The price of inaction

If our Federal Government does not pass a comprehensive health care reform package that includes a national public health plan option that covers every citizen regardless of income or medical condition then those numbers will continue to increase. As a nation, we have 50 million uninsured and 18 thousand people die per year because they have a serious illness or injury and can’t afford to obtain health care. So how many people in NC will die because they can’t afford health care when they need it? Health care should be a right and should not be reserved for those that can afford it. I would rather have a government run health care plan than no plan at all. As it is now, I am uninsured because of pre-existing conditions and the unaffordability of health insurance. I sacrificed everything, including my own health, to obtain qualification for Medicaid for my children with special health care needs. The only hope I have to save my life is if we can get a national public health plan that is affordable passed and implemented.

I agree, something needs to be done. I work in a law firm representing injured workers and people who apply for disability. Day in and day out I listen to them talk about their struggles to support their families and get the medical care they need. It scares me because it seems to be getting harder and harder to get and afford insurance. I am a type I diabetic and could not afford my insulin or other supplies without insurance. I cannot afford the insurance offered by my employer and even if I could, many of my diabetic supplies are not covered. My husband’s company has good insurance but it continues to get more expensive every year. I could not work or function if not for my insulin pump and supplies. We all deserve to have affordable care. I hope that the fight for affordable health insurance is won before my sons become adults and have to worry about this for themselves and their families. My 2 cents.