Main Street

One hour brings three unique stories

by Rachel Colyer—Pennsylvania

One evening recently I was out canvassing in a very nice neighborhood. It was a newer area and I was unsure how many of the new homes were inhabited, but we took our chances and it was a great experience. Within one hour of canvassing there I have three unique examples of the critical need for a national health care policy that includes coverage for everyone.

I met a woman who opened the door with a child in her arms and two behind her, as well as a beautiful dog. I introduced myself—Working America, community affiliate of the AFL-CIO as usual—while telling her we wanted a national health care policy in this country. She hesitated briefly and then said step inside. (It was bitterly cold and windy this evening.) She indicated that she didn’t normally agree with the unions but that something had to change and she told me her story.

Her husband had recently switched careers and was in between health care coverage when all three of the children got sick. Ear and throat infections were passed among the three and none were covered. This family is not the “typical” family in need- I could tell from the chandelier in the foyer. Yet, this family had to drastically alter their budget in order to provide their children the necessary medical attention and they are still paying for it. This is a fortunate example because they have the luxury of being able to rearrange their budget.

Just down the street, there lived a middle-aged woman who teaches at an independent school. She was telling me that health care when she retires is a major concern in her life because the small school that she works for doesn’t provide health care benefits past employment. She is concerned that Medicare will not provide all of the coverage she needs and that the system will be too complex or restrictive when it is available to her. I told her that was a valid concern because of the complexity of Medicare Part D and the supplemental policies that exist now.

The closing story I’ll share with you was from a nice lady who really understands the rising cost of health care. While on a cruise ship this woman’s husband fell very ill and had to be airlifted off of the cruise ship and sent to the nearest hospital. At the hospital two major surgeries had to be performed and her husband then had to be monitored in the facility for a short time. Think folks, how much do you think this would cost? $100,000+ easily, right? This is a devastating scenario emotionally and financially. Because this couple was on a European cruise and were flown to Denmark there was not a single bill to be paid. Think of the amazement and relief this couple shared when they realized their life would be pretty much the same after this scenario—they were not going to have to sell their house or drain their retirement to keep him in good health. What a relief—I’m sure that helped during recovery.

Tags: Health Care, Medicare, membership