Think this can't happen to you? Think again. First, you lose your job through no fault of your own which is your only source of income. Within a couple months you become ill but you can't afford diagnostics and doctors won't see you anyway without insurance. This is fact. I could have borrowed any amount of money I needed to get treatment but I was turned away simply because I didn't have insurance. After several months I was eventually diagnosed with cancer and told I needed surgery asap. But I was still denied treatment because I didn't have insurance or medicaid. My income from unemployment disqualified me for medicaid. Finally, I was able to purchase high risk health insurance through my state but had to wait nearly two months for it to become effective. I can't describe how heartbreaking it is to have cancer and have to wait weeks for any treatment. The medical system in this country is simply appalling. I never would have believed that a country this rich in resources and technology would let decent hard-working citizens die from treatable condidtions if I hadn't lived through it. I have been in remission for two years and require ongoing checkups and diagnostics. Because of the recession and lack of work I am on a three day work week. I spend 20 to 25% of my very modest income on insurance and medical bills. I was not able to afford my insurance premiums this year and had to switch to a high deductable policy which means I am essentially without insurance and have to pay all my medical bills out of pocket. I am paying $230 a month for nothing. I doubt I will be able to continue my follow ups this next year. I could afford the checkups if I didn't have to pay for the insurance. But if I discontinue the insurance I can't get another policy because of my pre-existing condition. This is insane and inhumane. Please give me another option.