Main Street

Out of a job with terminal cancer

by Jackie Lima—Pennsylvania

In one of the most affluent neighborhoods I have canvassed for Working America, I met a woman who immediately identified with the cause of American’s health care crisis. It was discovered that her 70-year-old father had terminal cancer after he had been misdiagnosed for a year. When his employer found out, they eliminated his job. Consequently, he began paying $1,000/month for COBRA insurance. His bills have piled up and now he must sell his house. It was determined that Medicaid would cover him, but the daughter is confused by the complicated Medicaid options.

For this woman, taking care of her father’s health care issues has become a full-time job. They did find hope in a new drug, but Medicaid doesn’t cover it. So, she is paying out of her own pocket for health care for her father after he worked all his life.

Tags: Health Care, seniors