I am 81 with, I think, high health care premiums. I have no pension. I must be very careful to try and avoid reaching the "donut hole". I have a daughter with lupus erythematosis and a son-in-law with diabetes--one must not be turned away because of pre-existing chronic conditions. In April I was still working part time at our medical center here as a medical transcriptionist which has an electronic medical record system, wonderful. However, most of our transcription (U of MN) outsources their transcription to India--Is this... (more)

I am an Independant Insurance Agent dealing primarily in the health insurance market. Every day I talk to good responsible people who fully realize the necessity of having health insurance to avoid the possibility of financial catastrophe. They are often forced to make a hobsons choice between having health insurance or having a roof over their heads or some such. This is completely unacceptable of course and must end if our country is ever going to have true long term prosperity along with any sort of social justice or sanity.

I am a criminal prosecutor. I have seen families financially destroyed as a result of being victimized at the hands of a violent criminal. I have seen families lose their home because they could not keep up with the medical bills, when all they wanted to do was extend the life of their child. This is not acceptable. I have talked with law enforcement officials in other countries, and they cannot understand how our system allows such injustice to continue. Our health system is broken and the only true remedy is a complete overhaul of the... (more)

My nephew has a job that supplies no health insurance. He developed fluid around his heart from pnuemonia, and now has bills totaling over $40,000 to pay for the rest of his life. National health care is the only solution to these and other problems with health care.

My mother is single, got laid off from her job and is living on a small pension. She raised me on her own and provided for both of us more capably in the 1970's than she can for herself today in 2009. She lives in a small mobile home in Florida that is paid for and yet she still cannot afford a comprehensive care plan. She puts off going to the doctor and constantly worries about what her future will be should she need treatment for something severe. Will her "house" be taken away from her? Will her meager income be garnished? I... (more)

Mine is not about me rather my grandmother who I'm tired of watching her cut her pills in half because she can't afford them. Her medical expenses often times force her to chose between food and medical care. It needs to stop - she raised 8 kids and shouldn't struggle to afford basic care and food - she should have both basic needs provided without stress or worry.

I have not had health care benefits since November, 2007. My last job was working at a family owned restaurant that did not offer medical insurance. I was laid off from that job in November, 2008. I have been dealing with a possible ear infection for the past year. It affects me on a daily basis because it is slightly painful and causes a ringing noise. I cannot afford health care, therefore, I am not able to go see a doctor and get it checked out or taken care of. I hope that it does not get worse. If it does, I fear possibly losing... (more)

I'm a 51 year old substitute teacher who works odd jobs during the summer and is striving to find full-time work. I am without health care. Fortunately, I take good care of myself and have been healthy. I know I should have regular checkups, especially at my age, but I cannot afford them.

My health insurance is based on a banking system. I work construction and so when I am laid off or out of work, my coverage expires. I cannot afford the COBRA under normal circumstances much less now during this economic crisis. Millions more American citizens have no coverage as individual states are excluding medical assistance from the next budgets! It is time to act for the people who elect you, not the lobbyist who support your campaign funds, to provide every American citizen with affordable, good health coverage and choices. We as... (more)

Ok President, you got me.

I pay a premium through work that is rediculously high compared with my income I bring in. I pay out $300 a m onth to have insurance that I also have to pay co=pay a visit along with 20% of my bill for dr. visit. Does everyone pay 30% of their income + for health Insurance? This needs to be based on ability to pay I can see like maybe 10% of income, not 30% or more. I only bring home 1500 a month. and that is getting me to think about dropping health Ins. but then I would go broke in a minute if needed to see doctor. This is insane. Where is... (more)

over the years myself employed health costs have gone from $500 a month to currently $1500 a month for my family of four. my earnings are going done my heath care keeps going up. i am barely middle class and i work like a dog. my daughter has a heart condition i have to pay. the cost is out of control.

Approximately 3 years ago, my husband's employer decided they would no longer cover dependents & because of the cost of the premium I could no longer stay covered. I have a thyroid condition and some other issues that require at least an annual physical. Last year I had to pay $200 up front and then the rest of the physical still was over $600, that we are still paying on. This year I have not even been able to get my physical as we haven't had the $200 to get in because my husband also lost his job and has been unemployed since last... (more)

I am a mother of four children, they are still small. I spent most of my young life being a mother and wife and not focusing on school or employment because I am a stay at home mom for 9 years of my life. Now, I am divorced, and at this time because of financial issues and transportation issues, issues relating to my location and being in a lease I can not afford to get out of- I rely on Medical Assistance. I can get other help too from the government- but I dont want it- I just want the ability to see a doctor or dentist or specialist... (more)

I have twin daughters who are 29 years old. Amy is a lawyer and works at a small local law firm. Her boss does not offer health ins. Everyone else in the office gets it through their spouse. Jessica (also a college grad) is working as a sub at the post office and is a realotor (not a good career choice at present). She has not been able to get health care thru her employers. She is able to get coverage thru the State but that funding is being cut back. Amy makes too much money to get coverage thru the state but not enough to buy her own. ... (more)

I think we need one payer system. In present system private companies do everything possible to avoid enrolling the aged or the ill, and when someone needs care they try to avoid paying for the care. Also, the ceo's and the boards of directors spend a great deal of time trying to increase their pay at the expense of service.

I am writing about my niece and her husband, Jeff and Jordan. She works 32 hours per week and does not have health coverage available. She works as a customer service person at a grocery store. Her husband works full time as a cook for a hospital. He makes less than ten dollars per hour. He is a professional chef by trade. He carries the family health care and pays one hundred dollar per week! Out of a fort- hour week at less than ten dollars, this is roughly one quarter of his income that leaves little to live on after taxes. Jordan had... (more)

I am writing about my niece and her husband. Jeff and Jordan. She works 32 hours per week and does not have health coverage available. She works as a customer service person at a grocery store. Her husband works full time as a cook for a hospital. He makes less than ten dollars per hour. He is a professional chef by trade. He carries the family health care and pays one hundred dollar per week! Out of a fort- hour week at less than ten dollars, this is roughly one quarter of his income that leaves little to live on after taxes. Jordan had... (more)

How Much is that Bottle of Aspirin? 24 years ago my mother was struggling with brain cancer. Most of the bills were paid by medicare, medicaid or private insurance. My dad went through the bills anyway. He found that we were being charged $20 for every aspirin delivered! He asked for an appointment with the director who he knew from the golf course. Dad presented the bills and asked why the charge was so high? The medical director went into a long-winded evasion about hidden costs, over-runs, etc. Dad was not impressed. At the... (more)

My illness is Major Depression Disorder with Frequent Episodes. My health condition is not managed by me but economic decisions made by a board of directors. My life decisions revolve around three subject matters. • My employer’s healthcare plan • Distance from my healthcare provider • A clinic system that has a mental health department I have always made my career decisions based on the company’s healthcare package. Over time, more and more of my healthcare costs have been pushed back on me and not shared by the company or... (more)