needs to be monitored by a physician and daily medications are necessary to have any type of normal life. The medications are so high that I don't see how anyone could afford them.
I have been unable to provide insurance for my family for five years now. Two years ago I was had a severe kidney stone attack that required surgery and the near lose of a kidney. I have been paying on the bill ever since. $17,000.00 out of pocket. It will take me at least two more tears to pay it off. I can only take my family to the doctor when they are very ill. I know we are just four of the 47 million, but we are four that are just one.
I am a mom and grandmother. Back in 2006 I had to have a heart valve replacement. I thank all the doctors for saving my life. The sad part is I can't afford to pay the bills off. I owe over a hundred thousand dollars in medical bills. I do get help from community service. My total income is 782.23 before taxes that is monthly. I have the bill collections calling me I cant give something I don't have. I send what I can each month and to them that isn't good enough.
My son was diagnosed with HIV. He is being treated by the Michal White Foundation. He is 25 years old. A few months ago they said he had HPV. They are not able to cover this. The doctor said the are possibly cancerous. They are very painful for him and they are also bleeding. He works pt time, so does not qualify for MediCal. He has an intermittent leave of absence because he is sick often. He is not capable of fighting for himself. Please help!
I live in Fairfield County, CT — an area of the country with a exceptionally high cost of living and an unusually high percentage of wealthy individuals. It's an area where no one is "supposed" to have problems. I shamefully admit I was not as concerned about the US health care dilemma until I became a victim of the system myself. I am a divorced mother of three elementary-aged children. I am unable to legally move to a less expensive area as a result of custody issues. I am a single mother of three and since getting divorced two and half years ago, I have not been able to afford health insurance. I am petrified of what will become of me and my children should I be in an accident. I am currently undecided as to which candidate is worthy of my vote, but I assure you my vote will go to the candidate who best handles the health care issue.
Being uninsured has been a huge burden for my husband and I. We have an eight month old son. My husbands job will only add us onto their insurance if they can deduct 100.00 a week from his paycheck. We cannot afford this. I had to go down to part time working from home because neither of us have relatives in town to baby sit. The cheapest policy I could find for myself is $300.00/month. I am a healthy 27 year old and still cannot afford insurance. We've both worked full time since age 18 and its a shame that we working people cannot even go for routine physicals, eye exams, paps and go into a panic at the first onset of a sore throat or cough fearing you may be stuck with paying for huge out of pocket expenses for an office visit. That's if the doctor will even see you without insurance. It's very stressful and unfair.
I was diagnosed with asthma last March, and can't afford the medications for it. So I sleep in my recliner because I can't lay down in bed. I go to work every day as a dog groomer, because it's all I know how to do. And don't bother trying to fill a partial prescription. It will cost you almost $1 PER PILL more for being too broke to fill the whole thing. I'm just waiting to die from something I couldn't afford to have diagnosed.
I live with the pain of an untreated torn ligament in my right ankle. I am only 26 and cannot run or walk on inclines because I couldn't afford to get treated. I have chronic bronchitis and asthma and cannot afford inhalers. Just to get a prescription for antibiotics and inhalers, I have to pay for a doctor's visit on top of the medications. I lost 20 lbs in one week because I had a terrible infection that caused a really bad sore throat for 2 weeks and I couldn't eat. All because I couldn't afford to go to the doctor. I am a musician, and am thinking of giving up music to get a job with benefits.
Being uninsured is a pain, I was about to go on the Lung Transplant list after the insurance company that I had at worked approved it. I was put on disability and was paying my premium every two weeks when they said they only keep it going for 6 months. They cancelled my coverage and now I cannot afford cobra or any other coverage. I am on Social Security Disability and after my bills are paid I have no money left over for insurance.
Being uninsured is scary. I am 24 with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I am in my last semester of Master's Work. My mother is on disability and is retired; she was a single parent who did her best to support me through higher education. Through our provider, I was able to get affordable health care. They promised that I would be covered until I graduated. I was dropped from my health insurance on Dec. 31, 2007. They did not give us any warning or any notification after it happened. I only heard about this news when I tried to refill my prescriptions. I am frightened for my future. I need to finish my last semester but I can't go to school without medicine. My medicines are $2000 a month without insurance. I've been debating which medicines to go off of because of the money.
I recently found out that I am pregnant. I am scared because I am uninsured. My husband works full time at a small business where insurance is not offered. I applied at DHS and was told I may be denied because my husbands annual income of 25,000. Its bad enough that we didn't have insurance before and now we have a baby on the way. It breaks my heart that this country doesn't take care of it's working poor. My heart goes out to all the people in the same boat as us.
My husband and son are uninsured, due to the high cost of health insurance. My husband suffers from neck and back pain and is unable to go to the doctor. Also his teeth need attention bad, as do mine but no dental insurance. My Son works for a construction job which offers no insurance and cannot go to the doctor. He was diagnosed as a child with growth hormone problems, and has a brain tumor that we cannot afford to have checked. The country need health insurance for its hard working people who just cannot afford the health care it needs.
My husband was recently laid off and we lost our insurance. The COBRA will cost us nearly $700 a month which we cannot afford. We are struggling to keep paying our rent and utilities and pay for his necessary medications for high blood pressure, diabetes and depression. We sold our house that we had lived in for 20 years and used the money to pay for medical bills that were not covered by the insurance. We pray nightly that he will get a job with benefits soon and that we don't get sick or need medical care.
Being uninsured isn't easy. I hurt my back about a month ago, and didn't go the emergency room. I ended up feeling better after a week. And my husband thinks he pulled a groin muscle at work, and hasn't done anything about it because we don't have any insurance, it does keep us from seeing a doctor.
I was uninsured when I had a stroke two years ago and am still uninsured today. We are unable to afford the high cost of medical insurance especially at our age and with pre-existing conditions. Please help us!
The worst part about being uninsured is the fact that I have diabetes and unemployed. My family and I are also victims of Hurricane Katrina and were devastated again when we found out that I was a diabetic. I also have high cholesterol and chronic back pain. There are a lot of times like at this very moment when I need to go to a doctor and I can't afford to. I cry a lot because I often feel helpless. I need help and don't know who to turn to.
Being uninsured is a nightmare. I am a 33 year old unemployed mother of a 10-year-old son. I'm not on any government aid. My husband is the sole income provider for us. He also doesn't have health insurance. I cannot keep my health checked, nor can I go to the doctor when I need to, simply because I do not have the insurance nor the money to pay for a office visit and medicines. A doctor visit and medication would run me close to $200. There's no way I can afford this, so I have to suffer. I would love very much to stay healthy for my child, but we do not have the means nor the help for healthcare. I would love to see someone help me, and others that greatly need health insurance.
Being uninsured is very scary. My husband has diabetes and has hernia's in his stomach that need to be removed. No insurance. He is on disability, so therefore there is not much income for anything especially insurance. I know we are not the only ones in this situation but it would be nice to have some kind of insurance. He is not eligible for Medicare yet which is unfortunate. Hope you can help.
Being uninsured is a disadvantage. I lost my job in October 2007. My husband is on Social Security and we have an 18 year old son who is going to college. He had several jobs but they were seasonal. He will probably have students loans to pay for the rest of his life. Fortunately we have strong faith in God and we believe he will take care of our needs. In the meantime we pray that none of us gets sick and needs medical attention.
I currently find myself uninsured again after switching jobs. Presently, I am 28 years old and work for a small company that does not provide health insurance. The last time that I was uninsured, I was 22 years old. I need to see a doctor now but I have a mortgage payment, a car payment and must purchase food and utilities. I can't afford the office charge, lab charges, reading charges, follow-up visits, etc.
I am 52 years old and have raised my kids, and have worked all my life. I am single and bring home $610.24 every two weeks. Out of that money I pay all my bills but can't find health insurance that I can afford. With the price of rent, electricity, heat, food, and gas for my car to go to work there is not much left for anything else. I haven't been to a doctor for at least 8 years and at my age that's not good. But that just how we have to live. I have my pride and want to take care of myself but it is really hard and it will not get any better. So what are we to do as we get older and sicker.
I have had Breast Cancer twice. The last time was January, 2005. I lost my insurance 2 years ago. I cannot have the follow up tests that I need to watch for reoccurrence. I am worried every day. I am uninsurable, unless I can get group coverage somewhere. I tried to get a free Mammogram from the Cancer Society but was told that was not possible either. You are right, this is a Tragedy.
Today I was diagnosed with Diabetes. And having no insurance makes it impossible for me to be able to afford to see the doctor every month. Also I have no way of paying for my diabetic medicine on a monthly basis. I had been putting off seeing a doctor before because I have no income.
I have had Epilepsy since I was one year old. Since then I have been covered under my family's health insurance where everything was sufficiently covered. When I turned 23 I was no longer in college AND no longer covered under my parents. I have since then tried to get insurance to help pay for my meds (which I need to take for the rest of my life) but I have been denied for private, state, and low income insurance. I now only have two bottles left of my medication, have had three seizures, and have to break up my medication so that I don't run out too soon.
Being uninsured has made my health go downhill. I am a 63 yr old women who has had some health issues. I am unemployed and on a fixed income from retirement social security. I was dropped from New Jersey family care. Now I have to pay full price for my prescriptions. I do have Charity care through the local hospital but that only covers emergency room.
My story is that I am 32 years old and at the current time I have no health insurance. There was a time when I was able to pay for insurance when I had a job. But because of my preexisting conditions no one wants to insure me. I have had diabetes and high blood pressure for almost 9 years now. I could possibly pay for low cost health insurance right now. I do not understand how someone can refuse to help you when you ask for help and are willing to pay for it also. This just seems so ridiculous to me. Right now my medication are over $200 a month. I really could use some insurance to help with these issues.
Being uninsured has been a reality in my life for the past few years. Back in 2003 I was diagnosed with a mild heart condition. Although I can manage it with medication, some time I will need surgery to correct it. I had health insurance when I was diagnosed with the condition but shortly thereafter I was laid off for taking too much time off to take care of myself. I was hired at a new job to find that I was not able to get a full time position, which meant no health insurance. After my cobra ran out I was not able to afford a private insurance for myself. Now, almost 5 years later and having been denied by several of the major insurance companies, I am forced to go to the doctor when I am very ill and can't got for my maintenance check ups.
As a college student and a full-time employee trying to support myself, I have enough to worry about: deadlines at school, being able to pay for my school books, paying bills, making it to work on time, trying to keep pace at my job. The last thing I need to worry about is not being able to afford getting sick or hurt. I can get insurance through my job, but the problem with that is I cannot afford it, so I live in fear everyday, praying that I can keep my health. I contribute to society. I am making something of my life. I am working hard to support myself. For some reason this is not enough for help. Not a single person in this society should have to fear the inevitable. Every one gets sick. Everyone gets hurt every once in a while. That is life, and it should not be a matter of your age, income, or whether or not you have children that makes you eligible for affordable health care.
Being uninsured made me feel bad about myself. I needed to go to the E.R. I didn't ask to, but I HAD to. It made me so depressed to think that my money I work so hard to earn for school was going to pay for the treatment. So I added depression on top of that. The people in the billing department weren't very friendly. I buckled down and worked hard only to get worn out and get really sick again. Once again I was not asking for it. No one is asking for this, but we are asking for a change.
Being uninsured has taken me from middle income to zero in just under a year. I have several medical conditions that go untreated prevent me from working. I managed for some time spending most or all of what I earned for Doctors & Medicine, it was hard but at least I could work. Then I injured a knee and lost what little income I had and my job. I've worked since my teen years, working for the "American Dream", and now I'm down to zero. It's time for a change people. Quality of life isn't always about what you have, it can often be about what you don't.
I worked for 15 years with the same company. I was a highly compensated sales rep. When the company went out of business, I could not get a job. I could not get assistance from the government, because I had too much money in my retirement accounts. My wife can't get a job until my youngest child goes to school, and I have been paying bills by doing odd jobs for friends. I went from riches to rags! Health Insurance needs to be affordable for all. I have a heart condition, and had to stop taking my medicine, because it costs way to much.
I was insured my entire adult life until I lost my job in 2003.
shortly after that, my 14 year old daughter was diagnosed with diabetes. She
was in the hospital 3 times. The bills for all of this is more than $100,000.
There is no way I can pay them, and may be forced to file for bankruptcy.
I am 32 years old and a full time college student. I work part-time just to help with gas and food. I have emergency coverage through the University; however, it doesn't cover: regular doctors visits, prescriptions, dental or vision. So when I become ill I have to suffer and hope over the counter medications will help. The only medications I take are birth control pills and every month I go to the pharmacy and pick up the next months the price has increased $50.00, which is ridiculous. I suffer from migraines and should have CT scans and other test to make sure there is nothing more serious going on (I lost my mother to a brain an aneurism...she also suffered migraines). My health and teeth have suffered since I can not afford insurance and the company I work for doesn't offer it because it is too expensive for them to obtain. Something needs to be done for people like me.
We are a family of four, my husband, myself and two boys and are also uninsured. We actually fall into the federal poverty guidelines enough for my children to receive healthy start, but we are over the allowed amount to cover me and my husband. My husband works fulltime but is considered self employed. I am a fulltime student and work part time with no benefits. My husband hurt his shoulder and went to the er. He was told that he has a torn rotator cuff that would require surgery, but we can't afford that. It's been a year and a half since he was injured and is in pain most every day. Every time something happens or one of us is ill to the point where we need treatment, we have to incur a bill at the emergency room. As it is, we live paycheck to paycheck.
I am self employed and my husband is between jobs, due to down sizing. Most jobs hiring want to hire part time so they don't have the cost of benefits for a individual. I have state help for our son, but am told I make too much for any help. We are willing to work, many that get help are not. You get help if your divorced, single & pregnant, what about the ones trying to do the right things in life, shouldn't they receive better benefits for paying their taxes?
Being uninsured has brought about many difficulties in my life. I lost my job in September 2005,and as a result my health insurance went with it. I suffer from type 2 diabetes and have been getting sicker over the years. I've gone without much needed medication and health care because frankly, if you don't have health insurance it seems you don't exist. My children try to help out as much as they can, but I would like to keep my independence and be a valuable contributor to society as long as possible. My wish is that our voices will be heard and our hearts and minds cured of this dilemma.
A friend at work is uninsured. She found out months ago that she has cancer. She has been waiting this whole time for her county to approve for her to go to the Cleveland Clinic. In the mean time her tongue is half gone so she can't eat. She is losing weight and can hardly talk. She needs help.
I retired at 60 and lost my employer-sponsored health insurance. When I moved to Florida because of some "pre-existing conditions" I was unable to get any insurance. This IS WRONG!!
Being uninsured is horrible, I worry everyday that something serious is going to happen to my husband or me. My husband has health problems, but we have no insurance and we can't afford his medications. Recently we spent a night in the hospital due to his depression and we not have a $3,000 bill, that we can't afford to pay. We both work, I actually work full-time hours some weeks, but continue to be considered part-time, that's so my boss doesn't have to give me insurance.
I made a sacrifice, I guess. I am a single 31-year-old adult, in college, studying to become a registered nurse. I had to decide: Do I continue working at a dead-end job making $19,000 a year (and includes health benefits), or do I take a chance and return to school to fulfill a dream of becoming a nurse (or maybe even a doctor), and scrap having health insurance? I feel like I've been suffering with bleeding, discomfort, headaches, and anxiety for nothing. The irony is that I am studying how to help others and their bodies, and I can't even afford to take care of my own body. I'm terrified to call a specialist because 1) Simply, I can't afford it. 2) I fear that I will be treated as an inferior human because I don't have health insurance (learned from past experience). It's embarrassing.
Being uninsured came as a result of a job related injury and loss of my working ability. I tried another job, a mistake, paid COBRA for 2 years, that has run out. Went on Social Security Disability 1 year ago, no Medicare for another year. I have heart problems, HBP, a Stent and maybe some other problems but insurance was denied. Nowhere to go now.
I am a diabetic and I take 2 different pills and 2 different types of insulin. Some days I have to do with out medication because I Do NOT have insurance. I draw disability social security and I am not eligible for Medicare for 2 years and I am told that I make too much money to get a medical card. I draw $590.00 a month and I make too much money. My rent is 425.00 a month and it is not taken into consideration. Some days I wish I was dead...but then I would be a financial burden on my family. I signed up for the RX assistant program and I get meds occasionally but I don't get all the meds I need. I don't have money for doctor visits.
I just don't understand how this Country can make it almost impossible for people to afford health insurance if they are not working. I have worked all my life over 35 years in the Banking industry, I have always had coverage for my family through my job, but twice in my career due to a bank merger and now the company I was working for closed I find myself and my children without coverage. I am having a hard time finding a job that will pay me what I need to support myself and my boys who are in school. Now I have the option to continue my coverage with Cobra and pay close to $700. a month for insurance or purchase other insurance for about the same amount or more. This country can spend so much money on supporting everything under the sun except for the things that are important to its people. I am 59 years old and at a point in my life where I shouldn't have to worry about what happens if I get ill. I hope you will be able to do something for us uninsured Americans.
I'm a 47 year old widow with 3 children, ages 11, 16 and 20. My husband died 7 years ago. I receive Social Security Survivors benefits as do my 2 younger children. They have insurance through the CHIP program. My oldest child is in college. He doesn't have insurance either. He works part time while attending college, to pay his expenses. We are both JUST over the financial limit to receive insurance from the government. We certainly cannot afford private insurance premiums. If my son cuts his hours at work, he COULD be eligible for Medicaid. What sense does that make? What does that teach him? It truly is a tragedy. Even those who want to earn what they get, can't, through no fault of their own.
Being uninsured is very frustrating. At this time I am contacting my Doctor. I am sick and need some meds., but I have not been to see him lately because no insurance. I am going to ask him how much it will cost for an office visit, and for sample meds. I do not know if I can afford it?
My Husband and I work hard and make enough to live off of but the places we work don't offer health insurance. So my husband and I go with out he is a diabetic and he has epilepsy. He goes without medical care and medicine. The state says we make to much for state Medicaid. and I have problems with my thyroid and most of the time I go without meds also. My husbands medical conditions could kill him and no one cares. No one is willing to help us out with medical costs.
Being uninsured is the scariest part of being unemployed. I was injured at the job and unable to work so they terminated me and now I cannot work and have no health insurance. The state has a plan for people like me but there is a waiting period because of lack of funds. Children can get insured instantly but adults cannot. Something is very wrong.
Being uninsured has caused stress, deterioration of existing conditions, I.E. carpal tunnel, caused me to discontinue anti-seizure meds (resulting) from brain cancer and I can't have my knee replacement properly monitored. If I get sick again I will loose my business, home and all I worked for. I'm 53 and will be needing ever increasing medical attention. It's disgraceful that our country refuses to fix this ever worsening social crisis.
I am a 36 year insulin dependent Diabetic (not by choice). I am a healthy individual and have accepted my illness since diagnosis. Do I have a choice? I am a hard working self employed individual and am greatly disappointed that I am discriminated against as a Juvenile Diabetic with no choice and can't get insurance and that the insurance industry is not disciplined for discriminating against people like myself. I can afford to pay my share, but I'm not accepted. I'm rejected. What is wrong with this country. I don't ask for handouts. I pay my share and carry my load.
In 2006, at age 24, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. Because of this condition I had surgery to remove my right ovary. When I went back to school to finish my Bachelor's degree I lost my insurance and have not been able to go back to the doctor. To this day I do not know the state of my left ovary and every night I think about it and how my situation will affect my chances of having a baby someday. Being uninsured and 25 years old is a nightmare. Being uninsured at any age is a nightmare.
I am a 54 year old who is on my own after 21 years. When my bills are paid there is only $100 for the month for food and gas. I am on the most part healthy, but if something happens I am going to be in a catastrophic situation.
My son is without insurance .He is 25 and he is agoraphobic. He won't leave the house. He needs physical and mental help but he can't get Medicaid. If he is diagnosed by psychiatrist then he can apply for disability. The catch is. He can't afford to go to Doctor.
I am a parent of a college student who is now uninsured due to my health care provider dropping him because of his age. I do not understand why a full time college student can not stay on their parents policy until the are no longer students.
Being uninsured has become extremely painful and scary, I am a young mother of two little ones. I do not have any medical insurance and was diagnosed with a bipolar condition. I have no resources to fulfill my medical needs which represent a struggle with my own world. At the same time I try to fight it to best of my ability in order to maintain a positive atmosphere for my family. Counseling services are way too expensive, I cannot afford my medication and the fear of getting worse is overwhelming.
Being uninsured is the last thing that I thought I would ever have to worry about being a working American. My husband and I currently work full time but cannot afford health insurance. I do everything possible to keep us and our son healthy. We have even been turned down for the state insurance to cover our son.
Being uninsured is risky and scary. I work full time but do not have insurance because I can't afford it. I have been sick for past two years but can not afford a doctors visit. I am married with no children. Even though my wife and I qualify for the state provided insurance, we can't get it because we do not have kids. our state has a policy that you can get insurance if you have kids. I coughed out blood so many times...I can not afford a doctor's visit or regular check up. America offers great health care but not a great health care or affordable health system. We need a system that provide affordable care to people like me!
My wife and I are both self employed, diabetic and she is also Bi-polar and with high blood pressure. We have been told by the high risk state subsidized insurance companies that we are uninsurable or they quote us a price that is more than twice our monthly home mortgage and with high co-pays. They don't want our business. Before we became ill they loved to take our money. Then, they left Texas (a money saving practice that has happened to us twice before) thus requiring us to look for another insurance company. As a small business owner, I not only cannot afford insurance for my own family but, I have had to discontinue insurance for my entire business leaving several employees without affordable health care.
Being uninsured is not funny. I work very hard taking care of other people as a Certified Home Health Aide, yet I have no medical benefits. If I get sick, I'm out of luck. Health care in the United States of America should be a right as a citizen of the richest country in the world. I do not make enough money to provide myself shelter, clothes, food AND health care insurance. So guess what is left out? That's right. No health care. Please help those like myself. We are desperate.
Being uninsured scares me the uncertainty of not knowing how and what you will do when your family gets sick. I had insurance with my last job and my daughter was on healthy families but now neither one of us has insurance. Now I'm married and to get my entire family insured is over half of my check we can't afford it.
Being uninsured is scary and I pray nothing serious happens. I am a recent college grad working a job with no health insurance coverage. With college loans and other typical expenses, I cannot afford to buy my own personal insurance. It's a shame a lot of young adults do not have access to healthcare. True, most are well, but if we were able to have routine preventative care, maybe we wouldn't be dealing with health issues later in life.
I am 28 years old, I hold a professional job. I am not able to have insurance
through my work, they don't offer it. I am told that my husband and myself make
too much money for government assistance. I have had the same ear infection/inflammation
for over a year. I can't afford to pay for a "Specialist" and we can't
afford to pay for health insurance. Every day I fear what is going to happen.
Will I lose my hearing? Will it get better? I wish I had the money, or the insurance
to find out.
Five years ago I became ill and lost my job. Last September my divorce became final. I am not working at this time. I recently found out that I have a heart condition. I need medication and testing. My doctor is very understanding. Medical bills are coming in and my money is running out. A couple of months ago I tried to get insurance. When they found out my medical history they turned me down.
I haven't had health insurance for over five years. I can not afford to go to the doctor. I'm working two to three jobs just to get by, and I'm working harder now, then years past. I am going on my eight year without having heat in my home. I have a couple of bad teeth and live on Oral gel because I can't afford a dentist.
I am a 51 year old woman, I am recently divorced, without any insurance. I am currently looking for employment, but finding it impossible, as I don't speak fluent Spanish, in a border city. So therefore, I have been without insurance for more than a year. My mother had breast cancer, as did my sister. I cannot afford a mammogram, and I am scared, so scared that without taking care of what could potentially be deadly to me, I could be living everyday with this disease being undiagnosed. We are supposed to be the richest country in the world, and yet there are so many others like me. I pray everyday for a miracle.
Being uninsured is so frustrating. I have not been to a Doctor or Dentist in many years because I have a low income and can't afford the $200.00 or $600.00 dollar bill when it comes. It would be wonderful if I could go to the Doctor when I needed too and not have to stress about how I'm going to afford it.
We have been uninsured for one year now. It costs so much for private insurance. We cant afford it. I am a 42 year old women my husband is 44 and I have a six year old. We haven't been to the doctors for one year and am becoming fearful. I don't know what we will do if one of us gets sick or hurt. We don't really do things carefree like we used to do we cant afford to. I know I have been feeling things in my body but will ignore them so I don't worry. If I do get sick I wont tell anyone because I can't afford to. I hope and pray every day my son will not get sick or hurt. I'm afraid it will put us in the poor house. Something has got to change sometime. This is a very scary situation.
I am 58 years old in a single household. I do not make enough wages to afford health insurance. I pay for my house and utilities and food and it takes everything I have. I have ask for raises but they cannot afford to pay me anymore. I am a food service manager at a Nutrition Center. I need to have checkups at my age but I can't afford the doctor's fee.
In 2003 my husband, a volunteer firefighter at the time, fell at a fire and had a very hard time getting up. After several months and several doctors he was diagnosed with a form of Muscular Dystrophy. Well he had to go on disability and quit his job. There goes the health insurance. I am a cook at a small restaurant and I make minimum wage and no health insurance. I have a torn cartilage in my knee and we make to much money to get any help.
I had to drop my health ins. last April, as I could not afford it. It went up because I turned 60, but increased by $100 a month every year, even though I kept going with a higher deductible and less percentage the insurance would pay. So, I was paying a lot for bad coverage. Friends said I would have to declare bankruptcy if something happened, and I said I would even with insurance. I have not had any basic preventive tests for four yrs.
I am a 45 year old business professional. The events of 9/11 forced me to close the doors of my 10 year successful travel agency. I was forced to seek work as a travel agent manager elsewhere which I successfully did in a few months. Three years later, the doors of that agency closed, again due to lack of sales. I was unemployed again without health insurance. I was not able to get my medications or health care that was affordable. Being without medical insurance is worse then being without a job. I wake up every morning fearing that I could die this way because I have no alternative but COBRA which is just too expensive on what unemployment pays and three kids in college and a mortgage. I am not uninsured by choice and never thought this would happen to me.
In February 2008, I will join the ranks of the uninsured because the premium rates will become more that I can afford. I am a single, 54 year old healthy woman with diabetes; and because I use insulin to keep my blood glucose the best that it can be, the insurance companies penalize me by charging ridiculous rates. I have no other health problems. I am a clinical psychologist in private practice, so I have had to purchase an individual policy.
I'm a middle-aged divorced woman without health insurance. I am employed, but receive no benefits. I live near San Francisco, so I hope I can go there to get medical services. My children are grown, so I'm by myself, so things can be pretty expensive on one income.
I was just laid off from my job. In order for me to continue my health insurance, the cost for a single adult would be close to $400.00 per month. That's a little too steep for someone without a job. What is the matter with this picture?
I am a self employed artist. I am 50+ single female with no children. I have had to skip common preventative exams. I had no serious health issues until last December while visiting in another state I slid off a wet sidewalk handicap ramp and suffered a compound fracture to my ankle. This is my first broken bone and it required surgery to add a metal plate. I have not had any follow up care as I should as I now face a $12,000 bill.
On Nov. 18, 2007, my two sons ages 22 and 19 were in a very serious car accident. I was told that they were very lucky to be alive. Neither one of them has any insurance. Both of them will need follow up care for their serious injuries. But to find the doctors to do the follow up care will be virtually impossible with out any insurance.
My husband is self employed and for the past four years I have been working two days a week. I keep our two grandchildren the other days. I work at the largest internal medicine practice in this county. I worked here for 18 years fulltime before I went part time. I have no benefits and my husband and I have no health insurance.
I am finding that in today's work that honesty is looked upon as something foolish or not important. My husband and I were married in May of '07. I was on disability at that time for major depression and other health problems. My husband works shutdowns and so he does not work long enough to get health care on his jobs. When I reported my marriage, I was promptly taken off disability. The money was one thing, but losing my health care was devastating. Every health insurance I try to apply for tells me that since I have a pre-existing health issues, I can't be covered. Will they wait until I have to go to the hospital and run up enormous amounts of bills I can't pay and maybe even lose my life.
My husband became disabled in 2005, by 2006 we had no health insurance. He was hospitalized three times from 2005 to 2007. The 2005 bills were paid by his health insurance at that time. When our Cobra insurance ran out we were unable to pay the $850+ a month, so we let it go. We were unable to find any health insurance due to pre-existing conditions. I haven't had a physical, kept up on my diabetes visits with the doctors, I do take my medications but thank God again for Wal Mart's $4-9 program or I would be without them too. People are feeling the crunch of the high price insurance, it isn't just elderly, it is everyone who has a family or is single.
I was employed with a company for 17 years. I had to have an operation, had complications and was disabled for four months. My employer fired me for being out of work too long. At 62 years old this was a shock. I was ready to retire. Now no health insurance for me and I have high blood pressure, kidney failure, and diverticulosis. How will I afford my meds? As a single parent of a disabled youth trying to make ends meet was just another blow to me. I can only hope that I will find work prior to having a stroke because I can't afford my medication.
Being uninsured was the greatest assault to my life in recent years. After carrying my own insurance for years as a small-business owner, I went to work for a large corporation and became part of a group insurance plan. Recently, I became a partner in a small business venture and after underwriting with the same company I had faith in for years, I was denied. I am a hard-working, 47 year old, white male in good health. I pay my taxes, I create jobs and stimulate the economy, yet I was penalized for actually taking control of my own personal medical health. Instead of having a good, paying customer, the insurance company has forced me to go without affordable coverage and make a choice of my purchasing my prescriptions or paying my mortgage. It is a tragic and unacceptable state of affairs and must be changed.
Being uninsured cost my husband his life. At age 42, my husband worked 60 hours a week at a job that did not provide access to health insurance, and we could not afford health insurance. Although he was eligible for state medical insurance, the required spend down was so high that it would cause us to incur astronomical debt to become eligible for minimal coverage from the state. Because of this, my husband did not have access to tests and treatment that would have saved his life. He died on Sept. 24, 2007, two weeks past his 42nd birthday of sudden cardiac arrest in his sleep.
Being uninsured is always on my mind. My husband works for a company that doesn't provide it's employees with insurance. The company can't afford that expense. Our family of five could purchase private insurance at over $1,000 a month. We cannot afford that expense. My husband and I both work to provide a good life for our children. When my youngest daughter broke her leg we paid for the medical bills individually. It was a struggle. Last week my middle daughter fell and needed three stitches at the urgent care center. We will pay those bills as they arrive. If a sudden health problem does arise I don't know how we will afford high medical bills. I just pray daily that we will stay healthy.
At 46 yrs old is very difficult being uninsured is very difficult. I served in the Air Force and cannot get medical services at the VA hospital because of overcrowding. I have had several heart attacks and am in need of tests, medicine and regular medical attention. Without health insurance and a job that doesn't offer it is tough. I would like to see more available health insurance to those of us who do not have it and have it affordable enough so that we don't have to go without food in order to get it.
I am an American living in England. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in '93. I was already living there at the time and knew that I would not be able to get private health insurance if I returned to live in the US. I would like to be able to return to the US but health care is a big concern for me.
In 2005 I was working for an ambulance company and while waiting to be eligible for the company health insurance, I broke a bone in my foot. I couldn't afford to pay the bill and to this day it is the only negative mark on my credit report. Every April since, the hospital takes my meager state tax refund, even though they have supposedly "written off" the charges. I still cannot afford to pay off the remaining balance even though I work full-time due to my partner's huge medical expenses for emergency back surgery; thousands of dollars incurred even with health insurance.
I am uninsured. I had insurance once. It was through my state's welfare program. I started working part time and they stopped my insurance. I have applied for help through my state welfare program. I was looking for a reduced rate program. I was not looking for a hand out. I was willing to pay a deductible. When it came through, the state wanted a 4,000.00 deductible before they would offer me assistance. I only work part time. I have less than 500.00 in my bank account, how can I afford it?? And now, Massachusetts says I must have health insurance.
I am a single 54 year old White male. In 2003 I was insured when I found out that I had a benign brain tumor. I had surgery which left me deaf in one ear. Post-surgery, I contracted meningitis damaging my cervical spine. I was out of work for 2 1/2 yrs. Now I work as a security guard and cannot afford health insurance.
I lost my health insurance when they eliminated my job — laid me off for a temporary person that they did not have to pay benefits for. So much for your market. Now, I cannot even go get a physical, much less get tested for early signs of cancer, anything like that. If I get sick, I have to recover myself; If I need an operation, I have to do it myself.
Being uninsured has taken a vibrant, healthy, very successful business owner, mother, grandmother and made her a cripple that can barely get out of bed I am so racked with pain. I can no longer afford my medications and will have to resort, very soon, to the free clinic. My doctor is afraid that I will die of an blood clot because I refuse to have test done that would bankrupt my husband and I. I received my masters from Harvard, my husband from Yale. We had insurance until 2003 when we accepted a short term church mission thinking that we would be able to be re-insured after our time there was over.
I am 19 and in my second year of college, with no medical insurance. I was on a plan that my brothers were on until I turned 19. What's the difference? I still live at home, go to school and work full-time. I'm trying really hard to get my life started, but without medical insurance, one accident could screw up my entire life instantly. I don't plan on getting hurt or sick anytime, but no one can control this crazy world.
Being uninsured is causing myself and my husband a great deal of stress. I need surgery and don't think I can afford it in the US. I have an appointment Jan. 11, 2008 to see a specialist and find out what options I have. They were very insistent that I realize I had to pay their fee. Of course I expect to pay, but it would be nice to see some "care" back in health care. Our health insurance premiums continued to increase as we got older yet provided less and less coverage until we reached a point where we could no longer afford it. We are both working but know our savings could very easily be gone if I have to have surgery.
I had private health insurance but every six months the cost would rise. I'm self employed, and am unable to work outside the home. I haven't had insurance now for months because I cannot afford it What is the average American to do? I don't want free healthcare, just a reasonable rate.
I have worked all my life and now that I cannot work, I can not get the help I need. I made some mistakes in my life and I am paying for it with my health. I went to get some help and every where I went closed the door in my face. Help me!
Being uninsured is really hard, especially being a diabetic. I have been without insurance since September. I worked for a company for two years and had great health benefits. But when we lost our car, I was forced to give up my job and my husband is unable to get insurance where he works, so now we have no insurance. Because my husband makes good money where he works, we cannot get help through the state and thus it is jeopardizing my health.
My family has insurance provided by my husband's employer. However, when my son turned 18, he lost all of his coverage overnight. He is not attending college and is in the workforce, working for an employer who does not provide insurance. My other son turns 18 this year. He will also lose his insurance.
Being uninsured is very scary because my husband and I both self employed have had hospital visits that have been very costly. We have 3 children and are just barely making ends meet. We don't live extravagantly by any means. We have numerous debt collectors calling and some to shut off several of our services. All we want is to be able to provide a warm home and pay our bills.
Being uninsured is life threatening! I am a single person going to school in the evening. I work part time throughout the year as an independent worker, I have to pay college costs. I've had no health coverage for over three years. I need to see a doctor today, but I can't afford the health insurance price plans for individuals. Most all insurance plans range between $250-$500 a month are not within the average American's budget. Who can afford these outrageous monthly prices.
I haven't felt good in the last year. Insurance is way too expensive. I did pay for an x-ray and it showed I have two bones hitting bones in my back. I'm in constant pain and just need help. The doctor wants me to get a ct scan, but then what? I can't afford the treatments or the medicine. What is wrong with this country. We take care of other countries but not our own.
I lost my health insurance. I had double bypass surgery three years ago. I can no longer afford to go to the doctor for check-ups or the blood work. I can't afford all the medicine that is prescribed for me to take. Right now I'm living from day to day hoping nothing goes wrong.
Being uninsured and having been denied insurance due to bipolar diagnosis. I cannot receive medical attention when I need it, even for a viral infection. I can't afford the fees and remain on my medication for my disorder. It is cost prohibitive. Medically necessary laboratory tests are also not being done. I am sure I will not have the longevity as someone able to be covered by a healthcare plan. Mental illness is not covered by any healthcare provider. This is another whole issue. Please try to help insure those suffering and coping with mental illness.
Being uninsured is a complete nightmare for me. Since I am on contract for my employer, and not a regular one, I am forced to either pay over $400 a month for insurance through them or find something reasonable on my own. I have not been able to do that as of yet, and I am concerned that something could happen to me and I have no insurance. I am scared and not really sure where to go.
I lost my job in Sept. 2005. I worked in a textile plant that downsized and went to China. I lost my health insurance when I lost my job. I cannot afford to pay out of pocket what they are asking for individual insurance. I am a student in school trying to succeed in life with a better career, so I can get a good job in the medical field. I don't go to the doctor or hospital if I am sick or hurting because I am afraid I will be turned down also if I need medication or anything I can't afford to buy it.
I am almost 60 yrs. old. Five months ago I had to give up my medical insurance because I could no longer afford it. Up to that time I had never been without medical insurance, my entire life. The last few years I did have med. ins, I found that I couldn't use it because of the large deductible and amounts of the co-payments. So I paid hundreds of dollars every month for nothing.
I am a medical doctor and I am one of America's uninsured. I voluntarily left the practice of medicine in 2006. Although several reasons are salient, it was primarily because of the unbearable toxicity of the healthcare environment to the doctor-patient relationship, a relationship that to me is indispensable. Doctors work tediously on an assembly line as patients come rapidly and sequentially down the conveyor belt, each to receive a pill for today's problem as quickly as possible. Like others without insurance, I and my family avoid health care because of cost. One day, when accessing care is unavoidable, it will likely herald financial ruin.
I have had a chronic illness since I was 15. I have Crohn's Disease. Which requires a lot of medication and hospital stays. I was able to be under my parents insurance until I was 23, but after that it has been a struggle. I was able to get help when I was pregnant. But after that I have been trying to do it on my own. Working full time with a two year old and trying to pay for insurance that had a high deducible wasn't working for me. I was living paycheck to paycheck. It is a struggle every day not knowing what is going to happen medical wise.
My husband lost his job after 11 years. We tried to maintain Cobra but couldn't afford it. Now we are without jobs and insurance and no where to turn. We go without medications and Dr. visits because we can't afford them. It's been almost a year and the effects are beginning to be noticeable. What are we too do? We give aid to main other countries to assist their medical need. Yet We as American born citizens and taxpayers are offer nothing. What a disgrace for a country once so benevolent to become so apathetic toward it's own. May God continue to bless America, even though America has forgotten her own.
I live in Massachusetts. You know what they think is Health Care Reform? Make it a law that you must purchase health insurance by the end of the year (although you may not be able to afford it)or they will penalize you on your tax return. Ridiculous. Just because they make it a law doesn't mean I have any more money coming into the house hold.
Being uninsured is shortening my life. I have spent my life in public service. I have been a firefighter, a paramedic and a federal law enforcement officer. I have been on an organ/tissue transplant team. Currently I own a training center for biological decontamination of WMD. Despite the fact that I have dedicated my life to saving others, no one is looking out for me. Recently my doctor recommended specific tests following a private-pay visit. I have elected to not have the tests done because I can not afford them, and frankly if they come back positive, I wont be able to fund the treatment anyway. My wife hasn't had a pap smear, breast exam or routine physical for over ten years because of the expense. I am sure this will shorten both our lives.
I'm a 35 year old single mother who lost my job four months ago, and along with it, my health insurance. I was diagnosed with Lupus almost ten years ago and for most of those years, have been lucky enough to have insurance. Due to the stress and the changes in my life recently, my illness has flared up and I need to have regular visits to both a hematologist and a rheumatologist, which because they are specialists, will cost more than regular doctor visits.
My husband owns his own business and because of the current economic situation our business is struggling. We had health insurance, but had to cancel it. It was not very good. I had to have surgery in 2004 and the insurance did not cover it due to a rider that they put on me. So, for a while we were paying for all the bills (I'm still paying on them and it has messed up my credit)and pay our insurance premiums. I just got to be too much. I am now afraid we may loose our home.
My husband, myself, my daughter, her husband and two children are without health insurance. This is the first time in our lives we are without it. We are all middle class, working American citizens. the cost of insurance for my husband and I is about $2,000.00 a month.
Being uninsured is an obstacle difficult to overcome for many Americans. It has resulted in fewer in dentist visits, almost obsolete doctor visits, and as few optometrist visits as possible; going only when my yearly eye exam is due. Family planning is also an unwelcome task. I've worked for 11 years, and the insurance is so high that it is impossible to maintain insurance on myself, directly resulting in neglecting myself. It was good to see that someone is on our side. I hope these actions will result in positive reactions. Thank you in advance.
I am 45 years old and have no health care benefits, I have a son who has been serving in the United states Army for six years, I can not afford to pay for health care at the rate it costs, but my son like many Americans young men and women can risk their lives to protect our country. Isn't any life in this country as valuable as the next? We are the most backwards country in the world and were deteriorating rapidly.
We are a country of me not we.
Both of my children do not have health insurance. I am a disabled widow with Medicare, thank heavens. When my daughter graduated from college in May 2007, our family size decreased to two as a result, my 15 year old son was denied Medicaid because we exceeded the income limit. We receive 1806 per month in disability and social security benefits. Not a huge amount of money, but enough to not qualify for Medicaid. It is as though we are being punished because my daughter successfully completed college. Go figure.
After my divorce I lost any insurance I had. I need to have back surgery, I have a dry skin condition that requires numerous medications - which I cannot afford without insurance. I certainly cannot continue to have any care for my back, nor the surgery. Without the surgery, I cannot find a job. Why? Because I can neither stand nor sit long. So it's dang if you do, dang if you don't. No surgery - no job. No job - no home for me and my son.
Being uninsured has been very hard for me. I am a diabetic and also suffer from bi-polar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder. This means I am limited in the care I get. My medical and mental health needs are met by charitable clinics in the area. While I am grateful for the care that these clinics provide for me, I am forced to deal with the times that these clinics operate with no help or hope of treatment in between visits. I only wish things were a bit smoother for me.
Being uninsured has severely affected me and my husband because we cannot afford the high cost of premiums monthly being self-employed. So, we just pray that sickness will not attack our bodies, but I know that we're in need of a physical because we have not had one in many years. We just cannot afford the cost of insurance and the medical facilities wants to know if we have insurance before seeing us. It's very hard without insurance because we do not see a doctor when we need too. We're self employed and 55 years of age. We're in desperate need of health insurance.
Being uninsured means that I go without healthcare. I thank God that I am fairly healthy. I have a program that pays for my yearly pelvic exams and mammograms, but as far as any lab tests or Rx's; those I pay for out of my pocket. My husband is on disability, and we have a child still in high school. According to our state, we are over the income guidelines for any help for me. My husband receives Medicare and Medicaid, and there is a program that insures my child. But, I am one of the 47 million people with out health care. I cannot afford to become ill. Lord forbid I should have a heart attack or a stroke.
I am forty-nine and have no insurance. I do not go to the doctor and when I do become sick I just it is not serious. I have high blood pressure and need to take medication for this but am unable. A few years ago I had to go to the emergency room for a few medical problems, ended up having a heart catheterization and a month later a hysterectomy. I had to go under the compassionate care program at our local hospital. Had it not been for that I probably would not be here.
Being uninsured has made my family not be able to get the care we need. we need monthly medications for blood pressure and cholesterol problems, but we are faced with not being able to afford doctors visits to get the prescriptions. Health care is needed in my family just like everyone else's. We are not any different than the high paid people that want the best for their loved ones. I pray for health care coverage for all, and hopefully that it won't be too late for some. Please help us we love our families too.
I am age 60. At this stage of my life, even though it isn't supposed to happen, I am unable to obtain employment because of my age. I am too old to get a job and too young to draw social security.
Being uninsured... have many health issues. Had to let my health go due to low income & no insurance causing problems to increase throughout the years. My kids & their needs always come before mine. How would you feel if you knew your own mama was sick but could not go to the doctor, or if she did she couldn't afford the medicine. Many days going into work sick cause other bills were due.
I am a 47 year old female with no medical insurance and am unemployed. I also have diabetes, neuropathy, high blood pressure, bulging disks in my lower back, chronic pain, depression, and things that I can't even get checked out. I have no dependent children and can get no help so that I can see a doctor or get meds. I have not had Insulin or any other meds in more than a year. When the pain gets bad enough or I get sick enough I usually end up in an E.R. where they do what they can for the moment and send me out the door with no prescriptions because I don't have the money to get them.
I am a college educated, working your professional whose job does not include health insurance. I would love to have health insurance, but between student loans, rising cost of gas, rent, food etc, insurance and its ridiculous costs for a single independent isn't feasible. How can we get people like me insured at a price that won't makes us work three jobs and spread our lives thin? How does one plan ahead when coverage takes over half your paycheck a month?
My husband and I are self employed and have four children ages 16, 13, 10, & 9. Full coverage insurance is so expensive for a family of 6 with pre-existing conditions- we simply have to make a choice between the necessary expenses. We cannot afford another 500-700 per month to insure our family by purchasing private insurance. So in the mean time I've had two surgeries with almost 25k in uncovered expenses. I no longer can go to the doctor to have things "checked out" because I have to pay upfront.
Being uninsured s pretty risky to me but I'm a single mother and I don't really have a choice. I can't work full time because my daughter is chronically ill. I can't afford out of pocket. So, this is my life, for now. I would have insurance if it were more affordable. I don't think it's right or fair for anyone to be without insurance.
I quit my job last June and can't afford the Cobra. Always carried my husband on my insurance as he is disabled. He was recently diagnosed with cancer and we are applying for free care which will cover hospital procedures, but not specialists which he needs.
We are a family of five. Our children are ages 13, 10 and 8. My husband has a good job and makes good money. We have home and transportation. We do not have health insurance, dental insurance or vision coverage. My husband is fortunate enough to have coverage because his company pays for it. However, if we were to add the rest of the family to the policy, it would be almost $800 a month! That's 2/3 of our mortgage! How can anyone afford that?
I am 20 years old and recently sprained my ankle at the skate park which is a few short blocks from the hospital. A fellow skater called for an ambulance, but once they arrived I was hesitant about accepting a ride being that I'm uninsured. Once I arrived at the hospital I refused any medication for the same reason. I knew x rays would have to be taken, which they were, and I have yet to receive the bill. I only work part time while attending the Art Institute of Washington full time, so I don't know how I will pay.
My son is 20 years old. He is not a student, therefore, he can no longer be on our family plan through my work. He does not have a job that offers benefits, therefore, we are trying to find him affordable health insurance which we can't find.
I have been uninsured since my divorce, over 20 yrs. ago. As a single person with medical problems, I'm not able to obtain any medical insurance whatsoever. Now that I am remarried, can't afford or find anyone who would insure me. But regularly go to the Pharmacy, and have to pay out of the pocket, for medicines we can't afford, since I am not young enough, nor old enough to receive any help from our government. I am now stuck with several thousands of dollars , that we as retired Americans cannot afford.
We are self-employed and must purchase our own insurance. It became way too expensive when things weren't looking so good for our business, so we ended up dropping it. The sad thing is, since we took out that policy, I developed diabetes, through no fault of my own and only as the "family curse." I'm small in stature and have always taken care of myself. So now, no thanks to "anything" that I did to bring it on, I'm singled out as a high risk and no company wants me, or if they do, the rates are set so high that we cannot afford them.
Before I became a "statistic" I thought people who were uninsured were very different from myself. My wake up call came in 2005 when the company I worked for nearly 20 years was sold and I was without a job. I pray daily that I don't have an accident or become ill since such an occurrence would deplete what savings I currently have very quickly. I worked in the health insurance industry and know the costs of catastrophic illnesses. My opinion of uninsured people now? Obviously much different. Never thought I'd be a statistic.
Being uninsured means that getting hurt just isn't something that I can afford. It means that every time I go to the doctor I am responsible for the entire price of the visit along with the hugely inflated cost of any prescription she gives. Being uninsured means that I have to think twice before seeing a doctor.
Being uninsured has cost my husband his health and the promise of a long life. Due to the fact that my family and I cannot afford health insurance of any kind my husband went without seeing a doctor for his diabetes and chronically high blood pressure. He has gone without his medications because we simply could not afford to buy them.
Being uninsured is not an option in this country. I was only employed for 8 months during a three year period due to illness and paid cobra and than individual health insurance (which did not cover prescriptions) despite the fact that I had no income coming in. I had to completely use my retirement fund leaving me with nothing for retirement except social security. If I had not paid the outrage amounts for coverage, I would have lost everything because my medical bills were very high.
Being uninsured is scary. When I lost my job, I lost my insurance and could not afford COBRA. I am college educated and own my own home but without a steady source of income I have to make choices. If I need to make a choice between paying the electric or gas bill and visiting a doctor or dentist, I'm going to make sure I have lights and heat. We hear in the news about the benefits and importance of prevention and preventative medicine. Without insurance this is next to impossible; The costs are prohibitive.
I am 27, I have 4 kids and I'm married. My children are covered under Medicaid, but my husband makes too much money so they wont cover myself or him. He doesn't make enough to afford the insurance offered thru his company, so we are uninsured. I have just found out that I have pressure building inside my head that is causing severe migraines, dizziness and some vision problems. There really isn't anything that I can do as I can't even afford the doctor visit without great difficulty.
Being uninsured...has just become a fact of life for us. My husband is a self employed flooring installer who sub contracts, thus, no health, life or dental insurance. I am unemployed at this time.
Every appointment we make must be paid for in cash, at the time of visit. The expenses get exhausting enough that during less productive times of the year, we are forced to ignore many signs and symptoms that should normally be treated. In essence, we take risks. We are forced to gamble with our health.
Being uninsured is one of the most terrifying things that can happen to a single parent. There are very few days that I don't worry about what would happen to myself and my children should I get sick. Recently, I looked into buying health insurance for myself as a self pay consumer. The cheapest rate that I have found was more that 275 dollars per month, and that was with a minimum deductible of 5000 dollars per year. This policy did not cover any kind of preventative care, nor did it cover the few visits that I have per year for sickness. Personally, this is so far out of my budget for the kind of coverage that it offers that it almost reduced me to tears. I really am not looking for a handout, only a way to cover routine healthcare and emergencies at a price that I can afford.
I had health insurance for many years, but the premium for a single person kept climbing higher and higher and I just could not afford to keep it any longer. I have diabetes and just cannot take the proper care of myself that I should due to not having insurance any longer and being on a fixed income, Social Security. I do not qualify for assistance as I am only 62 years old. I pay for all of my medication out of pocket and $100+ dollars each month puts me in a financial bind.
My husband retired after 32 1/2 years in a factory, After he retired his insurance kept going up so we had to do something , He was far more ill than me so we kept insurance on him but canceled it on me. So now I have to keep my fingers crossed I don't get sick. His prescription drug program isn't very good either. It is mail order, and you have to pay a high deductible, and order 3 months at a time.
I go without care most of the time, but when I suffer a real health crisis, I end up in the emergency room. I had an ectopic pregnancy, and held off so long, in spite of the pain I was experiencing, that I nearly died. I still get bills regularly that - earning $8.00/hr - I simply cannot pay. No one should have to go without basic, regular care. No one should suffer pain and serious illness for lack of financial resources.
My husband is self-employed and my employer doesn't offer coverage. I have two babies and make too much for state aid. We can't afford the premiums for private insurance. What am I to do? I pray that my suspicions about my heart-condition are wrong. I'd lose my house if something happened. I tear up just thinking about it.
I'm am uninsured to no fault of my own. I was laid-off from my job in March or 2007 after almost three years of employment. I obtained heath insurance through unemployment in Massachusetts and that unemployment has ended. I am still unemployed but I have been actively seeking work even prior to my lay-off. Massachusetts law is now mandating having health insurance coverage for all individuals by November or one's personal tax exemption will be taken away as a form of fine. What can I do?
I suffer from Crohn's disease and have Chronic Asthma and have no insurance for medication or testing. I come from a family that suffers from severe heart conditions and diabetes and without insurance I cannot go check on my own health. The stress is aggravating my asthma and my last trip to the ER for an asthma attack is costing me over $2,000 - I cannot afford to pay it. If I do, I cannot afford my rent and bills. I have stopped eating so I can save a little money just in case. Please help me.
I have health problems and have no health insurance which is preventing me from going to the doctor. I am trying to get some kind of insurance in order to get the care I need. I believe I have breast cancer and without insurance I won't be able to get the care I need and I know it is extremely expensive. All Americans should have care available that they need.
I am a Type 2 Diabetic that has not been able to afford getting by A1C tests done or even the complete blood work normally performed every three months. I have to shop online for my test strips and not test as frequently as I have been instructed in order to make them last longer.
Being uninsured is so scary. I go without all the routine screenings that a woman my age (54) needs. I get no physical exams, mammograms or pap smears. I am constantly terrified that I will get really sick and nobody will want to treat me.
Being uninsured is like walking a high wire without a net. My husband now has no health insurance, and to insure the health of me and our two kids costs us more than our mortgage payment every month. We had to make a choice and since I need more doctor visits & medications, we made the agonizing choice to take him off the policy. It simply costs more than we can pay. It's not a good place to be. We pay more every year for less insurance, and I want to know where it will all end? We will not be able to afford it much longer at this rate, for any of us.
Being uninsured means I cannot get the screenings I need, such as mammograms every year. I have had a few surgeries in the past, including recent cataract surgery. Because of this, health insurance costs have sky rocketed and I cannot afford to pay the premiums! Currently, I am unemployed and do not qualify for Medicaid in this state. I am very concerned about my future and whether or not I am employable at my age, 53. What will happen to me?
Being uninsured has really but a HUGE financial burden on our entire family. While employed, I had health insurance. I was forced to resign from my job due to the premature birth of twin boys. Well, as we all know, no job = no health coverage. I had three children under the age of 5 and NO health coverage. My boys were in the hospital for weeks, mounting hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. My children were approved for Medicaid, by the grace of God. But we still have medical bills rolling in everyday, from when they had no coverage. Without health insurance, I am not going to the doctor or taking care of myself properly. I just can't afford it. I hope and pray that nothing is seriously wrong. Being uninsured really stinks.
Being uninsured scares me A LOT! I am a 55 year old grandmother raising two grandchildren ages 11 and 12. I also live with and care for a gentleman confined to a wheelchair with Scoliosis. I do work a full-time job, but the company that I work for doesn't offer any type of benefit package. I checked into private insurance, but with an income of $8.25 an hour I am forced to choose between paying the rent or buying insurance. I am lucky because I don't have any major medical problems, but who knows what tomorrow will bring. I'm not getting any younger and I know that there are checkups and screenings that I should be getting. Without insurance I can't afford these.
Being uninsured is very scary and stressful. I have high blood pressure and hypertension. I have been denied medical coverage by so many places I'm about to give up. I do work but they don't offer health insurance. I make 10.00 an hour and they feel that I can handle medical bills and pay rent which goes up every year. I haven't seen a dentist since 2002. I haven't seen an eye doctor since 2001. I do go to a community health center but there is just so much that they do.
I'm a working 35 year old male with supporting a wife, 1 child and 1 due Sept. 7th. I'm paying $650 a month to insure my family. I have to drop the insurance when the baby arrives because if I don't we will go bankrupt.
I'm uninsured due to a layoff from my previous job that covered me 100 percent. My current employer does not offer health coverage benefits and although my husband and children are covered through his employer, it was simply too expensive to add me to the policy - which would have meant an increase of nearly $400 per month.