We must have health care reform.

I know that there are thousands, if not millions of stories out there that highlight what is wrong with our current system; please take a moment to share yours. Visit your elected officials, let them know what you think.

My story: I am very fortunate to have health insurance through my employer; however, I do pay a monthly premium. I am also covered by husband's insurance. Lucky me! Unfortunately every time I need to go to the doctor I have to not only justify the expense to my primary insurance but also to my secondary insurance. To make it even more fun, most of the time I am still paying at least 25% out of pocket in addition to my premiums.

Over 50 % of the time my insurance companies will deny payment for basic procedures, essentially because they are trying to force the other company to pay the bulk of the bill. I frequently get threatening letters from doctors offices about not making payment for a simple office visit, when in reality I should not have to pay anything. Fortunately, I am in good health and my visits are few and far between. Trust me, I avoid the doctor at all cost. The hassle is not worth it. I can only imagine what will happen if get sick.

We have four sons as you all know, Chucky is 31, Larry is 29, Kenny is 25 and Brandon is 18. The three oldest are gainfully employed. They do not have health insurance. When they get sick or hurt they put off getting treatment or they come to the house to see if perhaps I have something they can take (old antibiotics, cold medicine, etc.) Why don't they have health insurance you ask? Well, much like me, when I was their age, they cannot afford the premiums. They are making just enough to survive (rent, food, basics) and cannot squeeze out the extra needed for insurance. It breaks my heart to know that my boys are not getting basic health care. Annual check ups, preventative medicine, etc.

Did you know that an adult can actually die from untreated infections? Of course you did, but did you also know that untreated infections contribute to an enlarged heart? An enlarged heart can and will reduce life expectancy by decades. Pretty sad that many Americans are facing shorter life spans because they do not have access to basic antibiotics. This occurs here in the United States.

I am rambling, but all of you that know me, know that I am very passionate about HUMAN RIGHTS and I equate health care as a basic human right particularly in a country so rich with resources as ours.
Please join me in letting our politicians know that we need quality health care reform.