Health Care Stories: The Time Is Now! Call Your Senator And Tell Them to Support A Robust Public Option!

Because of the current patchwork nature of our government health care assistance and the prohibitively high cost of private insurance, millions of Americans fall through the cracks created by the health care system.  Whether it be unaffordable premiums, a pre-existing condition, an unreasonable Medicaid spend down, or simply high co-pays, the system is failing the American people.   The health care reform legislation currently in Congress will expand coverage to millions of Americans and ensure greater access to treatment, but it is also necessary that new legislation lower costs and eliminate the struggle many Americans face affording their medications, doctors visits and premiums.  Call your Senators and tell them that unless coverage becomes more affordable and accessible through a robust public option, legislation aimed at reforming the health care system will only be reforming the way insurance companies do business.

“…I am an HIV+ positive person, with both Medicare/Medicaid, yet no longer qualify for the extra help (because of the $33.00 "cost of living" increase given last year by Medicare for the 2009 fiscal year). Obtaining my medications has been [EXTREMELY] difficult. As far a Medicaid is concerned...yes, I was eligible but my [spend down] amount [is] so ridiculously high, that NO ONE in my position could ever meet it. I am currently taking [six] HIV medications. Although I get patient assistance for [three] of them, the remaining [three] exceed $2500.00 monthly (and I only receive $1500.00 monthly from Medicare) ... And these aren't even the most expensive HIV medicines I take. Because of my inability of being able to afford my medications, there are periods when I can't take my medicines on time because I don't have them. My fear is that I will become resistant if I continue to miss doses. I am already on the last "working" regiment on HIV meds (became resistant to the others). I am so tired of hearing "you exceed our income limit guidelines". I have even contacted my State Representative who then referred me to his Congressional Aide. I receive correspondence from them at least every-other month; it is with great disappointment that nothing has come of it as of yet. I get a lot of "Oh wow, sorry to hear that" or "Yes, it's terrible that the system is set up this way", yet what I really need is resolve!!! To have one's life placed in the hands of others that cannot really relate, is very scary...to say the least. Healthcare reform is so needed because I, and others like me, are fighting for our lives...”  

Credence, IN

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