Outrageous Costs

BarackObamadotcom
August 14, 2009
Sharon has worked in the food industry for 18 years. For 10 years had a family health insurance plan that cost about $200 a month, then in 2001, her employer cut benefits (as so many smaller firms have done in recent years) and started offering a new health insurance plan with less comprehensive coverage. Figuring having some health insurance was better then having none at all, Sharon enrolled. But after a trip to the doctor and subsequent tests and procedures - including a mammogram, sonograms and a stereotactic biopsy to remove two precancerous growths - Sharon unexpectedly found herself thousands of dollars in debt because her insurance plan only covered a small fraction of the costs. She tried to apply for financial assistance, but because she technically had insurance, she wasnt eligible for help. The fine print of insurance policies are notoriously difficult to understand, and often result in confusion over what is and isnt covered. Sharon set up a payment plan and eventually paid off her medical bills, but not before being harassed by bill collectors asking her to send more money.

Organizing for America has collected hundreds of thousands of personal health care stories. The grassroots effort is building support in communities across the country for a plan that adheres to President Obama's three principles for reform: lowering costs, preserving patient choice and increasing access to quality care.