Health Care Stories: "I am Essentially Trapped by this Job"

Like Jordan, most Americans are dependent on their employment for health care coverage, often at the expense of their personal or professional development, and fear losing their current health coverage by leaving one job for another, perhaps more rewarding, one.  Under the current system, it would be virtually impossible for Jordan to start a small business and buy affordable insurance on the individual market because insurance companies would consider HIV a pre-existing condition.  Americans need the professional mobility that suits their specific career goals and utilizes their unique skill sets to advance professionally and economically.  Furthermore, an affordable, high-quality public insurance option will provide the essential choice Americans want and help individuals like Jordan reach their full potential without stunting their development for the sake of health coverage everyone needs regardless of employment status. 

“When I found out that I was HIV+ I was a freelance graphic designer with very bare bones health insurance coverage.  While I was fairly successful as a designer, I knew the costs associated with HIV would bankrupt me EVEN WITH my health coverage.  I found employment with a large corporation for the expressed purpose of making sure I had adequate health insurance.  I am essentially trapped by this job that I fear of ever quitting without an immediate replacement – even if I were to find a new job that might be more enjoyable or challenging, my seniority would always leave me more vulnerable.  I am lucky to have good health, good insurance, and job security – but if my healthcare were not subject to my employment, I could probably make even greater contributions to the economy.  Under our current, and for all intents and purposes, employment-based system of insurance I am trapped.”  

Jordan, IA 

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*Please note that actual names have been changed to protect individual's confidentiality.  Media interested in interviewing HIV-positive people about health-coverage issues should contact AFC Communications Director Johnathon Briggs at jbriggs@aidschicago or 312-334-0922.