Kristen and Adam live in Minneapolis, MN. Kristin has polycystic kidneys, a genetic disease she shares with her father. Because Kristen knew she was predisposed to the illness, she got tested early and took preventative measures like quitting caffeine and decreasing her salt intake to keep her kidneys healthy and mitigate the long term effects of her illness.
At the time of her diagnosis, Kristen had health insurance through her employer. But when she won a prestigious play writing fellowship (which necessitated a move to Minneapolis) it meant she had to give up her insurance. Kristen and Adam tried to buy insurance on the open market, but were rejected because of Kristen's pre-existing condition. "This is never anything Ive had treatment for, never anything I was recommended to have treatment for," she says. Eventually Kristen and Adam applied for insurance through Minnesotas high risk pool, but now they pay $215 each quarter for a plan with a $10,000 deductible. I dont have access to the health care system -- this is only to keep myself and my mother from going bankrupt should anything ever happen to me, Kristen says. Its not health insurance - its a hedge against catastrophe.
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.
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214 for 3 months of coverage !!! (71 a month)
She could get a lower duductable plan through the state insurance pool, , but it would cost her 100 a month more , but she chose not to, instead she would rather spend that 100 a month on something else.
A person who complains that $ 200 is too much, and doesn't purchase a health plan, but then spends 20 a month for internet, 50 a month cable TV , 50 a month on cigarettes, 50 a month on Beer, 20 a month at the video store, 100 a month eating out, 50 a month on supplements, 50 a month to get their yard mowed, etc....... and then once they get, sick, goes into the hospital and has the surgery, , doesn't pay the bill, files bankruptcy, and then blames it on the Insurance company for being too expensive, and demands we we get Universal health care !
