I am a 54 year old, hard working, self-employed musician. I'm not anyone's employee, and I don't own a business. I don't make much, just enough to get by month to month, but if I had wanted to get rich, I would have been a stock broker. Instead, my work is my passion and I am blessed to be able to earn a modest living doing what I love. However, I have no health insurance. I can't afford it, and I am far from alone. Pretty much all the musicians I work with, and those I am in competition with are in the same boat. So far, I have been lucky... (more)

I'm not dead as of now from preventable, treatable medical conditions because I have health insurance.

I am 68 years old and in good health. My friends/acquaintances are mostly of Medicare age. They need supplemental health insurance to cover the gap between what Medicare pays and what the doctors/hospitals/drug companies demand. There is no reason why Medicare alone should not be sufficient coverage for patients in my age group. The funds that are spent on supplemental health insurance needs to be illinated along with all other health insurance plans which are pricing people out of the market. I am in favor of single payer health care... (more)

I am 58 years old. I am not able to walk up steps because I have a problem with my knees. My husband just recently was hired for a job with health insurance. I will finally be able to have my knees fixed. But, what if he loses his job?

I have a good friend who was diognosed in a state of malnutrition and was dying because she had no insurance and didn't want to go to the emergency room. We finally forced her and she was diognosed with a severe colon disorder. She is a leader in the community, a speaker and a writer and has appeared on Good Morning America. She felt her dignity was compromised by not paying so she resisted and nearly lost her life.

SARA WOOD MAY 20, 2009 DEAR CONGRESS, IT'S THE ECONOMY. HEALTH CARE COSTS MUST HAVE A GUIDELINE NOW. HEALTH CARE EXPENSES MUST HAVE A GUIDELINE NOW. THE SINGLE CAUSE OF THE AVERAGE MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY TO SUFFER ECONOMIC CHAOS IS HEALTH CARE EXPENSES. PLEASE SAVE THE MIDDLE CLASS AMERICANS. SARA WOOD

I work with families of young children in a program that promotes health and development between the ages of 0-5. There is an assumption that these children have health care and a "medical home" as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Too often, these children have no insurance and no doctor. Even when the children are eligible for funding through a medicaid (CHIP) program the doctors cap their patient load so when parents call, they are told that the doctor is not taking new patients. It is a sad statement when the... (more)

I have been with the same carrier for several years with no major claims. In the past twelve months my premiums have increased more than 60% to where I can finally no longer afford them. The entire system contributes to this absurdity. I recently had a voluntary colonoscopy. The provider inadvertantly sent me the version of the bill normally reserved for insurance company eyes only. I was startled to find that the provider was able to charge $30 per tube of KY jelly and $500 for one hour of "waiting time" during recovery as well... (more)

I have good healthcare insurance, but I know that this will never be a great country until Americans have a health care system that is there for them. Please pass comprehensive healthcare now! JKA

I am one of the lucky americans that have health care coverage. However, due to the fact I didnt have dental insurance and couldnt afford the dentist, I know have bone loss and have to go through a lot to keep my teeth. I believe health care is not a privilege. As one of the richest countries in the world it is a disgrace that we dont have affordable health care for all. Sincerely, Joan Dapitan

I am and have been a proud single mom for 26 yrs. I have no insurance due to working temporary assignments that are all I can find now that do not offer health care. I even tried to apply for Medical and was denied due to my income was $50 more than the allowed limit. I desperatly need a Dentist which is not something that is considered emergency services. So I use the numbing solution from the drug store to ease the pain. They do have 3 year waiting lists for local communities non-profit organizations. I saved $100 for an oral cancer test... (more)

Medicare is great. Part D is awful. I received a letter with a picture of a gun telling me I was breaking the law for not signing up for Part D. I object to being treated that way by my government.

I am a 49 year old mother of three wonderful girls and I have Scoliosis (curvature of the spine). My middle daughter also has this condition. I have never been able to take proper care of my Scoliosis because it's is a pre-existing condition and insurance has always denied or greatly limited care. Also, no Dr. seems to really understand this or offer a plan that makes a difference. I have heard so many conflicting opinions about scoliosis, and there have been various Dr.s and Chiropractors will gladly take my money but not give enough... (more)

My husband and I are so fortunate in that he is a retired US Marine, and we benefit from two government-run healthcare programs: Medicare and Tricare for Life. As retirees, our healthcare is excellent and affordable - much better than the program I had as a public school teacher, as good as it was. If we didn't have our Tricare, it would be difficult to pay for our drugs for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

My 42 year old brother who has worked very hard all his life has been unemployed now for over a year, he has a genetic disposition to high cholesterol (triple by-pass at 35 years old). He was doing very well with medication but stopped taking it a few months ago because he could no longer afford the $400.00 per month cost. His cholesterol check in early May came back at 448, yes 4-4-8! He is a very active guy that watches what he eats and drinks and I am just watching him live such a precarious life style because I don't have that kind of... (more)

I am covered because I am a Vietnam Vet with agent orange exposure. However, I see that too many people are not covered, or the coverage is bankrupting their companies. We need healthcare for all. It will solve more than just one of our economic problems! It would put GM and Chrysler on a better economic footing. It would add to the profits of corporations, and Banks and Steel Mills. It would take away a problem in negotiating with Unions. Think it over Congress...it is a win! win! if you do it right!

The concept of a donut hole; which has been dictated by the drug company lobbyists has been a total nightmare, and absoultely devastating. I was the care-giver for my cousin; who had a heart transplant. His meds were innumerable, but he was able to receive most of them through pharmaceutical programs. However, once the Medicare Part D program was implemented, he had to pay for these drugs. Going into a 'donut hole' is more aptly described as going into a 'black hole'. How can anyone afford to pay $1800 per month for just one drug, living... (more)

Dear President Obama, Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you directly about our Health care crisis. Respectfully: Real change: means a "Single payer plan" While it will a big task to convince those in congress beholding to health insurance, pharmaceutical industry (for political reasons), I believe we have to seize this opportunity and go to single-payer. The healthcare framework in our current health system is broken, we need to start anew. Please watch a podcast of PBS Bill Moyers Journal, broadcast Friday, May... (more)

Dear President Obama, Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you directly about our Health care crisis. Respectfully: Real change: means a "Single payer plan" While it will a big task to convince those in congress beholding to health insurance, pharmaceutical industry (for political reasons), I believe we have to seize this opportunity and go to single-payer. The healthcare framework in our current health system is broken, we need to start anew. Please watch a podcast of PBS Bill Moyers Journal, broadcast Friday, May... (more)

I left my employer to be an entrepreneur 6 months ago and my business is doing GREAT. Being an entrepreneur was what I thought this country was all about. I was shocked to learn that I was on the auto deny list of every private healthcare company out there because of my past medical history and I am PERFECTLY HEALTHY! At the last minute, after trying desperately to get private insurance, I signed up for COBRA for me and my three children and my husband. After COBRA runs out we will have NO health insurance. Having been employed all my life... (more)